What Are the Symptoms That I Could Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is complex and totally debilitating for those who suffer from it. It’s characterised by extreme fatigue that’s not improved by rest and only gets worse with more physical exertion.

CFS affects as many as 180,000 Australians. One could imagine just how frustrating it would be to feel totally exhausted all the time, unable to work, play, or simply enjoy life. Here, we’re going over what characterises Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and how physiotherapy can help.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

What’s complicated and mysterious about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that it’s not caused by one disease or disorder. It seems, instead, to be caused by a combination of factors, making it difficult to both diagnose and treat.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, however, is about more than just feeling fatigued. To be diagnosed with CFS, the fatigue must persist for at least 6 consecutive months and severely interfere with your daily life. Plus, of all the symptoms that can occur due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you’ll likely only be diagnosed if you’re experiencing four or more symptoms at any one time.

Plus, CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), has overlapping symptoms with other associated disorders or diseases. As you can already see, this is a complicated disorder.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are a few theories on the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but none have been fully conclusive. Some suggest a viral illness, others theorise that CFS is purely psychological.

Suggested theories on the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:

• Infection Theory: Viruses such as Epstein Barr virus, Hepatitis C, Retrovirus, and others have been associated with CFS but there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest a true pathological relationship.
• Neuroendrocinological Theory: About 70% of the symptoms of CFS overlap with fibromyalgia which is related to the nervous and endocrine systems but again, it’s difficult to draw a link.
• Biopsychosocial Theory: There is a strong correlation between depression and CFS and there is evidence to suggest that childhood trauma increases the risk of developing CFS later in life.
• Sleep and Nutrition Theory: Some studies suggest that delayed dim light melatonin onset is associated with CFS due to its effects on circadian rhythm. Additionally, a diet poor in omega-3, omega-6, and zinc are connected to CFS. Again, this research is inconclusive.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In addition to prolonged fatigue for at least 6 months, and overwhelming fatigue caused by minimal physical activity, other symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:

• Exertional malaise
• Sleep disturbance
• Cognitive impairment
• Decreased concentration
• An impaired short-term memory
• Myalgia
• Frequent or recurring sore throat
• Fever
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Multiple joint pain without swelling or redness
• Mediated hypotension (lightheadedness, low blood pressure and pulse, visual dimming, slow response to verbal stimuli)
• Tender lymph nodes in neck or armpit

Again, just as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is mysterious in and of itself, these symptoms are also inconclusive in nature. Severity varies from person to person and the symptoms often ebb and flow, alternating between periods of illness and remission.

However, although someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may feel “back to normal,” the symptoms will often resume.

Other Disorders Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

As previously mentioned, other disorders and diseases can often present similar symptoms to CFS and therefore suggest some kind of connection. These disorders include:

• Neurally mediated hypotension
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome
• Interstitial cystitis
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Prolapsed mitral valve
• Migraines
• Allergies
• Multiple chemical sensitivities
• Sicca syndrome
• Obstructive or central sleep apnea

There are also a few possible differential diagnoses of CFS including:

• Lyme disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Mononucleosis
• Thyroid conditions
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Various cancers
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder

What Can I Do for Chronic Fatigue?

Unfortunately, because so little is understood about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there is no cure for its associated symptoms. Therefore, a combination of treatments is recommended when it comes to managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Pharmacological Therapy

To manage the symptoms of CFS, the following medications are typically used with varying results:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Medications for sleep disturbances
• Modafinil
• Medications for joint pain
• Pain-relievers/fever reducers
• NSAIDs for headaches

*We would always be recommending to scheduling an appointment with your local GP to discuss your management of CFS. 

Psychological Management

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has become a common treatment for CFS. This form of cognitive therapy works with patients to create a consistent approach to activities, sleeping habits, and unhelpful thought patterns.

For those suffering from extreme CFB, cognitive therapy can help you to deal with any underlying psychological issues and is often combined with other forms of treatment.

For more information on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy please visit this link https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cognitive-behaviour-therapy

Self Management

When those with CFS attempt to manage their symptoms on their own, they actually can see improved results. Self-pacing, stretching, breathing exercises, and yoga have all been reported as beneficial.

Again, however, it’s common to apply these self-management strategies in addition to trying other methods to treat your CFS.

Lifestyle Management

Lifestyle management refers to managing your physical and psychological well-being through structured plans centred around your lifestyle choices. For example, lifestyle management might include:

• Preventing overexertion
• Stress reduction techniques
• Dietary restrictions
• Nutritional supplements

Physiotherapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Physiotherapy has been incredibly effective in treating chronic fatigue. Again, combined with other treatments, people with CFS have seen promising results from their work with a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy, in particular, will focus on two key aspects of your CFS: learning to live with your limitations due to this condition and creating a graded exercise therapy program to avoid the “crash and burn” effect.

For example, since chronic fatigue doesn’t ever go away, it’s a difficult reality to accept. There may be extended periods of feeling strong and “cured,” only to be totally debilitated when the condition returns.

Your Physiotherapist will help to prevent this by creating a structured program that won’t push you too far past your limits. Long story short, the goal is to expand your functionality without overloading your system.

To do so, your Physio along with an Exercise Physiologist might employ some of the following techniques:

• Pain control modalities
• Heat or cryotherapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Electrical stimulation
• Hydrotherapy
• Education on the treatment options listed above
• Graded exercise therapy

Ready to take control of your life again? Sick of letting your CFS run the show? Book an appointment with us today and we’ll connect you with one of Physiotherapists Or Exercise Physiologists, whatever is most appropriate . Visit one of our convenient clinics located throughout Australia or book our mobile physio services that come to you!

Date Published: Thursday, July 16, 2020