Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness that lasts for more than 3 months. Although it is estimated that more than 5 million people in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia, awareness of the disease has increased only over the past few years.
Importantly, this increased awareness has also permeated the federal government and the Social Security system. It is critical for those who suffer from fibromyalgia (or who suspect that they do) to be aware of the legal protections in place that allow them to receive financial assistance to cope with the disability.