The Difference Between Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are quite similar. Since they are quite similar, it makes it a challenge for most physicians to diagnose and treat. Presently, there is no definitive means to attain a diagnosis of either disorder, which means that physicians usually have to collect a volume of information from the patient to determine what the cause of the symptoms may be. The first thing a physician may do is conduct some research on whether there is a family history of either one of these disorders. If somebody else in the family has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome there is a greater risk that you will be too.

There are some people who will try to self-diagnose between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, as several of the symptoms can be alike and some of the treatments can be very similar. The risk in trying to self-diagnose any disorder is that if you are wrong in your assumptions, you will be searching for a treatment for your disorder that is inappropriate or even dangerous. It would be best to seek professional medical counsel if you think that you are suffering from either one of these disorders. Make an appointment with a physician that would be willing to hear about your many symptoms and carefully study your medical records to ensure that you obtain the best diagnosis and treatment program that you can.

Similarities between Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are a few symptoms that are common to both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These can include painful muscles and joints as well as extreme fatigue. These symptoms can extend to additional symptoms, including depression, troubles with concentration and headaches. There are some physicians that believe because of the similarities in the symptoms between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, that they are apart of a continuum and are really at opposite ends of the same disorder. For example, with fibromyalgia, the focal point is on the chronic pain, which will include soreness at a number of pressure points around the body. With chronic fatigue syndrome, the principal focus is on the fatigue, which can worsened with physical exertion and contribute to impaired mental function.

It is believed that a contributing factor to both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is a poor immune system. It is also believed that chronic fatigue syndrome could be brought on by a virus. However, the truth is that physicians are not certain what causes fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, only that there are available treatments that can be effective in managing the symptoms of most patients. The principal focus of treatment for both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is in coping with the pain and the sleeping disorders by using drugs and other treatment alternatives. Physical exercise and diet are also considered to be significant in handling the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.