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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Deep Dive
What is chronic fatigue syndrome and its history?
A detailed description of the disease
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and often misunderstood illness. It is characterized by feeling a constant and overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest. Other symptoms can include muscle pain, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems. The disease is more common in women aged 40-60 years, but anyone can suffer from CUS, including children.
How it is defined and what the main symptoms are
To be diagnosed with CUS, the fatigue must be so severe that it impedes an individual’s ability to perform daily activities by at least 50%. Specific history and symptom criteria must be met by the patient. Other diseases with similar symptoms must also be excluded. There is no specific test to diagnose CUS.
When did the disease first become known?
CUS began to gain attention in the 1980s, but has probably been around for much longer. It has often been labeled as ‘imaginary’ or ‘psychological’, but thanks to research it has become a legitimate disease.
How has understanding of the disease evolved over time?
Understanding of CUS has been slow to develop, partly due to a lack of knowledge but also a lack of research. With ongoing research and increasing awareness, the complexity and prevalence of the disease is now beginning to be understood.
Causes and diagnosis
Discussion of the known causes or theories about the origin of the disease
No known single cause of CUS has been identified. It is thought to be a disease that can be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Some theories suggest that bacterial or viral infections may cause CUS.
How does the diagnosis process work? Any common myths or mistakes in diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis is often a challenging and lengthy process. It requires a holistic assessment including medical history, symptoms and sometimes even blood tests and MRI scans. Many healthcare providers often have little knowledge of CUS. This can make it easy to be misunderstood and not taken seriously. A common myth about CUS is that ‘it’s all in the head’. The diagnosis of CUS has long been controversial as different criteria have been used. With ongoing research, these criteria are also likely to be modified.
Impact on everyday life
Living with CUS can have a major impact on your everyday life. It can affect your work life, relationships and overall quality of life. Many patients report a sense of isolation and misunderstanding, which worsens their condition.
Fascia treatment: a complementary perspective
What is fascia and why is it relevant?
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that permeates and envelops everything in our body such as muscles, joints and organs. It plays a major role in movement and circulation and can be affected by prolonged stress and pain, which is common in CUS.
Fascia treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome
Fascial therapy aims, among other things, to relieve tension, reduce pain and increase circulation in the body. Thus, fascial therapy can relieve some symptoms of CUS. It is not a cure, but it can be a valuable complement to other treatments.
Lifestyle advice and success stories
Changing lifestyle can be an important part of managing CUS. This involves eating a nutritious and balanced diet, exercising to the best of your ability and managing stress through relaxation exercises, for example. There are many success stories where people have improved their quality of life through these changes.
Book Fascia treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome
If you are interested in exploring fascia treatment as part of your treatment, there are many qualified and specialized therapists available. It can be a valuable resource in your quest to manage and perhaps even improve your condition.
