Chronic Fatigue : Chiropractic Biophysics Patient Resources

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CSF) is a condition characterized by constant fatigue that tends to worsen with mental and physical exertion and does not improve with rest.

Characteristics of CSF are:

· Malaise after exerting one’s self mentally or physically;

· Unproductive sleep;

· Substantial impairment in memory/concentration;

· Chronic muscle pain;

· Pain in multiple joints;

· Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity;

Sore throat;

· Tender neck or armpit lymph nodes,

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often confused with fibromyalgia syndrome but the two are not the same. Also CFS can be mis-diagnosed as chronic mononucleosis, neurasthenia, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, lyme disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, various cancers, depression and bipolar disorder narcolepsy, and/or multiple chemical sensitivities.

Who Does Chronic Fatigue Affect?

Over 1 million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by CFS and less commonly teenagers are afflicted with this.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The specific cause of CFS is still unknown. However, there are many possible causes being researched including:

· Infections;

· Pathogens;

· Chemical sensitivities;

· Autoimmune disorders.

Examination Procedures for the Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue

Although there are no specific tests for chronic fatigue syndrome, your doctor of chiropractic will most likely perform a complete history, orthopedic tests, x-rays, and possibly send you out for a blood test to rule out other underlying and/or contributing conditions.

Common Chiropractic & Other Conservative Treatments

Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome can be frustrating and slow. Treatment is geared towards homeostasis, improving balance physically, nutritionally (chemically), and mentally.

Conservative treatment can consist of:

· Joint manipulations ;

· Stretching ;

· ROM Exercices ;

· Massage techniques (Myofascial release);

· Posture rehabilitation head, neck, shoulder girdle, and ribcage to reduce further stresses on the shoulder and surrounding joints;

· Diet and nutritional counseling.

Common Medical Interventions

Medical treatment usually consists of anti-inflammatory medications, sleep medications, anti-depressants, and cortisone injections. Due to the common adverse risks associated with anti-inflammatory drugs (stomach bleeding, kidney damage, accidental death, etc…),¹ it is our opinion that Chiropractic treatments should be attempted initially for those patients with spinal and joint involvement.

Chiropractic Care May Have a Positive Influence on Chronic Fatigue

Several outcome investigations have been performed using a variety of conservative Chiropractic procedures aimed at improving the patient’s impairment and disability associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These include 1 randomized clinical trial and a number of case reports in the Chiropractic, peer-reviewed literature.^2-7

Collectively, these investigations indicate that patients benefit from a Chiropractic intervention aimed at improvement in and/or restoration of a patient’s spinal abnormality (termed vertebral Subluxation).^{2- 7} Thus, Chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation procedures offer a safe and effective means of an initial course of treatment for patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue induced health disorders.

References

Moore TJ, Cohen MR, Furberg CD. Serious adverse drug events reported to the food and drug administration; 1998-2005. Archives Internal Med 2007;167(16):1752-1759.
Christman, Herbert K DC. Chiropractic And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chiropractic Economics. 1989; :43-44.
Colloca, Christopher J., DC; Polkinghorn, Bradley S., DC. Chiropractic Management Of Ehlers-DanlosSyndrome: A Report Of Two Cases. Journal Of Manipulative And Physiologic Therapeutics 2003;26:448-459.
DeGeorge, Dwight DC; Gambale, Anthony DC. Cbp Case Study: Wouldn't It Be Nice. AmericanJournal Of Clinical Chiropractic 1995; 4:26-26.
Farinelli, Edward. Effective Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Case Studies Of 70 Patients. The American Chiropractor 1988; :58-61.
Morter, Ted; Schuster, Tonya L. Changes In Salivary Ph And General Health Status Following TheClinical Application Of Bio-Energetic Synchronization. Journal Of Vertebral Subluxation Research1998; 2:1-7.
Palmer, Bj DC, PHC. The Hour Has Arrived. 1930;Cases 1-4 :53-71.

Disclaimer

The primary purpose of this list of and general discussion of health conditions is to inform the public of the possibility that use of Chiropractic care may be associated with positive improvements in a variety of health conditions for patients actively undergoing Chiropractic care. Many of these symptoms require co-management and/or referrals to other health care specialists. This information is not intended, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any individual’s unique health condition.