[Fibromyalgia: interfaces to RSI and considerations about work etiology]

Two groups of patients, one presenting symptoms of fibromyalgia and previous diagnostics of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), and the other only with fibromyalgia were compared in attempt to comprehend the relations between these two conditions and also between fibromyalgia and work. It was used the biographical method, with detailed interviews and creation of clinical cases from six patients with fibromyalgia, three of each group. It was noticed that patients from the first group showed a clear relationship between the disease's evolution and the overload of work. The patients of second group showed some of the symptoms since childhood or adolescence that became worse after they had suffered an emotionally strong impact. Also, these patients reported cases of similar symptoms of fibromyalgia in their families, on the contrary of the first group. It was conclude that in some patients with fibromyalgia, the overload work is an important etiologic factor, and could be preceded by RSI. In these cases the diagnosis of fibromyalgia could be used as an attempt of disassociate the relation between symptoms and the work, preventing the worker to get social security benefits.