Fibromyalgia and Fatigue: How Both are Linked by COEM in Charleston, SC

According to Medical Research Information, fibromyalgia is considered a muscle disorder while CFS is linked to viral infections. However, both share some similarities, such as the following common symptoms: fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and chronic pain.

Researchers reveal that both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome mostly occur in middle-aged people, especially more in women than men. 80 to 90% of people with fibromyalgia fatigue are women. CFS is four times more likely to occur in females than in males. These similarities serve as a link between the two disorders.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are not autoimmune diseases. However, they share symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as fatigue and pain.

Feeling exhausted and lingering tiredness are symptoms of fibromyalgia. People feel tired even after a good night’s sleep. They say that it is like having the flu. Simple things such as cooking, ironing, folding clothes, and shopping can make you tired.

Yes. Extreme fatigue can range from mild tiredness to the exhaustion that you experience during a flu-like condition. Severe fatigue occurs suddenly and can make you feel completely drained.

Fibromyalgia symptoms may vary from person to person and generally include:

• Widespread pain
• Muscles spasms
• Extreme sensitivity to bright lights, smoke, pain, and certain foods
• Poor quality sleep
• Stiffness
• Extreme fatigue
• Tenderness of the joints, tendons, and muscles
• Trouble concentrating, learning, and remembering
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Slow or confused speech
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Some people with fibromyalgia may also experience symptoms such as:

• Clumsiness
• Feeling too hot or cold
• Dizzy spells
• Numbness or tingling in feet or hands
• Restless legs syndrome

You can have fibromyalgia without fatigue because its major symptom is widespread pain. You may experience pain on the left and right side of the body, above and below the waist, or especially on the neck and shoulders.

Also Read – Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Here are some tips that will help you manage fibromyalgia and fatigue:

• Identify and stay away from the factors that trigger your symptoms
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet that includes vegetables, healthy fats, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly
• Treat your other conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, or depression
• Do meditation and yoga to reduce stress
• Sleep at least 8 to 9 hours
• Take nutritional supplements prescribed by your doctor
• Get plenty of rest
• Consider alternative therapies to reduce morning stiffness and anxiety

Contact us or schedule an appointment with us if you are looking for expert treatment for fibromyalgia fatigue. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.

Dr. Allan D Lieberman

Dr. Allan Lieberman is the founder and the medical director of the Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM) which specializes in Environmental Medicine and Toxicology. Dr. Lieberman has been practicing medicine for the last 58 years, and as a research scientist, he has published many research articles. He is a highly-respected member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and also specializes in Pediatrics.