Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

Fibromyalgia's (FM) original  diagnosis meant "muscle pain". In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology set up diagnostic guidelines that led the way to research for the cause and potential treatment of this painful disorder. Fast forward to today. Although  the cause remains a mystery, the pain may be generated by a dysfunction in the nervous system itself. Several neurotransmitters (nervous system messenger chemicals such as GABA, serotonin and norepinephrine) are involved which compromise the body's ability to control pain. Thus, FM is often considered an "amplified pain syndrome", Effective treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms of pain, unrestorative sleep, brain fog and fatigue -- and which type of doctor is best suited to help  --appears to be a mystery as well. The good  news is non-drug therapies are available and even though not a cure, help those with FM  improve and maybe even slow the progressive worsening of symptoms. 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has a history similar to FM in that the name did not capture the true extent of the disorder,. Early on it was dubbed a "yuppie flu". Links to the Epstein Barr virus (and other viruses) did not point to the true cause either. Debilitating fatigue, brain fog and immune system dysfunction are hallmark symptoms. Since no definitive cause is known, no definite therapy  has proven successful. Like FM, there is no "one size fits most". CFS later was known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and a suggested name of SEID or sustained exertional immune disorder. No matter what the name, CFS is a disabling and complex illness. Strengthening immunity and restorative sleep are critical steps.

Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and SEID (ME/CFS) overlap. They can also occur together but are two separate and different syndromes. For both, there are non-drug options and those who support themselves nutritionally report enjoying a higher quality of life.

©TyH Publications (M. Squires)

For informational purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor substitute for your personal health professional's medical advice.