Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment – Find Relevant Information

The understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia is something that continues to evolve in the medical world. The two illnesses are similar in regards to fatigue as a major symptom, but fibromyalgia patients tend to have a higher level of physical, debilitating pain. The prevailing chronic fatigue syndrome treatment approach is two-pronged in that it pairs medication with self-care such as increased exercise. Let’s take a look at the disorder in depth.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The chief complaint among chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers is deep, prolonged tiredness for months or years on end. There likely is some physical pain involved as well, but an unexplained lack of energy is always involved. Other top items on the symptoms list are a sore throat, problems sleeping, headaches, muscle or joint pain, dizziness and the inability to concentrate. Depression is common in most cases as well, as are tender lymph nodes.

Medical Response

For decades, doctors resisted classifying CFS as an actual disorder. They were more likely to diagnose patients with depression, arthritis or insomnia. Each of these problems might have been treated on its own, not as a package of related maladies. Finally, the medical community has come around to general acceptance of CFS as a disorder that affects thousands of patients, mainly women.

Drug Treatment

The standard approach to chronic fatigue syndrome treatment usually involves the prescription of some type of medication. This might be an antidepressant, sleeping aid or both. If patients can treat their symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications and by avoiding caffeine, that is the first suggestion a doctor is likely to make. However, because a low-level antidepressant drug can also help with sleep disturbances, that’s a popular prescription for chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Moderate Exercise

Although it may seem counterintuitive to suggest a chronically tired person partake of moderate exercise, studies have shown physical movement can help sufferers. Completely inactive patients may start with some simple arm movements that don’t even involve standing up. Those people a little more used to movement might be comfortable in a low-impact aerobics class or one designed for senior citizens, even if they are not of that age. The point is to get patients moving and increase their bodies’ level of health. Of course, being tired as a result of exercise may also help mitigate sleeping problems CFS sufferers usually struggle with.

Talk Therapy

Along with physical therapy, many chronic fatigue syndrome treatment plans involve some sort of talk therapy. Even if the counselor is just suggesting lifestyle changes that could improve a patient’s quality of life, talking about the disorder can help relieve stress. Therapists, along with support groups, can go a long way toward providing patients with the support and camaraderie they are seeking.

There are many ways in which chronic fatigue syndrome patients can work to improve their symptoms and daily lives. With a focused plan involving both prescription medications and light exercise, along with talk therapy, sufferers can work to achieve a more normal, healthy lifestyle. It may not be an easy process, but in time they are likely to see results.

Let’s take a look at the disorder in depth, or you can learn more about it by clicking here.