Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are often associated with each other due to their similarities. They can co-exist in the same person and can be triggered by the same problem. They also share some identical features. Extreme fatigue happens to be one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are not the same condition.
Are They the Same Condition?
Doctors, patients, and their families are plagued by the issue of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM). It is a popular belief that they are just two names for the same thing. Some professionals in the medical field consider FM and CFS as one condition, while others treat them separately.
Interestingly, research done by the Arthritis Foundation reported that about 50 to 70 percent of people that have been diagnosed with either of the conditions fit the criteria for the other. Why is it so? This could be due to these reasons:
Their similarities
The lack of definitive diagnostic tests to confirm or deny either condition
The fact that these conditions often co-exist
Similar Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue have several similar symptoms, including the following:
Chronic widespread pain
Extreme exhaustion
Dizziness
Cognitive issues such as problems thinking clearly
Problems with memory
Clumsiness and impaired coordination
Sleep disturbance
Another similarity between FM and CFS is that they share the same common triggers:
Injury or an accident
Psychological or physical stress
Physical exertion
Lack of enough sleep
Acute illness
There are also many overlapping conditions that are associated with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Some of them are those listed below:
Chronic headaches
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome)
Depression and anxiety
Explaining Their Similarities
It’s unclear why fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are very much alike, but there are a couple of existing theories. One widely agreed theory is that both of the conditions involve improperly regulated neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).
Researchers have studied for many years to determine the correct classification for FM and CFS. They have thought of neuroimmune disorders, functional somatic syndromes, multisystem illnesses, and neuroendocrine immune disorders. The one that stood out is the most recent classification — central sensitivity syndrome or CSS — and also the most accepted by the medical community. The critical feature of CSS is the involvement of the function of the central nervous system.
Those who have CSS are highly sensitive to certain triggers such us touch, chemicals or fragrances, certain foods, bright light, certain temperatures, loud noise, and other environmental factors. These triggers are experienced in both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
Comparing Their Differences
Fibromyalgia and CFS may have various overlapping symptoms, but they differ in intensities, and this also serves as one of their identifiers. Fibromyalgia is known for widespread pain, while chronic fatigue is distinguished for extreme exhaustion. Both disorders have these symptoms but in varying degrees.
Chronic fatigue displays flu-like symptoms, including swollen glands, a sore throat, and constant low-grade fever, whereas fibromyalgia involves chronic pain that can be caused by even a light touch. Both disorders have an adverse response to exertion, but it is more intense for those with chronic fatigue and is referred to as post-exertion malaise. Fibromyalgia is distinct in it’s severe pain conditions and sleep issues not related to chronic fatigue.
How Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Are Related
As mentioned earlier, the central nervous system plays a crucial part in both of these conditions. The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord, brain, and brainstem. The body relays messages via the spinal cord about the function of the body. The brainstem accepts these messages, sends them to the brain and then accepts, sends out, and coordinates the brain's signals. The central nervous system needs to be working correctly to allow the body to function at its best.
A study observed fibromyalgia patients using blink reflex to know if their cognitive response was impaired. There were ten female FM patients and 26 healthy controls. The results showed that blink reflex was normal; however, blink reflex prepulse inhibition was decreased in the FM patients, implying changes at the brainstem level. Another study examined CFS patients for brain perfusion abnormalities. The research confirmed that hypoperfusion was present in all CFS patients and not in those without the condition.
This leads us to the question: what could be causing a problem with the brainstem?
An Underlying Cause of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
One often-overlooked source of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is a misalignment of the bones of the upper cervical spine. The C1 and C2 vertebrae provide protection to the intricate brainstem. Accidents such as whiplash, or any injury to the head or neck can cause these bones to misalign. This can lead to the brainstem being subjected to undue pressure, causing it to malfunction. When this happens, wrong signals can be sent to the brain, such as the intensity of the pain the body feels.
Dr. Dickholtz, a well-known upper cervical chiropractor, teamed up with other medical professionals to learn if upper cervical chiropractic actually works in treating fibromyalgia. The results of the study confirmed that all patients increased their energy levels, and improved their social skills and overall health after getting upper cervical care.
Here at N8 Upper Cervical in Metro Manila, we have the necessary training and expertise to find these misalignments and help our patients to realign them using a very gentle, accurate method. If you are looking for a fibromyalgia chiropractic specialist in Manila, our clinic is an excellent place to start. See positive results in your fibromyalgia in just a few adjustments, like many of our patients have reported.
To schedule a consultation with N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic clinic, call (02) 8553-6218 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.