Return to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Lifestyle Changes

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or what used to be dismissed as "yuppy flu," is taken more seriously these days. Still, those who have it not only fight fatigue, but also the frustration of finding a drug or treatment that helps them.

At least a half million Americans have a CFS-like condition (also called chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome or CFIDS), which is characterized by severe, persistent fatigue and often associated with difficulties in sleep and concentration, aching muscles and joints, headaches, sore throat, and depression. Fibromyalgia (FM), a similar disorder, also causes fatigue and widespread, chronic pain. The association between CFS and depression is not yet completely understood and there appears to be a significant amount of overlap. Do not become angry if your doctor considers the diagnosis of depression if you complain of chronic fatigue. Treatment for depression may result in significant improvement.

Prior to 1990 CFS and FM were consistently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed entirely because physicians didn't know much about the subject, had trouble getting an accurate diagnosis or simply didn't believe the conditions existed. Although CFS and FM are better diagnosed today, the cause - or causes - still are unclear and treatment is often a matter of trial and error.

Treatment is "whatever works," says Mari Skelly, the co-author of the book Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Adventures in healing

Skelly and Helm recommend the following alternatives:

• Vitamins and supplements from A to Z

  Antioxidants increase cell function by eliminating harmful free radicals.

  • Chinese herbs flush toxins from the body.
  • Evening primrose oil is an essential fatty acid that helps transport oxygen across membranes and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
  • Ginkgo biloba enhances oxygen availability and aids in memory.
  • Magnesium aids in muscle function.
  • MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) is used for muscle pain relief.
  • Vitamin B complex is for energy.
  • Vitamin C supports adrenal gland and immune system function.
  • Vitamin E helps lubricate cells.
  • Zinc supports immune system function.

• Osteopathy and chiropractic adjustments. Both therapies involve hands-on manipulation of the body, which helps to keep the body aligned properly, increases blood flow to injured areas and can impart a sense of well-being.

  If you are looking for a chiropractor, make sure they know how to treat FM and CFS. Also, chiropractic care is not appropriate if you have gross inflammation.

• Chinese medicine. Herbs, including astragalus (huang chi), to increase energy and build resistance to disease; licorice (gan t'sao), for treatment of stomach problems and adrenal exhaustion; ginger root, for digestion; turmeric, an anti-inflammatory that helps with digestion; and linden flowers, which strengthen the lungs. Slow, meditative chi kung exercises can help foot pain.
• Acupuncture. This ancient healing practice can relieve pain and stiffness. Micro-thin needles are inserted into different points on the body to get the body's energy back into balance.
• Tai chi and Chi Kung (movement therapy). Both help the body relax from a muscle spasm and injury. Tai chi, originally developed as a self-defense martial art, is characterized by slow, rhythmic movements and effortless breathing. Tai chi is a continuous movement type of exercise, but you can do chi kung exercises standing in one place.
• Exercise, physical therapy, yoga. A number of patients quoted in the book talk about regaining strength and ease of movement through regular exercise and physical therapy. Although strenuous exercise should be avoided, the authors say, even 15 minutes a day of exercise significantly can impact your mobility.

Both Skelly and Helm say the search for the right combination of medication and therapies is often difficult but not impossible. If your physician is only willing to try conventional therapies, they say take advantage of them, but remember to explore the alternatives under your doctor's care.

Treatment for CFS and FM takes time, money and referrals and insurance and reimbursements, they write. And, they say, "It takes diligence. It takes patience. It takes an overwhelming desire to be well."

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External Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Center for Infectious Diseases CFIDS Association of America

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.