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How To Treat Chronic Fatigue And Fibromyalgia

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Signs And Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

How Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Are Related

Body wide tenderness and widespread chronic pain are the notable features of fibromyalgia. This pain affects several areas of the body, significantly affecting the tendons, joints, and muscles.

Stiffness is common in the joint, as well. Although the pain generally affects the areas below and above the waist, localized regions such as the neck, lower back, or shoulders may be affected. People with fibromyalgia often feel flu-like symptoms, as though they hurt all over.

It is common for some sufferers to experience flare-ups situations where the chronic pain and other symptoms last for prolonged periods of time.

Another symptom of fibromyalgia is fatigue. It especially manifests upon waking up in the morning, but it may also be noticeable mid-afternoon. It is common for people to be awakened with a light feeling, even after sleeping all night. This feeling may be combined with multiple disturbances during the night, with difficulty getting back to sleep.

Although body wide pain, sleeping difficulty, and fatigue are hallmarks of fibromyalgia, the illness is also associated with other symptoms such as disordered thinking. Patients have reported cognitive disturbances, brain fog and difficulty with enough focus to complete set tasks.

Other symptoms may include headaches, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, heart palpitations, diarrhea, dry eyes and mouth, tingling and numbness in extremities, nausea, and weight gain.

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Can You Have Both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Fibromyalgia

You can have both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. In fact, many people do.

These conditions are considered cousins, of a sort. They belong to the same family of illnesses, which is called central sensitivity syndromes.

The symptoms are extremely similar. So, it can be difficult to tell if you have just one or both of these conditions.

Until theres better diagnostic testing, it may sometimes be impossible to tell if you have both. It may never even be clear which one you have, either, depending on your specific mix of symptoms.

Fortunately, the treatments are similar. So, you may get the right treatments even if youre not correctly diagnosed.

Studies Show That Turmeric And Curcumin Is Good For Muscle Pain

In a study conducted in 2015, researchers tested the efficacy of turmeric on muscle soreness in a group of mice. This trial was randomized and placebo-controlled using oral curcumin on seventeen male mice.

The researchers measured the discomfort, swelling, inflammation, and muscle damage. The results showed that curcumin reduced pain related to muscle soreness and enhanced their muscle performance and muscle recovery.

Another study used a curcumin formula to figure out whether or not it can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness in twenty healthy male volunteers. Each group received 200 mg of curcumin twice daily, or they received a placebo.

The groups treated with turmeric noticed a reduction in lower limb pain. The placebo group still struggled with delayed onset muscle soreness. The turmeric group also showed less MRI evidence of muscle damage, and they reported less pain and stiffness.

What To Take Away From These Studies

Turmeric and curcumin appear to overcome the issue of low bioavailability. In each study, the subjects saw improvements in levels of fatigue, performance, muscle regeneration, and they saw a lift in mood. Turmeric curcumin capsules contain antioxidant properties that demonstrate the ability to aid in recovery and it assists with fibromyalgia symptoms.

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What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which fatigue lasts for six months or longer. Fatigue is an overall feeling of weakness, lack of energy, or tiredness not relieved by sleep. Chronic fatigue is more intense than expected for a person’s usual daily function. Scientists do not fully understand the cause of CFS. Many researchers suspect that problems with certain systems in the body may be responsible, including the:

  • Energy production system, which uses oxygen and food to help the body produce energy.
  • Immune system, which defends the body against infection.
  • Autonomic nervous system, which controls many body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion.
  • Gastrointestinal system, which helps the body digest food and get rid of waste.

CFS can result in loss of function .

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials Of Diagnosis And Management

Pin by Emma Shaw on Chronically Fabulous
  • Alison C. BestedAffiliations
  • Lily ChuCorrespondenceCorrespondence: Address to Lily Chu, MD, MSHS, Independent Consultant, 16 Lorton Ave, Unit 4, Burlingame, CA 94010.
  • Nancy G. KlimasAffiliationsInstitute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Jose G. MontoyaAffiliationsDr Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
  • Irma R. ReyAffiliationsInstitute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Cortisol Pain Exertion And Cfs

A number of reports suggest cortisol levels may be a marker for neuroendocrine dysfunction in CFS.¹ One study found that salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower in CFS patients than in healthy controls. Depressed cortisol levels correlated with decreased sleep in these adolescent patients with CFS. Similarly, altered cortisol responsiveness was noted in patients with CFS who exhibited a heightened response to exhaustion following exertion.

Meeus et al continued an exploration of pain in patients with CFS by focusing on cortisol levels to assess intensity of pain.¹ Responses of CSF patients with chronic pain were evaluated for evidence of deficient endogenous pain inhibition as the cause of their chronic widespread pain, using an immersion test. The authors found that pain inhibition began more slowly in patients with CFS than healthy controls, and they concluded that the delayed response may help explain the chronic, widespread pain commonly experienced in patients with CFS,¹ and by extension FM.

Ozone Therapy Treatment For Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are lifelong medical conditions with shared symptoms overwhelming feelings of tiredness or fatigue.

The only difference between the two is that, with fibromyalgia, persistent exhaustion is caused by debilitating pain whereas with chronic fatigue syndrome, it is caused by a significant lack of energy.

Both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are incurable, but that does not mean you cannot control its symptoms. In most cases, a combination of medications, treatment plans, and therapies are needed to manage these conditions.

Unfortunately, most of these common treatment methods are costly and have considerable side-effects. For this reason, people are looking at alternative medicine as a viable option for treatment.

Ozone therapy has been proven beneficial to patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

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How To Treat Fibromyalgia

Treating fibromyalgia symptoms can be a multi-layered process. Since the symptoms and severity can widely vary, its important to try out different treatments to see what works best for you as an individual.

While medications can sometimes relieve symptoms, other holistic treatments can make a difference as well in developing a more well-rounded treatment plan.

Related: How to Get Through a Fibromyalgia Flare-Up

This Post Has 3 Comments

Effective Treatment of Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia
  • Guest 9 Jan 2016

    Oh come on Dr. Teitelbaum. Youd get a lot more respect in the CFS/ME community if youd stop tweaking the results of your study. It wasnt blinded, it was basically lets try this, if that doesnt work will try this instead, then this, then that, then thison and on with literally tens to hundreds of vitamins, medications, etc.

    Thats not a protocol or a study because each person required many different treatments that were different for each patient.

    Ive met you, youre a good man, but again, youd get so much more respect if youd be more realistic with both your study pronouncements, not to mention the ridiculous and misleading title of your book, and the failure to mention the extremely high cost of your protocol.

  • maryam henein 3 Jan 2013

    Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum has personally helped me with my Fibro pain. I am very thankful for his knowledge. Diet and nutrients are so key with this disease!

  • Momof4 3 Jan 2013

    So glad to read this article as I so want to overcome my problems with CFS to be more active and productive in my life. Id rate this a 5 except for the fact that I havent yet tried all thats listed to know how effective it is. Thanks for the information!!

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    Create A Relaxing Bedtime Routine

    Fibro fatigue isnt necessarily something that can be fixed with a good nights sleep, but quality sleep can help over time.

    A relaxing bedtime routine is an important first step toward getting a good nights rest.

    Here are a few tips for a healthy sleep routine:

    • go to bed and get up at the same time every day
    • avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
    • invest in a good quality mattress
    • keep your bedroom cool and dark
    • turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime
    • keep electronics out of the bedroom
    • avoid having a large meal before bedtime
    • take a warm bath before bed

    Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Fibromyalgia

    Theres no standard treatment for ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. Most people end up with multiple types of treatment. It can take a lot of trial and error to come up with a good treatment regimen.

    Types of treatment include:

    Topical pain relievers like BioFreeze and Tiger Balm are commonly used, as well.

    Therapies

    Some therapies are controversial when it comes to ME/CFS. Two historically common ones are:

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy : A type of talk therapy that addresses negative thoughts and habits and how to replace them with healthier behaviors.
    • Graded exercise therapy : Controlled exercise that attempts to build exercise tolerance.

    These treatments used to be recommended as first-line treatments, despite little evidence showing them to be effective. A major flaw in this treatment approach is that it doesn’t address known physiological abnormalities of the disease.

    In fact, the theory behind these treatments holds that ME/CFS involves false beliefs, being out of shape, and having an irrational aversion to exercise. These beliefs are not supported by research or the experiences of people with ME/CFS.

    Some studies estimated CBT and GET to benefit about 20% of people who tried them. Other estimates put it as low as 10%.

    Supplements

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    Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Fibromyalgia

    ME/CFS and fibromyalgia are both diagnoses of exclusion, which means:

    • They dont have objective lab or imaging tests.
    • Other possible conditions must be ruled out.
    • Multiple factors must be interpreted to come up with an answer.

    This process can take a long time. You may have to push your healthcare provider to keep searching or to give you a referral.

    Treatment Plans For Me/cfs

    Pin by Phyllis Griffiths on Fibro Facts

    There’s no single way of managing ME/CFS that works for everyone, but there are a number of treatment options.

    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says you should be offered a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.

    Your doctor should discuss all of the options with you, and explain the benefits and risks of any treatment.

    They should work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits you and takes into account your circumstances and preferences.

    You may need advice about making lifestyle changes, specialist treatments, or a combination of both.

    If your symptoms are severe, your doctor should ask a specialist for advice.

    Your treatment plan should be reviewed regularly.

    Also Check: How To Get Energy With Chronic Fatigue

    What Steps Can I Take At Home To Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    You can take the following steps at home to help relieve your symptoms:

    • Getting enough sleep. Most adults should try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. But fibromyalgia can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Talk to your doctor about any sleep problems you have and ways to treat them. Your doctor may recommend:
    • Going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time every day
    • Not drinking caffeine, alcohol, or eating spicy meals before bedtime
    • Not taking daytime naps
    • Doing relaxing activities, such as listening to soft music or taking a warm bath, that prepare your body for sleep.
  • Reducing stress. Stress can trigger a flare-up of fibromyalgia symptoms. Strategies such as meditation, massage, and talk therapy may help. Get tips on relieving stress.
  • Getting regular physical activity. Pain and fatigue may make exercise and daily activities harder to do. But studies show that for many women with fibromyalgia, regular physical activity can reduce pain.11 Any activity, even walking around your home or neighborhood, can help relieve your symptoms. Start at a very low level, and slowly increase the amount of activity you get.
  • Trying complementary or alternative therapies. Some women say their symptoms got better from trying complementary or alternative therapies, such as:
  • Physical therapy
  • Additional Ways To Treat Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    Treating fibromyalgia can be complicated, and one treatment might not be effective in alleviating all of your symptoms. While turmeric curcumin capsules can really improve a number of systems you experience on a daily basis, adding in other holistic treatments helps improve your overall quality of life!

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    Five Main Categories Of Problems Need To Be Treated Think Shine

    These are the five key areas that need to be treated for your circuit breaker to turn back on and for fatigue and pain to resolve:

    1. Sleep. Because the hypothalamic circuit breaker that is offline controls sleep, most patients need a mix of natural and prescription sleep treatments. For you to get well and pain free, it is critical that you take enough of the correct natural and prescription sleep treatments to get eight to nine hours sleep at night! I recommend starting with natural therapies and supplements.

    2. Hormonal deficiencies. The hypothalamus is the main control center, via the pituitary, for most of the glands in the body. Most of the normal ranges for our blood tests were not developed in the context of hypothalamic suppression or these syndromes. Because of this it is usually necessary to treat with natural thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian and testicular hormones despite normal blood tests! These hormones have been found to be reasonably safe when used in low doses. Low thyroid, which reflects as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and even unexplained infertility, is especially common. The majority of those who benefit from thyroid have normal lab tests, so treatment trials should be given if symptoms are suggestive.

    Overlapping Symptoms: Fatigue Mood Pain

    How We Are Healing From CFS | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Fibromyalgia | Ken Tamplin

    It is not clear that this updated definition for CFS will advance the understanding of the disorder or its acceptance as a diagnosable condition.22,25 There was little evidence that the new case definition was an improvement over prior CFS case definitions given continued diagnostic uncertainty.28 The new diagnostic criteria do not offer clinicians the ability to distinguish CFS from overlapping functional somatic syndromes, and in particular FM.

    Most studies have found a significant clinical overlap of FM and CFS symptoms, with the majority of individuals meeting criteria for both syndromes.29,30 In 1 report, 50 patients with primary FM who had been followed in an academic rheumatology practice frequently reported symptoms thought to be typical of chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection , but not of FM. These included recurrent sore throat , recurrent rash , chronic cough , recurrent adenopathy , and recurrent low-grade fevers .29 In 55% of the patients, the illness had begun suddenly, with what seemed to be a viral syndrome.30 However, antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus in the patients were not significantly different from those in age- and sex-matched healthy and unhealthy control subjects.30 This overlap is not surprising since fatigue is the second most prominent symptom in FM, right after chronic widespread pain.

    Pain Catastrophizing

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

    Chronic , widespread pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. You may feel the pain all over your body. Or, you may feel it more in the muscles you use most often, like in your back or legs. The pain may feel like a deep muscle ache, or it may throb or burn. Your pain may also be worse in the morning.

    Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:3,4,5

    • Extreme tiredness, called fatigue, that does not get better with sleep or rest
    • Cognitive and memory problems 3

    Women with fibromyalgia often have more morning fatigue, pain all over the body, and IBS symptoms than men with fibromyalgia have.8

    Professional Education And Training

    The RLHIM is also a teaching hospital and from time to time other healthcare professionals may observe in outpatient clinics as part of a training course. We will always ask your permission for students to sit in during your consultation. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.

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    Impact And Prognosis Of Me/cfs

    • Lacerda E.M.

    Pharmacoecon Open.

    • Campion P.

    BMC Public Health.J Chronic Fatigue Syndr.

    • Findley L.J.

    Br J Occup Ther.

    • Mild: mobile and self-caring may continue working but will have reduced other activities
    • Moderate: reduced mobility, restricted in instrumental activities of daily living, needs frequent periods of rest usually not working
    • Severe: mostly housebound limited to minimal activities of daily living severe cognitive difficulties may be wheelchair dependent
    • Very severe: mostly bedridden unable to independently carry out most activities of daily living often experience extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and other sensory input

    Am J Epidemiol.Chronic Illn.

    Qual Life Res.Disabil Rehabil.Occup Med .

    Rehabil Psychol.Front Pediatr.Fatigue.

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