Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Many experts now feel that there is such a large overlap between the vast majority of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) that they are probably different expressions of the same disorder. The majority of CFS patients have significant fibromyalgia-like symptoms, and most FM patients also have chronic fatigue.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ?

CFS is a complex illness characterized by incapacitating fatigue (experienced as exhaustion and extremely poor stamina), neurological problems and a constellation of symptoms that can resemble other disorders, including: mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, AIDS-related complex, Lyme disease, post-polio syndrome and autoimmune diseases such as lupus. A classic case begins abruptly after a viral or flu-like illness; patients typically tell the treating physician that their three main priorities are relief of their fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. CFS patients frequently also manifest environmental sensitivity, sleep disorders, irritable bladder and irritable bowel syndromes, headaches, and temperature intolerance. The cause is unknown, but there are theories implicating viral triggers, environmental toxin factors, heredity and stress. All segments of the population (including children) are at risk, but women under the age of 45 seem to be the most susceptible.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown as well. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons-the soft fibrous tissues in the body. Many FM patients say they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. Diagnostic criteria depends upon physical examination in which patients are sensitive to pressure in certain areas of the body, called tender points. The diagnostic criteria include widespread pain all four quadrants of their body for a minimum duration of three months and at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points. There are often associated problems like sleep disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, TMJ, cognitive dysfunction, etc.

A Functional Medicine Approach to CFS/FM:

Dr. Rigden has been a pioneer and strong advocate in the emerging field of Functional Medicine. This is the field of health care that employs assessment and early intervention to improve physiological, emotional/cognitive, and physical function. This health care approach focuses attention on biochemical individuality, metabolic balance, ecological context, and unique personal experience in the dynamics of health. A treatment plan is tailored to each individual’s unique presentation.

We are an Arizona Bariatric Office
specializing in Weight Loss & Weight Loss Management,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.