Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its debilitating symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, leaving many searching for effective management strategies.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, chiropractic care has shown promise in helping some individuals manage their symptoms. So, in this article, we explore what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is and how chiropractic care might play a role in its management.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity but doesn’t improve with rest. This condition is also referred to as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
The hallmark of CFS is a type of exhaustion so profound that it interferes with daily activities and can confine some people to bed. People with CFS often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before becoming ill.
The primary symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is severe fatigue that is not improved by rest. This is often accompanied by post-exertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms worsen after physical or mental exertion. Many individuals also experience sleep problems, including feeling unrefreshed after a full night’s sleep and cognitive difficulties often described as “brain fog.” Dizziness that worsens when moving from lying down or sitting to standing is another common complaint.
Additional symptoms may include muscle pain or aches, joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches of a new type or severity, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes. Some individuals also report irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms, night sweats or cold intolerance, and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, or noise.
So, what causes it anyway?
Well, the exact cause of CFS remains unknown, and this actually contributes to the challenges in diagnosing and treating the condition. However, researchers believe that a combination of factors might trigger CFS. These could include viral infections, immune system problems, hormonal imbalances, or physical or emotional trauma. Some people further develop CFS after having a viral infection, suggesting that viruses might trigger the disorder. Others report experiencing an injury, surgery, or significant emotional stress shortly before their symptoms began.
Diagnosing CFS can be challenging because no single test can confirm the diagnosis. Instead, a variety of medical tests are used to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.
According to some experts, a diagnosis of CFS requires a substantial reduction in the ability to engage in pre-illness activities, lasting for more than six months, accompanied by fatigue. This fatigue should be of new or definite onset, not the result of ongoing excessive exertion, and not substantially alleviated by rest. The diagnosis also requires the presence of post-exertional malaise and unrefreshing sleep, plus either cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance.
The prognosis for individuals with CFS varies. Some people may recover completely with time, especially with treatment, while others may have periods of recovery and relapse. A small percentage of people may have severe symptoms that persist for years. However, many people find ways to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life with appropriate care and lifestyle adjustments.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Manage Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
While chiropractic care is not a cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it can be valuable in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being for many individuals with this condition. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to health, focusing on the relationship between the body’s structure (primarily the spine) and its function.
The chiropractic approach to managing CFS typically begins with a comprehensive assessment. During your initial visit, your chiropractor will review your medical history and symptoms in detail, perform a physical examination assessing your posture, spinal alignment, and overall body mechanics, and evaluate your nervous system function. They may also order or review additional diagnostic tests if needed. This thorough evaluation allows your chiropractor to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms and overall health status.
Chiropractic care for CFS may include several components. Central to this care are spinal adjustments, which are gentle manipulations of the spine that can help correct misalignments (subluxations) that may be interfering with proper nervous system function. By improving spinal alignment, these adjustments may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and potentially enhance the body’s ability to manage energy more efficiently.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including energy levels and immune response. Chiropractic care aims to optimize nervous system function, which may help alleviate some CFS symptoms. Many chiropractors are also trained in nutrition and can provide guidance on dietary changes that may support energy levels and overall health.
Additionally, your chiropractor can offer advice on sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, and appropriate levels of activity to help manage CFS symptoms.
If you’re living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, don’t lose hope. While managing this complex condition can be challenging, many people find relief and improved quality of life through a combination of treatments, including chiropractic care.
Take the first step towards better health. With your Parker and Highlands Ranch chiropractors, our team at Awaken Chiropractic can help you manage this condition in the best way possible. Book your appointment with us today!
