Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a debilitating illness with no known cause, diagnostic test, or universally effective treatment, in spite of 25 years of research and more than 5,000 studies in the peer-reviewed literature.

According to CFIDS association of America the characteristic symptoms of CFS As the name chronic fatigue syndrome suggests, this illness is marked by fatigue—a severe, incapacitating fatigue that isn’t improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Although its name trivializes the illness as little more than tiredness, CFS brings with it a constellation of debilitating symptoms.

The bone-deep fatigue of CFS is accompanied by characteristic symptoms lasting at least 6 months, which include: sleep difficulties (e.g., falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking un-refreshed), problems with concentration and short-term memory, joint pain (without swelling), muscle pain, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, and headache. A distinctive hallmark of the illness is postexertional malaise (extreme fatigue after exercise, lasting 24 hours or more), a worsening of symptoms following even very modest physical or mental exertion that can persist for days or weeks.

Who is at risk?

• Estimates vary, but at least one million Americans have (CFS)
• Research indicates that prevalence is highest with people aged 40 to 59 but people of every ages can have it.
• CFS affects women at 4 times the rate of men

How is it treated? There is no known cure treatment is aimed at symptom relief and improve function

Consider Neuromuscular Therapy as a supportive treatment
Scientific research on the idea that injured and tight soft tissues cause dysfunction is well documented, yet very little is heard about the results because this area is not the emphasis and focus of the traditional medical world. To effectively treat a condition, one must know the cause.  The stress involved in those with CFIDS and fibromyalgia needs to be addressed in some form, as this is the primary reason for their high levels of pain and dysfunction. By addressing this stress, it allows Neuromuscular Therapy to be effective in eliminating the soft tissue dysfunction.

Other related syndromes and disorders

• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Postural orthostastic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) or neurally mediated hypotension (NMH)
• Interstitial cystitis
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)