Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that is little understood and very complex. It is mostly known for causing its sufferers to have extreme fatigue that does not improve no matter how much rest or sleep you get. This fatigue is not related to any underlying medical condition. Many people, as many as 1 million in the USA, suffer from chronic fatigue.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Statistics

CFS is so debilitating that even simple leg lifts cause people to become exhausted. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama recently observed 80 patients in a study to see why flare-ups happen with CFS. Of the 80 patients, 60 had chronic fatigue and 20 were healthy control patients. They were to keep track of their symptoms throughout the test, especially their level of pain, dizziness, fatigue, concentration problems, and headaches. The participants were asked to do mild leg lifts that did not strain the muscles beyond the mild to moderate degree. The results revealed that just this mild exercise caused those with chronic fatigue to suffer. This shows how a daily routine — bathing, dressing, and preparing meals — can be very exhausting for those with chronic fatigue.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Facts

Here are some facts about chronic fatigue you may not realize:

  • It is not all in your head.

Many doubt the existence of CFS because there is no way to positively test for it. However, chronic fatigue syndrome is a real disease. It comes along with many other symptoms in addition to the tiredness, such as sleep problems, headaches, muscle and joint pain, memory issues,  and a sore throat. Some patients feel as if they have “brain fog” where they cannot concentrate or focus.

  • There is no known cause.

The symptoms of CFS indicate that it is due to a breakdown of the immune system. Why this occurs, though, is unknown. It certainly makes chronic fatigue a great mystery among researchers and those in the medical community. It has been theorized that it is due to many things ranging from viral infections to post-traumatic stress disorder, high levels of both physical and emotional stress, or environmental toxins. Initially, it was thought to be brought about by the Epstein-Barr virus, but this no longer holds true. The only thing that doctors can do now is treat it according to each person’s individual symptoms.

  • There is no known cure.

It is impossible to cure something you know little about that has so many different symptoms and is often misdiagnosed. Therefore, the condition is cared for by attempting to treat the different symptoms individually. Some doctors are now recommending lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. They also suggest eliminating any activities that bring about fatigue. For some though, this means eliminating nearly everything.

  • Anyone can get chronic fatigue.

There seems to be a gamut of opinions about who can actually get chronic fatigue. The truth is anyone can get it regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. While it is very rare for anyone under 12 to get the condition, it does not just affect older adults. As it is associated with a problem of the immune system, many seem to get it following a period of prolonged illness or extreme stress, both physical or mental.

While both genders can get the condition, it is definitely seen more often in women. In fact, they are four times more likely to be diagnosed. Whether this has to do with their being more willing to seek medical attention, we do not know for sure.

  • Recovery prospects vary greatly from person to person.

Some do completely recover from CFS. However, there is no single way to measure this. When we speak of recovery, we mean the person has been able to successfully return to normal living, such as going back to work and performing their normal daily routine with their family. Some see this happen in 6 months to a year while others say it takes them much longer and they have occasional regressions. Still, others have no sign of recovery. Chronic fatigue can also come and go in some, causing them to have some good weeks and some bad.

  • It’s not contagious.

You cannot contract chronic fatigue from your relative or friend. It may be brought about by infectious agents, such as viruses, but that does not mean you will get chronic fatigue if you get the virus that your sister with chronic fatigue had.

 

Finding Natural Relief for Chronic Fatigue

When looking to find some sort of relief for the symptoms of chronic fatigue, it is important to not ignore the relationship that the central nervous system has with the spine and how brain function affects this. The nervous system controls all the other systems in the body such as the endocrine and musculoskeletal systems. If the body is to perform at its peak, the nervous system has to be able to get the proper signals. However, if a misalignment exists in the top bones of the spine, the C1 and C2 vertebrae, they may be putting stress on the brainstem, causing it to send improper signals to the brain.

Here at Source Chiropractic and Wellness in Draper, Utah, we use a gentle method that encourages the bones to move back into their original position without the need to pop or crack the neck or spine. This is a more natural process resulting in the body beginning to heal from the damage done by the misalignment. It often leads to relief for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.

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