Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are two disorders that share a number of symptoms and are thus commonly confused with one another. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain. Many people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome also report pain as one of their symptoms. Similarly, patients who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia often list fatigue as a common symptom. These two conditions are defined interchangeably in medical literature. In fact, some researchers have even suggested that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are variations of the same pain and fatigue illness. The diagnosis of either condition may depend on whether your health care provider is more familiar with the symptoms of fibromyalgia, as outlined by the American College of Rheumatology, or those for chronic fatigue syndrome, which were developed by the Center for Disease control and Prevention. Read on to learn more about these two similar conditions and the deciding factors that distinguish one disorder from the other.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition characterized primarily by prolonged, persistent, all encompassing fatigue that cannot be relieved or alleviated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome requires that the level of exhaustion is severe enough to cause at least a 50 percent decrease in the patient’s ability to participate in ordinary activities. Like most autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome occurs more frequently in women than in men. It usually develops between the ages of thirty and fifty. In most cases lack of energy and exercise in chronic fatigue patients can lead to unexpected weight gain, if this is a problem, a good resource is www.weightlossobesity.com
Many of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are similar to those associated with the flu, such as muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. However, with this disorder, these symptoms never actually seem to go away. The most notable symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is a new onset of exhaustion that persists for at least six months and cannot be relieved or alleviated. Other symptoms include forgetfulness, joint pain, low-grade fever, lymph node tenderness, muscle weakness and sore throat. At present, chronic fatigue syndrome is treated with a combination of medications to alleviate each of the different symptoms. A well-balanced diet and exercise are also recommended, however many patients who suffer from this condition find it difficult to prepare meals or exercise.
What Is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Sometimes called fibrositis, fibromyalgia syndrome is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia also generally experience stiffness in their joints and pain in at least eleven of the eighteen tender points on the body. These tender points are located on parts of the body such as the neck, back, buttocks, shoulders and hips. As with chronic fatigue syndrome, more women than men are afflicted with the condition, and it usually develops sometime in adulthood. Malabsorption of nutrients is common in fibromyalgia patients. Use a product called Oxy-Powder to keep the intestines and colon clean. More information is available at www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com . Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include diminished cognitive ability, fatigue, sleep disorders, and depression. For more help with stress and depression associated with fibromyalgia go to www.stress-anxiety-depression.org
Fibromyalgia is usually treated with a combination of dietary changes, exercises, and over the counter pain remedies. A powerful topical pain formula to help relieve the joint stiffness and pain is available at www.ghchealth.com
What’s The Difference?
Research shows that between 50 percent and 70 percent of people with fibromyalgia also display the symptoms of chronic fatigue. The reverse is also true. Because the symptoms are so similar, the difference between one diagnosis and another often rests in the specialty and education of the diagnosing physician.
Despite their similarities, there are a few documented differences between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Although the exact cause of either condition is unknown, fibromyalgia is often linked to a previous injury or physical trauma, whereas chronic fatigue syndrome usually begins with the flu or other viral infection. In addition, the severity of symptoms is different in these two conditions. Patients who suffer from fibromyalgia may experience exhaustion, but this is different from the incurable, all-encompassing fatigue of chronic fatigue syndrome. Similarly, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience widespread pain but not the tender point pain characteristic of fibromyalgia. Researchers have also found that people with fibromyalgia may have a chemical imbalance that disrupts the body’s ability to transmit and respond to pain signals.
Until researchers are able to untangle the exact fundamental biological, neurological and psychological differences between these two syndromes, their diagnosis and treatment methods may continue to be intermingled.
Diagnosing Yourself
If you think you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, it is important for you to be evaluated by a health care professional. Your doctor will take a close look at your medical history as well as your symptoms to help you determine which syndrome is at the root of your symptoms. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about your condition and the possible treatment methods you could use to work towards recovery.
