How does fibromyalgia affect the ability to work? When does it become a disability; and is this common?

Hi PowHerSLife,

The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, disability is something left to your doctor to decide. It appears that Fibromyalgia is more common than it was once thought to be and doctor's are finally giving it recognition that it deserves.

The following conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia:

Depression and anxiety
Muscle pain
Chronic headache, such as tension headaches (frequently beginning with neck discomfort)
Numbness and tingling
Sensation of swollen hands and edema (swelling usually in the feet, ankles, and legs)
Nocturnal myoclonus (moving legs involuntarily during sleep)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome
Substance abuse
Premenstrual syndrome
Female urethral syndrome (irritable bladder)
Raynaud's disease

Generalized fatigue or tiredness
Reduced physical endurance
Generalized aches and pains of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
Muscle tightening or spasms
Pain in specific areas of the body, especially:
Neck
Shoulders
Chest
Back (upper and lower)
Hips and thighs
Insomnia or poor sleep
Sensations of numbness or swelling (although swelling is not actually present)
Chronic headaches, including migraines
Morning stiffness, worst on first arising
Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:

Weather changes, especially cold, damp weather
Stress or anxiety
Overexertion
Medical illness
Surgery

Please read more on Fibrolmyalgia here: https://www.empowher.com/condition/fibromyalgia

Best,

Rosa