What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. It is thought that changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain messages may contribute. Abnormal levels of certain brain chemicals may also be involved. Genetics may make some people more likely to develop it. Physical or emotional stress, including injury, infection, surgery or trauma, may trigger the condition. Sometimes, it develops without an obvious trigger.
What Are The Symptoms?
Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain and increased sensitivity to pain, sometimes making even light touch painful. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness, extreme tiredness, poor-quality sleep and cognitive difficulties known as fibro-fog, such as problems with concentration, memory or learning. People may experience headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, dizziness, tingling, numbness, temperature sensitivity, restless legs, anxiety or low mood. Symptoms can vary and may improve or worsen.
How Can Your Workstation Affect Symptoms?
Prolonged sitting, poor posture and repetitive movement can all contribute to discomfort, stiffness and muscle tension experience by individuals with Fibromyalgia. Pain, tiredness and fibro-fog can also make it harder to concentrate at work.
Ergonomic products are not a treatment or cure for Fibromyalgia, but they can form part of a wider approach to creating a more comfortable workstation and managing potential triggers. Adjusting the workstation to support a comfortable posture, taking regular breaks to move and stretch, and changing position throughout the day may help reduce physical strain. Keeping frequently used items within easy reach can also support comfort and help make symptoms more manageable.
Choosing An Ergonomic Chair
For individuals living with Fibromyalgia, choosing an ergonomic chair that supports movement and comfort throughout the working day can be particularly important. The RH Logic 300, RH Logic 400, Adapt 600, Opera 30 and Opera 20 ranges feature a rocking mechanism rather than relying solely on a seat-tilt function. This allows the user to make small, continuous movements while seated, which can help vary pressure across the backrest and seat pad and may help to reduce seated discomfort. Regular movement can also help minimise stiffness and may make it easier to change position, relax and manage fatigue, all of which can be particularly relevant when living with Fibromyalgia.
The Adapt 600, Opera 30 and Opera 20 ranges can also be fitted with triple heat pad or massage and heat systems. Heat and massage are features that some people with Fibromyalgia find helpful as part of their individual approach to managing muscular discomfort and pain. Having these options integrated into the chair can provide an additional source of comfort while seated, although individual experiences and preferences will vary.
