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Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Complication of Worker's Compensation?

Around the world fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common problem among women. In this new study, patients at a worker's compensation clinic are examined for incidence, cause, and risk factors for this condition.

Over 800 workers were included. About 3.6 per cent of the women had FMS, which they linked to a previous trauma or work-related injury. Psychologic problems were present in 70 per cent of the FMS patients. Depression and anxiety were the most common.

Most people with FMS have a wide variety of symptoms. Besides the main problem of joint and muscle pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and temperature intolerances are often reported. Changes in sleep patterns are a key feature of FMS.

It's not clear if the mental and physical symptoms cause the FMS or occur as a result of this disorder. Scientists agree that most likely there is a connection between altered central nervous system function and FMS. No one is sure yet just what that link may be. The fact that women are affected most often points to a neurohormonal cause.

The results of this particular study suggest that FMS is more likely to occur among women of low socioeconomic status. Decreased work capacity and long-term disability are reported in more than half the cases. Neck injury seems to be a common injury that brings on FMS.

References: Seyed Mehdi Bathaii, MD, and Khosrow Tabaddor, MD, FICS. In The American Journal of Orthopedics. October 2006. Vol. 35. No. 10. Pp. 473-475.

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