I was in a MVA in 2006, in which someone hit me from the back, and totaled my car. Since then, I have seen numerous doctors, and finally a rheumy said I have fibro. Upon reading various material, fibro may be caused by car accidents. Due to the pain, I haven't been able to work on a regular basis. The numerous testing done has shown herniated discs in my neck and back, per. neuropathy in both legs, and radiculopathy in my arm. I am in the process of being compensated, and the attorney told me that they cannot take in consideration the fibro issue because it cannot be proven that the accident caused it. The neuropathy is also "unexplainable". I now am at the point of applying for disability. I feel this is so unfair to me because my life has changed, and it seems like my attorney just wants to settle, and is not asking for backpay from the time off of work. Please give me your opinions on what I should do. I'm nervous about ticking off my lawyer, but if I am to give him a third of my $ and be on permanent disability, I will be barely getting by.

Hi Uncomfortatable one,

I am sorry that you are going through so much.

I wanted to mention that your accident (rear end) can sometimes result in condition called TOS or Thoracic OUtlet syndrome. It could explain some of the neurpoathy, particularly in the arms. What kind of pain do you experience and where in the arms? We have a forum where you can do some reading if you like

Here is the link

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

Also the nerve pain can be a vicious circle. When nerves are irritated from herniated discs or neuropathy, muscles in the area compensate by tightening (spasming) to protect it and then this crushes the nerves and they get more irritated and the muscles tighten more. I have heard that this can eventually lead to or exacerbate fribro. So we need to get those muscles to relax and slow down.

Its not a cure all but try adding some magnesium. It helps muscles relax or soak in an epsom salt bath. But dont use more than the recommended amount.

Thanks for the input. The neuropathy is actually in my legs, and the numbness and tingling started approx 4 months after the MVA.(the pain and numbness in the arm is considered "radiculopathy".) I take various supplements daily, including a mag/zinc/calcium pill. I watch the guidelines on the dosage so that I don't overdo it.

I never heard of TOS, so I will be researching that.


You hit the nail on the head describing the spasms. My issue is if the fibro was caused by the accident, or even if I had it prior to, (although I never had any symptoms), why is it that the diagnosis cannot be contributed to the accident? I think my lawyer is trying to prevent going to court and wants the easy way out. All I would like is to be compensated for ALL the injuries, which is the main reason I missed so much work. My loss of wages should be given to me also.

Oh yeah, and you best believe I do espsom salt soaks. The medicine and treatments I do are so long to list, but I am making an honest effort to overcome my ailments. That is why I find the site sooooo wonderful.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!

want to read the label of your supplement.

If the magnesium is oxide form, you'll need to read this thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html

Recent studies have shown that magnesium in oxide form is not absorbed
appreciably. It is next to useless. About 8mg can be expected from 400mg of
magnesium oxide form.

And Fibro does come after a trigger... MVAs are one, and other trauma
also. According to Dr. Clauw...the expert I saw at a seminar in spring of 07.

http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-r...accidents.html

http://www.nsnet.org/idacan/fibro.html

Other lawyers know this---
http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Aug/1/128771.html

Does that included surgeries? I have a 4 surgeries in 7 years.

Hi uncomfyone! Sorry about the stress and pain you are going through. I truly understand the pain and frustration of FM, as I too, live w/it daily. I never really pinpointed what caused mine as I had hurt my neck and at the same time, my dear Father was terminally ill.

I remember just aching and the afternoon fatigue was overwhelming. I kept chalking it up to stress and the loss of my Father. It just kept escalating, until I saw 2 drs who said I had FM. I poo pooed it and trudged on.

Finally, I just couldn't stand watching what was happening to me and saw a Rheumy. He definitely DX'd and confirmed the other Dr's dx of FM. Oh, and last yr, he gave me another title of PM. (oh joy) I am getting quite a file in that since my FM DX yrs ago, I have developed 2 other autoimmunes. (another oh joy)

Right now, I am just muddling through the ups and downs of the barometric weather changes, which really set mine off.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on..... I'm just at a frustration point w/my limitations and pain lately. THANK YOU mrsd, for that amazing link. I had not seen that before, or if I had>>> I plead cog fog. You are always so helpful and I for one, really appreciate it.

Hang if there uncomfyone... *like your new nickname from me??*

take care all.

Thanks to all who replied. I read the info regarding MVA, and of course my attorney didn't believe it, and said its best to settle now, otherwise, I would receive less then the offer since fibro does not have any "real tests". It didn't help that the neuro surgeon I saw (prior to my rheumy) said fibro is just a term doctors come up with when they cannot find anything else. BS!!!

I have read so many things on fibro, and with all the findings and symptoms , they hit the needle on the nose. This site is wonderful because it further authenicates that this pain is real. By the way, I do like my nickname!