New Study Sheds Light on Fibromyalgia, Offers Confirmation to Sufferers

 Posted on December 18, 2013 in Uncategorized

There are many types of conditions, illnesses or injuries that individuals suffer from that quality them for disability benefits. Some are physical or neurological, others are psychological.

One condition, often criticized and controversial, is fibromyalgia. Throughout past years, the condition has been suspect because experts in the medical field disagree on its true cause-some even believe that fibromyalgia is simply psychosomatic.

However, the results of a new study may shed light on the real cause of the condition and debunk the critics who believe it's all in the patient's head.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that causes discomfort and extreme sensitivity to pain throughout a person's entire body. Along with resonating pain, sufferers of the condition also experience constant numbness, tingling, tenderness and stiffness in their joints, hands, feet, arms and legs. Due to the continuous stress the condition inflicts on the human body, many people simply cannot work or even perform daily activities.
Experts in the medical field, however, have yet to come to a concrete consensus about the actual cause of fibromyalgia-even though the condition was coined over 40 years ago.
However, researchers from a new study say they may have found the true cause.

Study's link to excessive nerves

Together with researchers from the Albany Medical College, Integrated Tissue Dynamics (a New York based pharmaceutical company referred to as Intidyn) examined skin samples of various women suffering from fibromyalgia.

Under a microscope, they found that the skin samples in the hands and feet of these women showed a significant amount of nerve endings around blood vessels.
Essentially, researchers concluded that the continuous blood flow through the hands and feet in areas with excessive nerve endings explains why individuals with the condition experience an abnormal amount of pain, numbness and discomfort throughout their bodies.

Dr. Frank L. Rice, lead researchers and president of Intidyn, indicates that the results show a true, physical cause of the condition and that the pain and discomfort patients experience isn't made up.

Impacts of the study

It remains to be seen what real impact this study will have on solving the mysteries behind the condition.

However, continuous awareness about the debilitating nature of fibromyalgia and more studies like this one will hopefully help develop more medications or better treatment options for sufferers.

Social Security disability benefits

Fortunately, disability benefits are available those living with fibromyalgia and others suffering from a condition, disease or illness that prohibits them from working or making a living.

Consulting with an experienced social security disability attorney who can talk about qualification and the process to obtain benefits for those with a disability is advised.