Working with Fibromyalgia

By Karen Lee Richards*

Many people with fibromyalgia are able to continue working either full or part time. Others find that the chronic pain and fatigue are so severe, continuing to work is impossible. When that happens, it may be necessary to consider applying for disability.

Whether you’re struggling to continue working or trying to navigate the disability maze, the following sections offer guidance and tips to help you along your journey.

Working with Fibromyalgia

It is estimated that 60% of people with fibromyalgia work full-time jobs. While working when you have FM is not easy, it does offer some important benefits if you’re able to do it. In addition to the obvious financial benefits, working can contribute to feelings of self-worth, provide opportunities for social interaction, offer intellectual challenges and even help distract your mind from your illness for periods of time as you focus on your job tasks.

In most cases, there are modifications that can be made to your job, schedule or workspace that can improve your ability to continue working and increase your productivity. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), most employers are obligated to make “reasonable accommodations” for people with disabilities.

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The following list of possible modifications for people with FM is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network. You can use this list when discussing suggested modifications with your employer.

Concentration Issues:

Provide written job instructions when possible
Prioritize job assignments & provide more structure
Allow flexible work hours & allow a self-pace workload
Allow periodic rest periods to reorient
Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers
Minimize distractions
Reduce job stress

Fine Motor Impairment:

Implement ergonomic workstation design
Provide alternative computer access
Provide alternative telephone access
Provide arm supports
Provide writing & grip aids
Provide a page turner & a book holder
Provide a note taker

Gross Motor Impairment:

Modify the work-site to make it accessible
Provide parking close to the work-site
Provide an accessible entrance
Install automatic door openers
Move workstation close to other work areas, office equipment, & break rooms

Temperature Sensitivity:

Modify work-site temperature & maintain the ventilation system
Modify dress code
Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation & redirect vents
Allow flexible scheduling & work from home during extremely hot or cold weather
Provide an office with separate temperature control

Skin Sensitivity:

Avoid infectious agents & chemicals
Provide protective clothing

Fatigue/Weakness:

Reduce or eliminate physical exertion & workplace stress
Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation
Allow a flexible work schedule & flexible use of leave time
Allow work from home
Implement ergonomic workstation design

Depression & Anxiety:

Reduce distractions in work environment
Provide to-do lists & written instructions
Remind employee of important deadlines & meetings
Allow time off for counseling
Provide clear expectations of responsibilities & consequences
Provide sensitivity training to co-workers
Allow breaks to use stress management techniques
Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise
Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors & others for support
Provide information on counseling & employee assistance programs

Sleep Disorder:

Allow flexible work hours & frequent breaks
Allow work from home

Migraine Headaches:

Provide task lighting
Eliminate fluorescent lighting
Use computer monitor glare guards
Reduce noise with sound absorbent baffles/partitions, environmental sound machines, & headsets
Provide alternate work space to reduce visual & auditory distractions
Implement a “fragrance-free” workplace policy
Provide air purification devices
Allow flexible work hours & work from home
Allow periodic rest breaks

For answers to the most frequently asked questions about your rights under the ADA, read: Working with Fibromyalgia or ME/CFS – Your Rights Under the ADA

* Karen Lee Richards is ProHealth’s Editor-in-Chief. A fibromyalgia patient herself, she co-founded the nonprofit organization now known as the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) and served as its vice-president for eight years. She was also the executive editor of Fibromyalgia AWARE, the very first full-color, glossy magazine devoted to FM and other invisible illnesses. After leaving the NFA, Karen served as the Guide to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the New York Times website About.com, and then for eight years as the Chronic Pain Health Guide for The HealthCentral Network.

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