How are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome different?
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Celeste Cooper answered:The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is muscle pain and the primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS/ME, is fatigue.
They do share some common comorbid conditions, and both are thought to have central nervous system disruption, however, disruptions are different between the two.
Newer research shows specific biological differences between FM and CFS/ME. Both are considered neuroendocrine immune disorders, as is Lyme’s disease, Gulf War Syndrome, Lupus, and others. Though they fall under the same umbrella, they are all different.
We explain the differences and the similarities, why they are confused and the importance in having the right diagnosis in Chapter One, “All about Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction — The Muster to Master, Chronic Myofascial Pain — Nerve to Muscle, and Double Cross. There are also checklists for each disorder that you can use to inventory your symptoms and provide to your physician or other healthcare provider. There is also a glossary of terms that describe pain.
All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press
Find out more about this book: Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofa...
The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is muscle pain and the primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS/ME, is fatigue. They do share some common comorbid conditions, and both are thought to have central nervous system disruption, however,... More -
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD answered:Chronic fatigue syndrome is sometimes hard to distinguish from fibromyalgia. With chronic fatigue syndrome, the fatigue lasts more than six months with no other medical problem to explain it. And that interferes with daily activities at home and work.
A study from the American College of Rheumatology suggests that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may even overlap in the same person. With both conditions, the fatigue and other symptoms seem to increase after periods of high stress or physical exertion.
Other studies have indicated that many people who were initially diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome probably have fibromyalgia. After some of these people started the specific treatment for fibromyalgia, their symptoms lessened dramatically and their energy levels increased. Some common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- relentless fatigue
- memory and concentration problems
- sore throat
- swollen lymph nodes
- muscle and joint pains
- headaches
- poor sleep that is not restful
- exhaustion after exercise.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulChronic fatigue syndrome is sometimes hard to distinguish from fibromyalgia. With chronic fatigue syndrome, the fatigue lasts more than six months with no other medical problem to explain it. And that interferes with daily activities at... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Like blowing a fuse, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent common end points for numerous different problems. Basically they represent an energy crisis in your body. In real life, most people who have fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue syndrome. Nevertheless, both of these processes present dozens of different problems that need to be looked for and treated. Whether you label it chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia is less important.
Like blowing a fuse, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent common end points for numerous different problems. Basically they represent an energy crisis in your body. In real life, most people who have fibromyalgia also have chronic... More -
Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and FM are alike in many ways. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to have both FM and CFS. Some experts believe that FM and CFS are in fact the same disorder, but expressed in slightly different ways. Both CFS and FM have pain and fatigue as symptoms.
The main symptom of CFS is extreme tiredness. CFS often begins after having flu-like symptoms. But people with CFS do not have the tender points that people with FM have. To be diagnosed with CFS, a person must have:
- Extreme fatigue for at least 6 months that cannot be explained by medical tests
- Forgetting things or having a hard time focusing
- Feeling tired even after sleeping
- Muscle pain or aches Pain or aches in joints without swelling or redness
- Feeling discomfort or "out-of- sorts" for more than 24 hours after being active
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or strength
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the arm
- Sore throat
This answer is based upon source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and FM are alike in many ways. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to have both FM and CFS. Some experts believe that FM and CFS are in fact the same disorder, but expressed in slightly different ways. Both CFS... More
