Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Despite the fact that many Americans today suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there is still much to learn about this considerably debilitating disease. Even the experts are baffled by this strange condition, and no amount of rest seems to replenish energy levels or combat the fatigue the syndrome brings. In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome including exactly what it is, causes, symptoms, and treatments. 

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS? 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and sometimes referred to as ME/CFS. 

As the name implies, CFS is characterized by a constant state of fatigue and many other symptoms of unrest including headaches and irritability. Most often, those suffering from CFS will wake after many hours of sleep only to find that they are just as tired as when they had gone to bed the night before. 

What are the symptoms of CFS?

There are a variety of symptoms caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Those who suffer from CFS will experience symptoms to different degrees depending on the severity of their condition. The single, most common symptom is serious fatigue that interferes with regular day-to-day activities. 

Sometimes the symptoms of CFS can be unpredictable and hard to pinpoint. Often, those suffering experience a time of remission when their symptoms mostly or completely disappear. But often, remission is followed by a relapse and the symptoms may start again soon after.

In addition to mental and physical exhaustion, CFS can also cause sleep problems like: 

• feeling unrefreshed after a night’s sleep
• difficulty getting back to sleep and waking up 
• chronic insomnia

In addition to disrupted sleep, you may also experience:

• loss of memory
• reduced concentration
• Orthostatic intolerance (rising to your feet from a seated or lying position can cause you to feel light-headed. 

Physical symptoms of CFS may include:

• frequent headaches
• muscle pain
• frequent sore throat
• multi-joint pain without any inflammation 
• tender and swollen lymph nodes

How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosed?

CFS is an elusive condition and can be very difficult to diagnose properly. While 836,000 in 2.5 Million Americans suffer from CFS, under 16% will actually be diagnosed properly and seek treatment for the condition. 

There are no immediate medical tests that can detect the presence of CFS, and the people who suffer from CFS do not actually appear to be sick. Patients may look tired and exhausted, but looking tired and exhausted is true for many lifestyles, situations, and everyone at some point or another. 

To provide a proper diagnosis, you will need to speak with a medical professional who will review your medical history with you and carefully begin eliminating all other potential causes for your condition. They will ask about the symptoms you have experienced and for how long you have been suffering these conditions. It will be important to explain for how long and how severe your fatigue has been. 

One of the most important things your doctor will begin to do is start eliminating all other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of CFS. Here are some of the other conditions and situations that can be confused with CFS:

• mononucleosis
• severe obesity
• fibromyalgia
• hypothyroidism
• major depressive disorder
• Lyme disease
• lupus (SLE)
• multiple sclerosis
• sleep disorders
• certain medications, drugs, and alcohol 

What causes CFS?

The cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is still unknown. But, there is a great deal of clinical evidence and professional speculations to suggest that the following could be potential factors that contribute to or cause this condition:

• A weakened immune system
• Viruses
• Stress
• Hormonal imbalances

What are the Major Risk Factors for CFS?

Because women are anywhere from 2 to 4 times as likely to contract CFS than men, sex is a major risk factor in contracting this condition. Some people are also genetically predisposed to contracting CFS. Most people who suffer from CFS do so in their 40’s and 50’s.

Some of the other factors that can increase the likelihood of CFS include: 

• Allergies

• Stress

• Environmental factors

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

At the moment treatment for CFS does not exist. The best remedies available are to minimize the harshness of the symptoms, but, as of yet, there are no cures that can eliminate the underlying cause completely. Furthermore, the underlying cause itself is largely unknown. 

To plan proper treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the doctor will have to consider the specifics of the individual and the symptoms they are experiencing. Then, they can explain to the patient the various treatment plans and the benefits and risks that each involves. 

Some of the more common treatment options include: 

Addressing Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) symptoms

PEM is the result of mental, emotional, or physical exertion resulting in the symptoms of CFS mentioned above. These effects can begin with days of the incident and last for as long as two weeks. 

One way to avoid PEM attacks is by pacing yourself. This means you will want to consider what capacity you have for mental, physical, and emotional effort and avoid going over these carefully planned boundaries. 

It is not usually too difficult to figure out what your energy reserves are and avoid falling into a deficit. But, it is also helpful to keep a diary of how you are feeling and what your capacity is from day to day.  One thing to remember is that getting vigorous exercise is a good way to improve energy levels in most conditions, but NOT with CFS. 

Home remedies and lifestyle changes

Then there are some other ways you can adapt your lifestyle to counter the symptoms of CFS. Reducing the intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are a few ideas. Planning your naps for maximum efficacy will allow you a greater store of energy and restfulness for your sleep at the day’s end. 

Medications

The medications your doctor will recommend will be tailor-made to the symptoms of the patient. Some may need mild antidepressants while others will benefit from an analgesic that reduces the pain they experience. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments to the spine, upper cervical area, lower back area, neck, and shoulders are known to provide relief to patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. If your spine is out of alignment, the nervous system can become irritated and inflamed. When the nervous system is affected, your sleep and energy levels can also be affected. Expert chiropractic care can keep your sleep and energy intact and on track. 

Evexia Family Chiropractic devises a plan that is specifically designed for you and your symptoms. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, schedule an appointment to visit Lee’s Summit Chiropractor, Evexia Family.