What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder defined as fatigue lasting longer than six months and cannot be explained by an underlying health condition nor alleviated with rest.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that often coincides with CFS. The heightened pain signaling can result in widespread muscle discomfort and tenderness. The pain can vary from burning to aching and throbbing in multiple areas of the body.
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
There is not a single test to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. This diagnosis is determined after other possible conditions are ruled out. The condition often presents with multiple systems in the body being affected such as a weakened immune system, physical and emotional trauma, viral infection, hormonal imbalance, adrenal dysfunction and biotoxin exposure.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia?
Symptoms of CFS / Fibromyalgia vary amongst individuals in intensity, duration and aggravating factors. A patient suffering from this condition will often recognize they require twice as long to recover from illnesses and will mention “crashing” after emotional stress. The following symptoms are frequently associated with CFS / Fibromyalgia:
- Exhaustion
- Brain fog
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle or joint discomfort
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Dizziness that develops when getting up from a seated or lying position
- Poor quality sleep
- Depression
How to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
Symptoms of CFS and Fibromyalgia can be alleviated with various treatments dependent upon the cause. Below are a few options for treatment: