What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
It’s a common name for a group of medical conditions that cause a person to experience extreme fatigue that is not due to, but may worsen because of, physical or mental activity. The medical world is not sure what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Theories include viral infection and psychological stress, and it is often associated with Fibromyalgia. In fact depending on which doctor you go to you may be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome even if you have the same symptoms.
There are some signs to watch for that will be used to determine if you suffer from CFS. Though, in order for extreme tiredness to be diagnosed as CFS, adults must show them for six months and children and adolescents for three months. Also note that of the first seven of these symptoms, a person must show at least four of them.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- There is an extreme reduction in activity levels
- Poor memory or concentration
- Poor Restorative sleep (You wake tired)
- Muscle Pain (Myalgia) or Joint Pain (Arthralgia)
- Worsening headaches
- Frequent or recurring sore throats
- Tenderness in your Lymph Nodes (Cervical or Axillary)
- Brain Fog
- Vertigo, dizziness, or problems with equilibrium
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, Diarrhea, nausea, and other Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) like symptoms
- Chills and night sweats
- Visual Impairment or eye pain
- Depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or panic attacks
Now, if you’re tired all of the time, and you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, but you haven’t shown these symptoms for the length of time required, there are other illnesses that maybe causing your fatigue.
Fatigue Causing Illnesses
- Lyme Disease
- Sleep Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Alcohol/Drug Abuse
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Mononucleosis (Mono)
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Chronic Hepatitis
- Various Malignancies
Finding Relief from Your Fatigue
The truth is even some medications can cause symptoms that mimic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. That is why it’s important that if you are tired all of the time, rather than seeking the wrong kind of care and taking medication, you seek the care of an upper cervical specialist. An upper cervical specialist helps people who have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia live healthier lives by addressing a common underlying cause. When you suffer head and neck injuries it frequently leads to a misalignment of the bones in your upper neck. This misalignment can lead to problems with the way your brain, brain stem and spinal cord works. Correcting this upper neck misalignment is key in restoring proper nerve, blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow from your brain to your body. In order to have normal energy levels you must have normal nerve, blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sherwood, call 425-243-1607 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.