Fibromyalgia takes a physical and emotional toll on your life—and can even cost you your job. In one survey of 1,668 people with fibromyalgia, one in four said they had received disability payments at one time or another. The odds a person with this chronic pain condition will leave work on disability is twice that of other workers. For many reasons, continuing to work if you can is beneficial for people with fibromyalgia. You get a paycheck, of course, but also maintain social contacts with coworkers, feel productive, and hold on to an important piece of your identity. Working with your employer to adapt your job to your needs can help you stay longer, despite pain and fatigue.

• In one survey, 99 percent of people currently disabled due to fibromyalgia said that they would go back to work immediately if they could relieve their pain.
• Work on a computer? Be sure your chair, desk, keyboard and monitor are set up properly to avoid muscle strain and pain.
• If you need extra help to perform your job well with fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor and your employer. Federal law requires most employers to help.
• Accommodations to consider include work station changes, limits on standing or sitting, restrictions on reaching and lifting, and even a closer parking space.
• Think you might file a disability claim in the future? Have healthcare professionals you consult document your limitations in specific language.

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