Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Even Simple Exercises Cause Exhaustion

Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a complex condition known for the extreme exhaustion that is not explained by any other medical condition. The fatigue associated with this condition may actually worsen when undergoing physical or mental activity. It does not get better no matter how much rest you might get. Chronic fatigue is often referred to as SEID (systemic exertion intolerance disease) or ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). Sometimes it is abbreviated as ME/CFS.

No single test can confirm or diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. However, a number of medical tests may be ordered so as to make sure there is no underlying problem causing your chronic fatigue symptoms. Many health problems mimic this condition and have similar symptoms. Most medical doctors and experts focus on eliminating individual symptoms rather than relieving the condition as a whole.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The most common symptoms of CFS follow although they may vary with each person:

• A sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your armpits or neck
• Extreme fatigue not alleviated by rest
• Poor concentration
• Memory loss
• Abnormal headaches
• Sleep that does not make you feel refreshed
• Unexplained joint or muscle pain
• Exhaustion you cannot shake off that lasts for more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• A mild fever
• Depression

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a little-understood condition which occurs in some people but not others. Why this happens could be due to a number of factors. Some people may just be born with a predisposition for the disorder, which can then be brought about by a number of potential triggers:

• Immune system issues: It has been noted that the immune system of those with CFS is slightly impaired. Whether this is enough to bring on CFS is unsure.
• Hormonal imbalances: Those with chronic fatigue sometimes have abnormal blood levels of the hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, and hypothalamus.
• Viral infections: Chronic fatigue shows up after viral infections in some people, making doctors wonder if viruses trigger the condition. Some viruses linked to CFS are the Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, and mouse leukemia.

What Puts You at Risk for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

A few factors make you more susceptible to CFS than someone else:

• Stress levels: If you are having difficulty managing your stress levels, you might be more likely to develop CFS.
• Gender: Women get CFS more often than men.
• Age: CFS most commonly is seen in the age range of 40 to 50 years, although it can occur at any age.

A Study Reveals Insightful Information About CFS

A study was conducted that observed the reactions of 60 chronic fatigue patients compared to 20 healthy patients. Each patient was asked to lie on their back and do leg lifts for 15 minutes. Some of the patients were given weight resistance while doing the leg lifts. Other patients were given a leg lift that did not at all stress the muscles (similar to a placebo). Group A (the ones doing real leg lifts) and group B (the ones doing sham leg lifts) were contacted 24 hours later and asked to report on their symptoms. Group A reported they had significant increases in their body pain and problems with concentrating during the procedure and 24 hours later reported more issues with lightheadedness and additional symptoms than those in group B.

This reveals an interesting bit of information: CFS sufferers can be greatly impacted by a simple thing like leg lifts, resulting in fatigue, mental distress, and pain. This shows how even normal, routine activities can cause flare-ups of chronic fatigue.

Finding a Natural Way to Relieve Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

A study looked at the life quality of 19 people who had chronic fatigue before having an upper cervical chiropractor work on them. These patients were then monitored for 6 months after being given the adjustment to ensure the atlas bone stayed in place. The results? There was an increase in overall health and wellness from 30.3 (before) to 55.6 (afterward). Mental health advanced from 46.4 to 68.6 after the six month period. The overall results saw a near 50% improvement. This proves that upper cervical chiropractic care can help ease some chronic fatigue symptoms.

Here Upper Cervical Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii, we begin by examining your neck for small misalignments in the C1 and C2 vertebrae. Misalignments here can place the brainstem under stress and cause it to send improper signals to the brain. If the brainstem tells the brain that the body is extremely exhausted, chronic fatigue syndrome can be the end result. By correcting this issue, the symptoms of CFS can be alleviated.

We use a method that is both gentle and precise. It is based on scientific measurements. Rather than using force, such as popping or cracking the spine or neck, we encourage the bones of the upper cervical spine to move back into their original position. This adds less trauma and less stress to the body overall. It also can result in a longer-lasting adjustment since the bones move back in place without coercing them.

If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and would like to find some natural relief, upper cervical chiropractic care may be just what you are looking for. Many patients have come to us feeling very fatigued and have found the help they so desired. We look forward to trying to help you find some relief as well.