Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?

By Dr. Dave Edenfield

Chronic fatigue syndrom (Photo credit: MyBestTreat)

We have all been there, in a state of mind and body where you just feel like you don’t have the energy to get

 through the day.  For most of us it is a fleeting occurrence that happens once in a blue moon.  Usually it is the result of staying up too late, or trying to cram too many activities into a weekend.  But for others it is a constant companion that relentlessly causes them to feel run down and tired most of the time.  No amount of rest seems to relieve the feeling of malaise.  This can lead to clinical depression.    If this condition has happened to you or someone you know, do not despair.  Because it is a treatable condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Common symptoms include:

·         Feeling exhausted even after sleeping 8 hours or more

·         Muscle and joint aches

·         Intense headaches

·         Sudden severe fatigue, especially following a flu-like illness

·         Swollen lymph glands in the neck or armpits

·         Inability to concentrate

While there is no definitive cause for CFS, it has been known to be associated with viral infection or immune system reactions.  While there is no laboratory test that can pinpoint CFS as the cause of chronic fatigue, your health care provider may be able to rule out other causes by conducting a consultation and physical exam.  By asking a few simple questions and ruling out other conditions, your health care provider can determine if CFS is to blame.  Then treatment can begin.

Since chronic fatigue syndrome presents itself as an emotional as well as physical condition, both these factors will need to be taken into consideration.  For the physical side, a combination of herbs, vitamins and dietary changes can help to ease the symptoms.  A number of herbs and other homeopathic remedies have been known to improve overall energy.  B-vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D and beta-carotene among other supplements have been known to reduce symptoms and/or boost immune response, as can Echinacea and ginseng.  (Consult a health care professional before using any of these.)

Xray-Keith-Spondylosis-1.jpg (Photo credit: yugenro)

Other treatments, such as massage and stretching exercises can also be of benefit, since stress can be a 

major trigger for CFS.  Several studies have indicated that people with CFS who exercise regularly present fewer symptoms than those who do not.  Spinal manipulation such as that used by chiropractors can also help to correct spinal misalignments, reduce pressure on associated nerves, and in short reduce pain that may underlie this debilitating condition.

As for reducing the emotional toll, there are several treatment modalities from which to choose.   Counseling and support groups are a great way to converse with others familiar with the condition.  Since many CFS sufferers are mislabeled as malingerers or their condition is otherwise ridiculed as an excuse for poor performance by those not afflicted, just having the opportunity to discuss the syndrome with others who understand what CFS is all about can help start the healing process. 

Even worse than the condition is the isolation that comes with the disease.  You need to know that while there might not yet be a cure for CFS, with treatment there is hope for those who are sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time.

Dr. Dave Edenfield  and Dr. Steven Warfield are part of the team of doctors and therapists at http://www.lakewoodchiropracticjax.com/ who are dedicated to helping you and your family lead  healthier, happier and pain-free lives.