Working with fibromyalgia: what you need to know
Fibromyalgia affects people in different ways and to varying degrees. Some people manage their symptoms well enough to continue working without major disruption. Others find that the condition makes holding down a job extremely difficult, particularly during periods when symptoms worsen.
The severity of fibromyalgia can range from mild discomfort to widespread pain that interferes with most daily activities. Where you fall on this scale will largely determine how much your working life is affected, though this can change over time.
Mild to moderate fibromyalgia and employment
If your symptoms sit at the milder end of the spectrum, you may find that work remains manageable most of the time. Flare ups, when pain and fatigue increase, are common, though how much these affect your ability to work varies considerably from person to person.
Many people with mild or moderate fibromyalgia continue in full time or part time employment. Medication prescribed by your GP can help manage pain and related symptoms such as poor sleep or low mood, though effectiveness varies between individuals and some people experience side effects that limit what they can take. Finding a treatment approach that helps you is worth pursuing, but it does not guarantee that work will become straightforward.
Self-care strategies can also play a role. Stress management, gentle exercise where tolerable, and attention to sleep patterns may help some people alongside medical treatment, though results differ.
It often helps to be open with your employer about your condition. You do not have to share every detail, but letting them know you have a health condition that causes occasional difficulties can make it easier to ask for adjustments when you need them.
Describe your current flare up and we will help you identify likely triggers and what might ease it.
Try our Flare Up Analyser free, here on this site →When symptoms are more severe
Severe fibromyalgia can make everyday tasks exhausting. Getting through a working day may feel impossible at times, especially if your job involves physical activity, long hours, or high levels of concentration.
If you fall into this category, your GP may refer you to a specialist or a pain management clinic, depending on their assessment and what services are available locally. These services can offer support beyond medication, including physiotherapy, psychological support, and advice on pacing your activities. However, access to such services varies across the NHS, and waiting times can be significant in some areas.
Some people with severe symptoms find they need to reduce their hours, change roles, or stop working altogether. This is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances, the nature of your work, and how your symptoms respond to treatment over time.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Workplace rights and support
Under the Equality Act 2010, fibromyalgia may qualify as a disability if it has a substantial and long term effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities. This means your employer has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job.
Reasonable adjustments might include:
- Flexible working hours or the option to work from home
- More frequent breaks during the day
- Adjustments to your workstation or equipment
- Changes to your duties during flare ups
- A phased return to work after a period of absence
The Access to Work scheme, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, can provide practical support and funding for adjustments that go beyond what your employer would normally be expected to provide. The scheme requires an assessment, and approval depends on your specific circumstances and the assessor's recommendations. You can find details and apply through GOV.UK.
If you are unable to work, you may be able to claim benefits such as Personal Independence Payment or Employment and Support Allowance. These require assessments, and not everyone who applies will qualify. The application process can be lengthy and complex. Check GOV.UK for current rates and eligibility criteria, or speak to a welfare adviser at your local Citizens Advice for help with applications.
Finding what works for you
There is no single answer to whether you can work with fibromyalgia. It depends on the severity of your symptoms, the type of work you do, and the support available to you. Because fibromyalgia symptoms fluctuate, your capacity to work may also change over time.
Speaking to your GP is a sensible first step if you are struggling. They can review your treatment, consider referral to specialist services where appropriate, and provide evidence if you need to apply for benefits or request adjustments at work. Occupational health services, where available through your employer, can also help bridge the gap between your health needs and your job requirements.
Whatever your situation, support is available, and taking time to understand your options can help you make decisions that suit your circumstances.
Does anypne know who to go to for advice as im so concerned at the moment. It doesnt help im new to it all and have noone to talk to.
I count my blessings because I know some sufferers dont have the support I've had yet I have reached the point where I question the desirability of continuing to go on, feeling like this. I will soon have to make a decision to remain in work or take a leap into the unknown and leave. Very scary.... I wonder often how I came to land up like this..... but like Pandoras box - there is always hope....
I've been diagnosed since Dec 2018 with fibromyalgia after a 13 year fight for a diagnosis for my chronic pain and fatigue (I was diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome and IBS and CFS, so knew there was something underlying) I am struggling to hold down my job, having been sacked and on disciplinary in previous positions for absences and again being a step before a disciplinary. I don't know where to go from here. My doctor wont give me painkillers and is wanting to treat me with just anti depressants. I am at my wits end. I'd really appreciate any advice.
The trouble is I haven't had luck with employers, most of last year I was temping anyway and so was able to rest in between assignments having recently left a job of 8 years because of bullying and wanting more hours (the pain wasn't as severe as now) I had to leave my recent employment because they wanted a medical report from my GP and having just had an operation on my womb were less than sympathetic about that or the pain I was experiencing. I was a full time receptionist but this was a role which had me working on a desk hand built for people who were tall or not seated it was too high for me. The stool I sat on wasn't comfortable and requested arms for it so I could actually sit on the damn thing. I was expected to carry heavy items, rush around, walk, run upstairs and it was all getting too much. I actually walked out after receiving a horrible email for the HR manager which suggested to me that they didn't necessarily believe me. I walked out. I also suffer oral Lichen Planus which flares up with the fybro flareup and I have had issues with osteoarthritis (partial knee replacement right knee 2015 and left knee clean out 2017)
My dilemma at the moment is money as is for most people. I have applied for benefits have an understanding Husband to a degree but it is hard for him to understand, and I have just applied for a part-time reception position but have been honest about my health.
Really feel quite lost, the brain is working til I feel tired, but I need to earn money!!!
Anyone have any advise?
Thanks, Jody
Just don't know what to do. Crawling to work. In tears most of everyday. How will I pay my mortgage? Where do I start? Sympathetic and wonderful gp.
So scared of not being able to work. But don't know what to do!!
I have set up a page on facebook. Fibromyalgia won't be me.
I am a chef by trade and have worked hard to climb the ladder in a mostly male dominated profession. it goes without saying that my job is very physically challenging. I first went to a specialist hand surgeon when I experienced overwhelming pain in my hands and wrists and would get the shakes when icing elaborate wedding cake. I was also dropping things a lot. I was told I had carpel tunnel syndrome and went for the opp. Nothing changed afterwards except that my hands were not as strong and my fine motor skills left a lot to be desired. I went to get a second opinion and was then asked to take off my shoes so he could see my feet, and then my knees. He asked how long I'd had pain in these joints. Chefs stand for 12 to 16 hours a day and I was well used to the pain so I had learned to live with it. That is when I was diagnosed but he said I'd had it for at least 4 years already.
I find that having a strong mind set is vital! For me I cannot entertain the thought of pain in the morning. I just accept that its there, do the best I can on the day, and don't beat myself up for leaving things undone or choosing to go to bed early instead of going out with friends.
What I am struggling with though, is that all my training and experience is in food. I now need to look for a less physical job as my condition deteriorates but I am qualified for nothing else. We do not have a grant system in South Africa so I have to work to support myself. (I am single)
Can anyone shed some light on a career path that starts paying the bills from day one but that is not as taxing?
I have tried teaching, but those jobs are like hens teeth and still require you to be physical for at least 8 hours a day.
I am writing a cook book in the hopes that it will be published but that does not bring in money straight away either which I need as my medical bills are a sixth of what I currently earn.
Lastly may I just quickly add that good supportive shoes, and long hot baths steeped in Epsom salts have really helped for the pain when the painkillers and anti inflammatories don't seem to be doing their job. I have also made a helpful mind switch which keeps me motivated. I am not my diseases. I am more than just symptoms. I am first and foremost still the happy, fun-loving, creative and hard working person I have always been. I just happen to also have 3 auto immune diseases.
I came across this forum by chance, and I truly feel for everyone that’s suffers from this horrible condition.
I too was diagnosed myself in April this year, and have had to reassess my life, work, and lifestyle. It took a good 3years to get a diagnosis. And recently been on a mindfulness course which I found very beneficial to me.
I still work 15 hours a week and claim pip, and now have a mobility scooter to get me to and from work. I don’t know what I would do without it now.
I too get flair ups and in constant pain, but I take each day , and listen to my body, and pace myself.
I take vitamins every day on D and B complex. And I have acupuncture when I need it.
I hope you all have a nice weekend
I was diagnosed with fibro, cfs, TMJ and hypermobility syndrome last year. It's taken 12 years to get the diagnosis.
I was a manager of a recruitment branch for 10 years but last year had to reduce hours by 2 full days and take a lesser role. The fatigue is horrendous and the tension knots in shoulders neck and back are so big it looks like I've had golf balls rammed under my skin.
I am also a Mama to a toddler (3) and since September I feel like I can't continue my job. I'm too drained and completely uncomfortable with the pain, I have actually made a claim for PIP as I'm having to take unpaid leave most weeks and struggling to pay for massages and acupuncture. My parents are a great support. I'm just worried as feel like I'm getting allot worse every year. Anyone had any luck with PIP support?
I'm finding it super hard to manage my fibro and work at the mo and the opinions of health professionals I've dealt with (physio, gp and specialist Dr) advise me to exercise more (as if I'm simply unfit) and keep asking if I'm depressed. This has left me really frustrated and confused as we all know it's such a hard condition to live with and I don't want to stop work. Has anyone here seen an improvement with daily exercise, back stretches etc?
I don't take painkillers as I cannot function on them for work. I've also tried cbt and massage/acupuncture. The pain level in my back is constant, it's a hot pain like?? in my top back/shoulders. I get pains in my legs/hips too but less debilitating. thanks for reading x
Working full time but off sick a lot and likely to lose my job because of the time off.
Need to understand if I will likely be fit for full time work ever again. Am 55. Can anyone share any research on prognosis when fibro bad for more than 4 years?
Thanks
I went back to work a few days just before I was finally diagnosed, on a phased return struggling to get through half days work (I work as a clerical officer in a hospital) and Monday just gone, ended up in A&E after a weekend with only 2 hours sleep and being in horrendous pain. I am now off work for the next week (again) while I'm getting used to these new pain killers. I'm currently a bit up and down with the pain, exhausted all the time but struggle sleeping, and I'm in my 5th week of a really bad flare up. I really want to go back to work but only part time, which work seems fine with. What I'm struggling with is their understanding of the disorder. There is a lady who works with us who also suffers from fibro but she's had it for 12 years, and they seem to think I should be acting like her. I'm finding it frustrating to get it across to them how difficult I'm finding it, and them being so blasé about it, is starting to get me. Any advice would be appreciated
I was diagnosed a year ago, now I understand it more I'm certain I have suffered for several years, had that typical
"Super working mum" approach, I think after a car crash it has finally caught up with me.
I'm really torn as I do enjoy my job, as a customer service manager, working shifts and weekend, with very demanding public, I feel I can't carry on, as I'm holding all the dress in my body, I feel like a lorry as run over me.
I never take time off sick, I struggle through colds, and viral infections which ultimately leave me feeling worse.
Realistically can you keep such a role with Fibro? Or is it time I put my career on hold for the sake of my well-being?
I have taken on too much work trying to accomodate our sufferer. I'm beginning to get snowed under. So I distributed the work fairly across the team but this has been met with resistance from our fibro. sufferer. She's a good friend and amazing worker so don't want to move her to another department.
How do I go from here? Does our company need to realise that she can't work a full workload and needs lots of time off, so needs to supply me with another staff member? I suppose because they perceive that work is mostly being completed that there isn't a problem? But I can't go on overworking myself. If I ask for support they just say "do the best job you can do, we understand".
I haven't got a definite diagnosis yet but have been told likely fibro or ms. I am 32 mum of 2 working full time term time only.
I have been having constant pain, burning, stabbing, crawling, pins and needles, twitching that started off in my right arm and over the year has spread to my entire body. Walking, standing, writing, sitting on chairs that are too hard and/or low causes symptoms to worsen, I am tired pretty much all the time. I feel I am just getting worse, people have even commented on how this is progressing. I have less patience where as before I would let things go over my head and lately uncontrollable itching/prickly feeling under my armpits and inside of my arm, nothing seems to help. I have problems maintaining my body temperature and often feeling freezing or boiling.
I don't know what else to do that I haven't already tried, I've asked for help and stressed that I am not coping but there doesn't seem to be a lot of advice out there without definite diagnosis. I take loads of different pain relief prescribed by gp but barely takes the edge off on a good day and can't do a thing on the bad days. I force myself to continue for my partner and 2 children.
I don't know what others do about work and home life?
I feel so lonely and I feel like I can't keep going like this. Any advice I'd really appreciate
I was diagnosed at this appointment and given a great big book on the condition that I had to work through. exercise that I had to try and make comments on and how I felt and how this was inproving my condition. Then after my third appointment with the physio I had to attend a group session which was on light exercises that we did to music and added to each week for six week. I felt that I was not getting any where and after the six week. I was told by the physio that their local virtality classes at local sport centres that I could join I was a bit apprehensive the first time I went along but they have helped me a bit. you start of with exercise that the instructor dose at the front of the class and you copy. Then you have a circuite of exercises that you have to do for 2.5 min then you go on to something else. Their are classes for all abilitys.
I have relapses. I can go weeks and months without an episode and like bolt of thunder it returns. It hasn't ruled my life but affected it. I have recently started taking Berroca tabs. Its been two days, hoping once they kick into my system I will have more energy. All blood tests normal. Any advice would be much appreciated.
In the first instance you need to cut down on caffeine and definitely on energy drinks is they can both induce a stress response and bring about anxiety, nervousness and insomnia, all of the things you don't need when you are suffering, as you need to be as gentle on yourself as possible. Have you visited your GP? I suggest you do this asap, they can offer advice and support about making changes to your everyday life that can help. There is also an NHS-approved patient course to help you cope better with your condition and it might perhaps advise on your work related issues. There are also support groups that you can join. If you have access to a computer then you can look up UK Fibromyalgia's support group section for a list of support groups across the country.
I hope you manage to find a solution for your illness soon.
Wishing you the best of luck
I was diagnosed with horrible condition. I am 43 worked all my life held
Two jobs at time but as my condition has worsen and the doctors were unhelpful
Giving my tablets that didn't work after reducing my hours from 40 to just 25 hours
Per week I still couldn't cope. My employer wasn't that supported as due to my unpaid
Absence I still was issued with two disciplinararies
And I was going to be dismissed after 14 years of service I decided to give my notice
As I didn't want to be ashamed of being dismissed.
I feel like numb upset annoyed and stressed that people have judged me like there's is nothing
Wrong but if only they knew that each limb hurtes like no other and I want to work but can't
I feel so depressed due to leaving work feeling like nothing and I can't even tell people that I left my job so I don't go out therefore avoid them as I feel ashamed.
I am not sure if I will get another job and I will probably end up selling my house
As I have no income. I don't want any help from the state either as I feel I should be able up find some type of a job.
It's so hard to be so unhelpful and I am the type of person who helps others but don't want help myself as I have no energy. I hope I can find some type of a job as I can't just sit around being in pain and feeling sorry for my self . It's good to know I am not alone but it's not nice to feel this way and There's no cure which I believe there is some where but no one has found it yet
I am in the same situation, as i had a lot of time off i was being pulled in to capability meetings all the time as my company does not or will not reg fms, my dr has signed me off work with server depression and i feel like im sinking deeper and deeper the pain in my legs is getting so bad i can bearly walk and i think im gonna have to give in and get a walking stick with will make me feel so self-con, and i dont have any real support wjich is hard as i am a single parent to a 4yr old
Sweetheart my heart goes out to you.
I too have suffered this for over 18 years its hell
Am just about giving up. Only it's not in my true nature to give up
Lets grow a business for us
I have never asked the goverment or anyone for anything but I feel now I have done and tried what i can to stay in work so need a little financial help now. I cna no onger go shopping and have to do internet, vene yhis poses a probelem as its so painful to use a laptop, so have to do so little at a time.
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