Fibromyalgia Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about fibromyalgia
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can children get fibromyalgia?
- Can I apply for any welfare benefits?
- Won't exercise just make my pain worse?
Can children get fibromyalgia?
Yes, you can get fibromyalgia at any age.
Explanation
Fibromyalgia is most common in women and you're more likely to get it as you get older. However, you can get fibromyalgia at any age, including in childhood.
It can be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia in children as it can be mistaken for the many normal changes that take place as a child grows up. Also, a young child may not be able to explain how he or she is feeling. Your GP will assess your child for fibromyalgia in much the same way as for an adult, except he or she may ask some questions developed specifically for children.
Fibromyalgia isn't something that can be cured at present, or something that your child can grow out of, but with good management of the condition your child can live a full and productive life.
- Establish a bedtime routine for your child to make sure he or she gets a good sleep pattern.
- Encourage your child to carry out as normal a life as possible, taking part in as many activities as he or she is able.
- Take the time to explain your child's condition to his or her teachers. It will help the teachers to understand that your child is not just being lazy or making excuses if he or she is unable to complete work on time at school.
Sources
- Snaith ML. ABC of Rheumatology. 2nd ed. London: BMJ Publishing Group, 1999:24-27
- Information booklet for people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Association UK. wwww.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org, accessed 16 September 2008
Can I apply for any welfare benefits?
You may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and/or Employment and Support Allowance. If you applied for benefits before October 2008, you may receive Incapacity Benefit instead of Employment and Support Allowance. Not everyone who has fibromyalgia will automatically qualify for these benefits. It depends on how the illness affects you.
Explanation
If your fibromyalgia is having a severe effect on your daily life, then you may be eligible for welfare benefits.
Disability Living Allowance is based on how well you're able to care for yourself (this is called the care component of the assessment) and on your ability to get around (called the mobility component). For example, you may be eligible if you are unable to wash or dress yourself, unable to cook yourself a meal, or unable to walk without severe discomfort.
Employment and Support Allowance replaced Incapacity Benefit in October 2008. It's a new type of allowance, which gives people personalised support and financial help so that they can find suitable employment, if they are able to work.
If you're already receiving Incapacity Benefit or Income Support because of your fibromyalgia, you will continue to receive them so long as you still satisfy the entitlement conditions. Eventually however, it is planned that everyone will be moved onto the new benefit.
When you make a claim for Employment and Support Allowance, you will be asked to carry out a Work Capability Assessment. This looks at what you're able to do, and identifies the health-related support you may need. You may be required to have a medical assessment as part of your assessment, which will involve an interview with a healthcare professional and sometimes a physical examination.
With Employment and Support Allowance, you will be expected to take appropriate steps to help prepare for work. You will have access to a specially trained personal advisor and a wide range of other services, including employment, training and condition management support, to help you manage and cope with your fibromyalgia in a work context. If your fibromyalgia is severely affecting your ability to work, you will not be expected to take part in any work-related activity, and you will receive an additional support component to your benefit rate.
You can make a claim online via the Department for Works and Pensions website (see further information). Alternatively, call the Benefit Enquiry line or contact your local Jobcentre Plus to get a claim pack.
Further information
- Department for Work and Pensions
Benefits enquiry helpline: 0800 88 22 00
Benefits online: www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice
Sources
- Disability living allowance. Directgov. www.direct.gov.uk, accessed 17 September 2008
- Information booklet for people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Association UK. www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org, accessed 16 September 2008
- Employment and support allowance. Jobcentre Plus. www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk, accessed 6 October 2008
Won't exercise just make my pain worse?
If you have fibromyalgia, doing exercise may make you ache at first, but it can help in the long-run.
Explanation
If you have fibromyalgia, your muscles may be so tight and painful, that trying to do any exercise may aggravate the pain. However, exercise helps to keep your muscles active - if you don't use your muscles enough then you may be more likely to get a flare-up of fibromyalgia when you do need to be active. Regular exercise can also help to improve your sleep.
It may take a while to work out the best type of exercise for you. What works well for one person with fibromyalgia may not necessarily work well for you. It's best to start off with very light exercise - even just doing some gentle stretches can help to relieve the tension in your muscles. Exercising in a heated pool can be particularly beneficial for people with fibromyalgia.
If you feel in pain after exercise, then it is usually better to reduce the amount of exercise you do rather than stopping altogether. However, you should ask your GP or physiotherapist for advice on your exercise regime.
Sources
- Information booklet for people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Association UK. www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org, accessed 16 September 2008
- Snaith ML. ABC of Rheumatology. 2nd ed. London: BMJ Publishing Group, 1999:24-27
- Carville SF, Arendt-Nielsen L, Bliddal H, et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis 2008; 67:536-541
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Fibromyalgia factsheet
Visit the fibromyalgia health factsheet for more information.
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