Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are a closely allied set of disseminated or widespread pain syndromes – almost 70% of the patients will “meet criteria” for both diagnoses. They have been proposed to be an example of a central pain syndrome, and explained as a form of central sensitization. There is a supposed association with mood disorders, but a large number of these patients do not have emotional dysfunction.
The causes of the condition are unknown. Sometimes, a basic disorder of sleep can lead to eventual fatigue and then widespread musculoskeletal pain. In a minority of cases, the condition can be traced through a family – although the distinct genetic signature is unknown. One would diagnose Fibromyalgia if pain is predominant, and similarly diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome if fatigue is the more intense symptom. Some researchers propose that Fibromyalgia is precipitated by physical or emotional trauma; and that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is something like a post-infection immune disease.
Factor analysis seems to show 4 groups of people:
- “Extreme sensitivity to pain but no associated psychiatric conditions”
- “Fibromyalgia and co-morbid, pain-related depression”
- “Depression with concomitant fibromyalgia syndrome”
- “Fibromyalgia due to somatization”
How can we help ?
To the extent that diagnostic issues or co-morbidity exists we can help at the level of figuring out what to treat, and what not to do. We can treat the central pain syndrome and help you to be comfortable on ordinary/non-toxic doses of medication.
We work well as “team-players” in a larger treatment team, and welcome CAM providers. And we offer a number of diagnostic and treatment modalities here under one roof – each division managed by a highly respected Specialty trained Physician or Doctoral level Provider.
Many of the divisions incorporate Academicians (nuclear medicine, electrophysiology, hyperbaric medicine, neuropsychology, Psychology). We specialize in co-morbid diagnostic dilemma’s and cutting edge treatment modalities, but operate in a family friendly clinic environment.
