Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one of the most discouraging things that can happen to you. You feel lousy all the time, and nobody can find out what is wrong with you. Sometimes health care professionals treat you like a crazy lady, and after a while you begin to wonder if they are right.

CFS really does exist. And you are not crazy. There’s a lot we don’t understand about this mysterious illness, but at least a million Americans have it. That is, about a million Americans meet the strict “research diagnostic criteria” for CFS. Another ten million or more have severe fatigue, but do not have all the accompanying symptoms. Women are four times more likely to have CFS than men are, and it most often begins in their 40’s or 50’s.

SYMPTOMS

People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are tired. They experience extreme fatigue, and it doesn’t get better with sleep. Stress or activity can make it worse. These people are unable to function at the same level of activity they are used to. There is no diagnostic test for CFS.

The “diagnostic criteria” for CFS are:

• Severe chronic fatigue for at least six months

• PLUS four or more of the following symptoms

o Poor short term memory

o Trouble concentrating

o Sore throat

o Tender lymph nodes

o Muscle pain

o Pain in more than one joint without redness or swelling

o Headaches

o Unrefreshing sleep

o Post-exertional fatigue that lasts more than 24 hours

• The accompanying symptoms must have persisted or recurred during at least six consecutive months, and started after the fatigue began

• There is no other discoverable cause for the fatigue

CAUSE

The cause of CFS is unknown. Some possibilities include immune system disorders, endocrine disorders, nervous system disorders, genetic factors, environmental factors, viral infections and others. One thing that has been established is that CFS is NOT caused by depression, although many CFS sufferers do become depressed.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

There is no definitive treatment for CFS, and what helps one person may not help another. For the most part, physicians treat the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications are given for pain. Antidepressants are used to treat depression if it is present. Antidepressants may also help with pain. Sometimes stimulants, such as modafinil (Provigil) provide some relief from the fatigue.

Physical therapy may be very helpful in dealing with pain and in determining a tolerable exercise regimen.

For the most part, treating CFS involves lifestyle changes to manage the fatigue. Techniques that help some people include:

• Keeping a diary to find out what times of day your energy normally peaks, so that you can schedule activities during those times. This also helps identify things that help or that worsen the fatigue.

• Massage therapy.

• Acupuncture.

• Chiropractic treatments.

• Therapeutic touch.

• Herbal treatments, such as ginko biloba.

• Omega 3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil or flax seed oil.

• Establishing a predictable daily routine.

• Pacing yourself.

• Avoiding stress.

• Getting some exercise every day.

• Expressing emotions, including the normal grief over the loss of energy and lifestyle, and depression.

• Getting good support. Sometimes a support group of other CFS sufferers helps.

• Stretching once or twice a day.

It may take some experimentation to discover what works for you. You will have to take charge of your own health if you have CFS; there is not much your doctor can do to help you. There is, however, a lot you can do to help yourself. You will have limitations, and you will have to learn to adapt to and live with those limitations, but having CFS isn’t a hopeless situation. You can still enjoy life and loving relationships while living within your limitations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Penny Watkins is a freelance writer working for [http://pillspills.net]. She worked for over twenty years as a registered nurse, specializing in cardiovascular nursing.

Chronic Pain Management for Cancer Patients

Chronic untreated pain is debilitating, it dramatically affects a patient's ability to participate in daily routines and in some cases takes away their will to live. Tragically, many people are suffering chronic pain unnecessarily. This in part, due to them not being made aware of the importance of pain management and being shown the simple tools necessary to achieve it. Lack of knowledge regarding the benefits and side effects of available medication is also a factor.

Many patients associate morphine and methadone with drug addiction and are reluctant to take it due to their belief that it will cause them to become "high" or sedated, this and their attempts to brave out the pain, results in their pain spirally out of control. This could be prevented if they were informed that chronic pain effectively "uses up" medication and that these drugs when taken for the relief of pain associated with cancer, can dramatically reduce both the occurrence and intensity of pain, without causing sedation.

Not long after my husband's terminal cancer diagnosis, I observed that despite his medication, he was in considerable pain and this upset me greatly - determined to help him, I turned to the internet to learn about the progressive symptoms of his disease, the pain he would experience and methods available to control it.

One of the most important things I learned, was that in order to obtain the best possible pain control - medication must be taken at regular prescribed times, regardless of whether pain is or isn't present, effectively keeping in front of the pain.

I learned that there are different types of pain and that not all pain responds to the same medication; and how to measure intensity of pain and encouraged Brian to communicate to me - the type of pain he was experiencing and its intensity by using a pain scale. Brian soon realized the benefits of this - It was an immense relief for him- to know that I understood what he was experiencing and more importantly - that I could do something about it.

Despite the large amount of methadone Brian was taking; he remained active and alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis and was able to continue going fishing, which was the passion of his life. Keeping him out of pain became the reason for my existence and I was vigilant in giving him his medication at prescribed times.

There were many occasions when caring but uninformed loved ones and friends, said to me. "Brian does not need for you to be giving him medication at this time - he is not in pain". And I would patiently explain to them, that the reason Brian was not in pain, was because the regular medication he was receiving effectively allowed for him to remain in front of it.

Experience has taught me that knowledge is the key, to better quality of life, not only for the cancer patient but for those who care for them. My understanding of the stages and symptoms of Brian's disease, allowed for me to be one step ahead of its progression and gave me the opportunity to have medication and later, physical aids such as oxygen, wheelchair etc - on hand BEFORE Brian needed them. This alleviated much of the fear, pain and discomfort he would otherwise have suffered.

Pain Management - How to Survive Living With Chronic Pain

Pain is one way for the body to get our attention. It is like a wake up call from the grand reaper tapping you on the shoulder when you least expect it, but the fact is he has being tapping you on the shoulder for quite sometime, and you were busy looking left when he was standing on your right.

Now he is staring you right in the face and he keeps poking you with that machete causing you pain. Are you ready to make some changes?

I guess it is time to deal with him and learn how to take control of your pain by taking some positive action.

Survival Tips

Exercise on a Regular Basics

You don't have to start training for a marathon but get up of the couch and do what you can. Trust me you will feel a million times better if you are stretching and moving your body in some way. Exercise can improve your overall health and fitness, as well as your arthritis or joint and muscle pain.

Give Yourself Plenty of Rest

Sleep this is the time when the body takes the opportunity to do some well needed repairs, so if you are not sleeping then figure out why. If you feel like you need more sleep but there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day, then try to manage your time. You will be amazed at the free time you can create when you manage your time more creatively. If pain is preventing sleep then try some relaxation techniques before you go to bed.

Try Massage

What's not to like about massage this is truly a gift to your self. You may try self massage or ask your doctor to recommend a trained expert in this area. Massage gives a wonderful feeling of relaxation to painful joints and muscles.

Try Relaxation Techniques

Learn how to relax. Most of us do not take enough time out to just breathe each day, pain effects most people emotionally and physically. Unfortunately one seems to feed of the other. Speaking of breathing this is one way to relax. When you take a deeper breath you bring more oxygen into the lungs creating more energy. Try to focus on each area of the body, one section at a time, while taking a breath relax the area you are focusing on.

Use Medication Wisely

It is easy for people who are suffering from chronic pain to over medicate when pain gets so unbearable nothing seems to offer relief. Remember the side effects from pain medication can be much worse than the pain itself.

Respect Your Joints to Prevent Further Injury

Get a clue if you keep using those joints the same way you did before they were inflamed then you are asking for trouble. Don't try to do activities that will aggravate your pain further prolonging your recovery.

Get Advice From Professionals

Leave it to the experts to give you the best advice, be it emotional or physical. But at the end of the day trust your body because the body knows best, and where there is pain there is a problem. Do take the time to do your own research and find out what works for you and your well being.

Chronic Pain Management Clinics

Pain management is one area of medicine which has seen several technological advancements across the globe. Spurred by this global happening, chronic pain management clinics in developing countries have also begun using novel techniques in the areas of pain imaging, pain assessment, and intervention for chronic pain management.

Chronic pain can refer to any type of pain that endures even after an injury has been healed, pain connected to any degenerative or relentless disease, long-standing pain for which the cause cannot be identified, or cancer pain. In general, pain that continues even after six months is chronic and requires treatment.

The diagnosis and treatment of a particular patient at a chronic pain management clinic usually requires the involvement of several specialists including anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, physiatrists, neurologists, and nurses. Several therapies are combined in order to at least make the patient feel more comfortable if the pain cannot be stopped, to help him/her return to work, to do away with his/her depression, and to improve his/her physical functioning. Thus, these therapies are medication, surgery, psychological counselling, therapies to stimulate the nerves, lifestyle changes, anesthesiological therapies, and rehabilitation.

Medication recommended for patients in chronic pain management clinics can vary from NSAIDS for pain that is not too bad to narcotic drugs for more severe pain. Physical therapy is one common therapeutic technique used in the management of chronic pain in such clinics. It involves training the patient to enhance his flexibility, endurance, and strength; to move in a way that is structurally correct and safe; and most importantly to handle pain. Therapeutic exercise is an important feature of physical therapy.

Another important technique used in chronic pain management clinics is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). This technique provides relief for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritic pain or pain in the lower back, by the use of low-voltage electric current.

To sum up, once pain has become chronic, complete freedom from the pain is difficult. However, chronic pain management clinics, through the use of multiple techniques used in conjunction with one another, can help sufferers of chronic pain enjoy a happier and more active life.

How Pain Management Specialists Treat Chronic Back Pain and Headaches

Everyone experiences physical discomfort at some point in some part of their body whether it is due to injury, illness, or stress. But when those aches become a constant or a daily part of life, that is a sign of a more serious condition or problem that should be addressed. Two common types of pain are chronic back pain, which is when a patient experiences discomfort in the back for three months or more, and chronic headaches, which is when a patient experiences headaches at least 15 days a month. Over-the-counter medication can sometimes help the symptoms. For long-term relief, patients should seek a pain management specialist.

Chronic back pain is a common reason that people visit pain management specialists. Many times, this soreness is due to an injury that caused damage to the spinal column. Some kinds of spinal column damage include degenerative disc disease, compression fractures, disc herniation, and spinal stenosis. However, many times there is no clear cause of what is hurting the patient. When this happens, it is likely that the nervous system is mistakenly sending a signal of injury even though there is actually no damage at all. This misfiring of signals makes the patient believe there is damage that is not actually present. Pain management specialists who treat patients with chronic back pain will help identify the source of the patient's discomfort, offer an aggressive care program as an alternative to surgery, or, if surgery is necessary, they will uncover the areas that need surgical treatment and help rehabilitate patients after surgery. This type of treatment is beneficial because, in some cases, specialists are able to help patients to pinpoint the areas that hurt and psychologically address the misfiring of nervous system signals without having to undergo surgery.

Chronic headaches are another reason patients seek pain management treatment. The majority of people who suffer from these kinds of headaches experience either chronic migraines, which can predominantly affect one side of the head and cause a pulsating sensation throughout the head, or tension-type headaches, which are usually felt as a throbbing band across the forehead. These types of headaches can be depressing and debilitating to patients, causing them to be unable to attend work, spend time with others, and to sleep through the night. After many years of searching for a cure, doctors are now able to offer patients Botox injections that can reduce the frequency of agonizing headaches. These injections are normally given in the forehead and in the back of the head. Botox is believed to inhibit the processing systems in the brain that create migraines.

Those who suffer daily from chronic aches and strains now have hope that they can end their discomfort once and for all and enjoy the quality of life they deserve. Thanks to the dedication of hard-working doctors, the lives of patients who endure these torments can be drastically improved.

What Are the Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

People with Myofascial pain syndrome have chronic muscle pain in specific locations. This pain can sometimes be severe, and is caused by trigger points.

Trigger points are tightened bands within the muscle. They are switched on by a protective reflex - ie. when you are thrown suddenly to one side your muscles will to into spasm to protect themselves from being stretched too far.

The problem occurs when this muscle spasm is not turned off. Trigger points are spasms in the muscle that remain switched on. They can cause pain locally in the muscle or refer pain to other locations. For example, a trigger in the trapezius muscle of your shoulder can refer pain up your neck.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome describes when you have many of these trigger points actively causing you pain.

To break down the term - Myo is the Greek word for muscle. This is skeletal muscle that moves your joints and bones (as opposed to muscles that work automatically without you thinking like your heart.)

Fascia is the layer beneath your skin that covers all your muscles and joints. It acts like the glue that binds all these together. It does the important job of smoothing out movements by organising the individual muscles into groups which act together.

Syndrome is a word describing a collection of symptoms. This is quite different from a disease. A syndrome is a malfunction that isn't destructive and doesn't cause ongoing damage.

So the malfunction here is the muscles going into a protective spasm and then not releasing. Although Myofascial Pain Syndrome can be extremely painful, it doesn't cause long term damage and can be treated.

You can employ massage, acupuncture and myofascial release to help stop the pain. It's also important to examine your posture and workstation to see if you're causing stress and tension in your muscles that can lead to muscle knots being switched on.

There is a relationship between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia tend to have a lot of active trigger points.

In general, fibromyalgia pain is felt all over the body in a diffuse way, while myofascial pain syndrome is specific to a muscle or a group of muscles. The exact muscle or muscle group that's causing the pain can sometimes be difficult to track down without some knowledge of trigger points.

This is because muscles can refer pain, sometimes to surprising locations, and sometimes quite far from the trigger point itself.

Does Marijuana Work For Chronic Pain Management?

Is medical marijuana superior to prescription analgesics in controlling chronic pain? Chronic pain overall constitutes the single largest usage of medical marijuana. The opioid narcotics that are commonly used to treat chronic pain, like codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone, are potentially addictive. Chronic pain medications may end up leading to tolerance with a need of increasing dosage to maintain effectiveness.

A substantial number of patients find that when treating their chronic pain with medical marijuana, they are able to eliminate or significantly cut down their opiate intake. THC and the other cannabinoids inhibit the acute responses to painful stimuli. They are effective at relieving chronic pain associated with nerve damage and inflammation. There aren't any large scale research projects looking at marijuana's pain relieving efficacy. But there are plenty of case reports showing that marijuana works well for peripheral nerve pain such as the phantom limb pain occurring after an amputation.

Marijuana blocks pain pathways in the central nervous system, but through a different neurochemical signaling system than opiates. Therefore opiates and marijuana may act together as complementary analgesic medications since they are acting in two different ways. Cannabiniods in marijuana may act directly on injured tissues by reducing inflammation around damaged nerves. An example of this would be with a patient who has post-laminectomy syndrome. After a compressed nerve is surgically freed up, the result may be impressive pain relief. However, after a few months to a year one may develop scar tissue around the nerve and have persistent leg pain which then has no further surgical answer.

This peripheral neuropathic pain is where it appears that marijuana treatment shines. Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, HIV, post-surgical scarring, have responded well in case studies to medical marijuana. There is also a neuropathic pain that occurs in MS patients called allodynia which entails significant pain to a normally non-painful stimuli.

Opiates do not have clear indications for neuritis and neuropathy, but marijuana actually has been shown to relieve peripheral neuropathy due to HIV and diabetic neuropathy. THC has been useful for treating phantom pain with amputees, causalgias, neuralgias, and conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.

Medical marijuana has also found success with chronic cancer pain. A study at Univ. of Iowa found oral THC at 5 to 10 mg was as effective as 60mg of Codeine for terminal cancer pain relief.

One question that is obvious - Does marijuana alleviate pain simply because patients no longer care about it? Do the psychoactive effects of marijuana simply shift a patient's attitude about the pain and allow one to "sideline" it? Then the patient may focus on other things. Patients in case studies have stated that while taking opiates for chronic pain it tends to have a depression effect and other side effects such as constipation.

For a patient with debilitating diabetic or chemotherapy induced neuropathy, is it so bad if medical marijuana alleviates pain partially from acting directly on the inflamed and injured nerves and the other part by simply allowing patients the ability to focus on more pleasurable aspects of life?

It's estimated that 20% of Americans are afflicted with migraines. 3/4 of these are women. Back in the 1800's, cannabis was the migraine drug of choice. Many patients say that once the first sign of a migraine attack occurs, such as visual disturbance or ringing in the ears, smoking a joint averts the migraine attack.