chronic fatigue syndrome

The Ups and Downs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Everyone gets tired as a natural byproduct of exercise, stress and conducting daily routines. However, there are those individuals that experience fatigue so extreme that it actually interferes with their ability to perform daily tasks. The effects of the exhaustion take days and sometimes weeks to recover, whereas a healthy person would typically be able to recover in a matter of hours. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is still a conundrum for the medical community, as they are continuing to unravel the details that surround this medical condition.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Definition

Those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) usually experience the effects immediately and suddenly, without cause or warning as would typically come with a virus or other common ailment. It is almost like contracting the flu, but never being able to get rid of the symptoms. The condition can be difficult to diagnose and anyone suffering may need to be subjected to a variety of tests in order to conclusively determine that the patient has CFS.

Symptoms often include sore throat, fatigue, loss of memory or concentration, enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, unexplained muscle or joint pain, headaches, unrefreshing sleep, and extreme exhaustion after exercise. People who are battling CFS often experience depression, prolonged absences from their job, social isolation and restrictions within their lifestyle.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes

A tell tale sign that a person is suffering from CFS is when he or she seems to experience extreme sensitivity to normal activity or exercise routines. Although the medical community is still confirming the route cause of this ailment, it has been determined that some individuals have been born with a predisposition to CFS. For these men and women, triggers such as viral infections, immune system issues, and hormonal imbalances can increase or worsen CFS symptoms in patients. Many physicians believe that there is a combination of causes for CFS and are continuing to work towards determining what they may be.

Individuals should be aware that there are certain risk factors to take into account regarding CFS. Although it can occur at any age for both males and females, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome most commonly occurs in women in their 40s and 50s. Stress is a leading contributor to CFS. In fact, doctors tend to believe that being subjected to prolonged stress could be an additional factor that leads to CFS.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

While there is no cure for CFS, there have been some treatments that have been effective for certain individuals. Thanks to mediucal research, we know that CFS is linked to the cerebellum, that part of the brain largely responsible for motor control. Chiropractic adjustments increase the frequency of neurons firing in the cerebellum, which can eliminate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms. There are also medications that seem to have been effective in coping with CFS.

Conclusion

Despite its difficulty in diagnosing, for those who believe they may be suffering from this debilitating illness should consult a physician or psychologist as soon as possible. The symptoms of CFS are common amongst other viruses and diseases. Consequently, one should take every precaution to rule out any other possible contributors to his or her symptoms.

If you suffer from CFS, don’t ignore symptoms. Contact Absolute Life Wellness Center to schedule an appointment with us today.