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Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are NAMES given to a set of symptoms. The name fibromyalgia is straight forward. The terms for fatigue are more complex. Fatigue , chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS) and ME/CFS.

There is still no uniformity of opinion or agreement about these conditions. There is still much to learn. Our approach is that the two condition will in time be found to have multiple causes due to malfunctions in the different mind and body pathways.

A simple way to think of the difference between FM and CFS in a practical way is that they are on a symptom spectrum.
Those with FM have higher levels of pain and less fatigue and those with CFS have greater levels of fatigue and less pain. There are individuals in whom the fatigue and pain issues are of equal intensity.

Most people feel the pain of fibromyalgia as aching, stiffness and tiredness in muscles. Symptoms may feel worse first thing in the morning or as the day goes on, or with activity. Symptoms may affect only one part of the body or several different areas such as limbs, neck or back. Often these symptoms result in individuals becoming physically unfit and unable to do usual physical tasks resulting in a diminished quality of life.

Fatigue (tiredness) may be the most severe aspect of fibromyalgia. Fatigue is as difficult to describe as pain.

There may be overall tiredness and lack of energy, muscular fatigue or lack of endurance. mental or physical activity may induce a prolonged experience of fatigue. Fatigue can limit function so that it can be difficult to climb the stairs, do the household chores, or go shopping . It can limit the cacity to work. Becoming less fit may make matters worse.

Other symptoms can include:

  • tingling, numbness, poor circulation or swelling of the hands and feet.
  • headache, irritability, feeling low or weepy.
  • forgetfulness and poor concentration.” brain fog”
  • needing to pass water or feeling an urgent need to pass water.
  • fluctuating constipation and loose stools cramps and bloating. “Irritable bowel”
  • Waking up feeling unrefreshed and as if you have not slep

In the past fibromyalgia was often diagnosed as muscular rheumatism or fibrositis. Often it was misdiagnosed as degenerative disease of the joints or as a result of “ageing”.

Research has now led to a much clearer picture of fibromyalgia, and the diagnosis is being made more often by rheumatologists and general practitioners.

There are no diagnostic tests for FM and CFS and the diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and exclusion of other possible diseases with overlapping symptoms.

Extensive research has confirmed that these conditions are not due to any injury or damage to body tissues yet the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are real. Sophisticated tests reveal abnormalities in the immune system and in the brain but the changes observed are also seen in other conditons and there is noting specific.

Current research indicates that the symptoms of FM and CSF are most likely due to

  • a malfunction of the PAIN SYSTEM and not due to any damage or injury to the muscles.
  • and the pain in FM does not lead to any permanent damage to the body.
  • a malfunction of the brain and adrenal gland hormone systems

However when in pain the movement of the body is altered often resulting in further discomfort.

Most research indicates that the symptoms are due to an imbalance in the pain systems and stress hormone systems of the body. This knowledge gives access to potential therapeutic approaches.

The severity of the symptoms may range from being mild and intermittent to severe and persistent. These conditions are common and are present in about 5% of women and 0.5% of men.

Tender points are usually present in certain specific areas of the body. The tender point count was in the past mostly used for research purposes and it now rarely used as it is a non specific finding.

The knowledge about these conditions is growing rapidly and one goal of the Lewis Institute for Health and Wellbeing is to make this knowledge available for individuals with this condition.