Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) | Cedars-Sinai

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What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition marked by profound tiredness, regardless
of bed rest. It’s also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Symptoms may get worse
with physical or mental activity. CFS can happen suddenly and last for years. The
condition affects more females than males.

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

The
cause of CFS isn’t known. It may be from a viral infection in some people. But the
exact
cause is almost always unclear. Other possible causes being studied are genetics and
immune system problems.

Who is at risk for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Because the cause of CFS is not known, it’s hard to know what might put someone at
risk
for getting the condition. But certain factors are seen more often in people with
CFS.
These factors include:

• Gender.
  CFS happens up to 2 to 4 times more often in women than in men.
• Age.
  CFS often affects middle-aged people. But people of any age can get it.

What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Symptoms of CFS often mimic the flu. Below are the most common symptoms. But these
symptoms may be a bit different for each person:

• Sensitivity to light
• Headache
• Tender
  lymph nodes
• Fatigue
  and weakness
• Muscle
  and joint pain
• Inability to focus
• Feelings of exhaustion after putting out physical or mental
  energy
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Mood
  swings
• Confusion
• Low-grade fever
• Depression

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always talk with
your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is chronic fatigue syndrome
diagnosed?

A
CFS diagnosis must rule out other possible conditions. According to the Institute
of
Medicine, a CFS diagnosis requires all 3 of these symptoms:

• Having to
  cut back greatly on activities you did before the illness.
  Severe and chronic
  tiredness must have lasted for more than 6 months, and other health conditions have
  been ruled out. Rest does not ease these symptoms.
• Severe
  tiredness after physical activity.
  The fatigue gets worsen after physical or
  mental stress that you could handle before the illness started.
• Sleep that
  doesn’t refresh you.
  

In
addition, you must have 1 of these symptoms:

• Trouble thinking that gets worse under
  pressure.
• Orthostatic intolerance. This means standing
  upright makes symptoms worse. Lying back down or raising (elevating) your feet may
  ease the symptoms. But it doesn’t fully get rid of them.

How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated?

There is no cure for CFS. Treatment is aimed at easing symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Medicine, including corticosteroids and antidepressants
• Activity management, including a careful balancing of rest and
  activity to prevent flare-ups
• Light-intensity aerobic exercise, but not moderate to vigorously intense physical
  activity 
• Dietary
  supplements and herbal products
• Psychotherapy and supportive counseling

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome

There is currently no cure for CFS. Dealing with the severe fatigue can be very
challenging. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find treatments
that help you. Some people find counseling or support groups helpful.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call
your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms.

Key points about chronic fatigue syndrome

• Chronic
  fatigue syndrome is marked by profound tiredness.
• Symptoms often get worse with physical or mental activity.
• In
  addition to severe tiredness, symptoms include light sensitivity, headache, muscle
  and joint pain, trouble concentrating, mood swings, and depression.
• Treatments may include medicines, exercise, supplements, and counseling.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
  you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
  or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know
  why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know
  what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know
  why a test or procedure is advised and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
  visit.
• Know how
  you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Medical Reviewer: Barry Zingman MD

Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

The 10 Most Common Causes of Body Aches Without a Fever

• The most common cause of body aches without a fever include stress and sleep deprivation. 
• If you have body aches without a fever, it could still be a sign of a viral infection like the flu. 
• If your body aches are severe or last more than a few days, you should see your doctor.

Body aches are feelings of pain or soreness all over your body. They are a common symptom of viral illnesses like the flu. If sickness is the cause of your body aches, you’re likely to also have a fever, but in some circumstances, you may have body aches without a fever.

Here are the most common causes of body aches without a fever. 

1. Stress 

Stress can cause body aches, but the pain differs from illness-related aches, says Nate Favini, MD, the medical lead at Forward, a preventive primary care practice. 

Body pain caused by stress typically manifests in the neck, shoulders, and back. Though it is possible for these pains to be felt in other parts of the body, like the legs, abdomen, or chest, Favini says. Illness-related body aches tend to be all-over and come on quickly, peaking in intensity over a short period of time —  typically hours or days.

Meanwhile, muscle aches from stress may come on more slowly. Stress causes your muscles to tense up. Once you relax, your muscles release, but ongoing or chronic stress can lead to longer bouts of muscle tension.  

A 2015 study found a correlation between stress and the function of many bodily systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and endocrine systems. According to the study, stress can negatively impact these systems and manifest as physical pains including muscle aches and headaches. 

Other symptoms of stress include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Exhaustion

If you think stress may be causing your body aches, try incorporating relaxation techniques into your day, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

2. Lack of sleep 

Sleep is essential for cell regeneration — the body’s process of replacing or restoring damaged cells and tissues. Not getting enough sleep can impact your body’s ability to produce new cells, which can result in feelings of physical exhaustion and pain. 

In addition to body aches, other symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, including increased feelings of depression or anxiety
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea
• Problems with planning or organization 

If you’re struggling to sleep seven to eight hours per night, Favini recommends:

• No screens at least an hour before bed. Blue light from laptops, phones, or televisions can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.
• Establish a nighttime routine to prepare for sleep. Incorporate a relaxation element, like taking a warm bath or reading a book. 
• Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. This will reinforce your body’s natural sleep cycle. 

3. Chronic fatigue syndrome 

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue and sleepiness that interfere with daily life. The condition affects an estimated one million Americans.

Aches and pains are common in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, though the severity of pain varies by individual, says Robert Berghorn, DPT, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy based in New York.  

“Pain is supposed to act as a protective mechanism. However, in this case with chronic fatigue syndrome or any other chronic pain condition, it more acts like an uncontrolled wildfire,” Berghorn says. “In this type of condition, there is a ‘remapping’ or changes in the way that the affected person interprets pain and activity where even the most simple things like opening a door can be really painful without any specific reason for the hand to hurt.”

Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:

• Difficulties with concentration and memory
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• A recurring sore throat 

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but many symptoms can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. If you think you may be experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome, talk with your doctor about the best course of treatment for you. 

4. Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain and stiffness all over the body. The condition affects about four million adults in the US. Risk factors for fibromyalgia include an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, a history of stressful or traumatic events, and a family history of the disease. Fibromyalgia is also twice as likely to affect women as men. Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems with memory
• Depression and anxiety 

The condition can be managed with medication, stress management techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

5. Medications 

Some medications can also cause body aches, Favini says. Some of the most common include:

• Statin medications like Lipitor or Altoprev, which are used to lower cholesterol
• Fluticasone, which is used to treat asthma
• Carvedilol, a blood pressure medication 

If you’re on a medication that you think is causing your body aches, talk with your doctor about your symptoms and what other options may be available to you.

6.

Dehydration 

Inadequate water intake reduces your body’s ability to remove inflammatory chemicals from tissues, causing achiness and soreness, Berghorn says. 

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion 
• Exhaustion
• Extreme thirst
• Dark urine

One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is keeping a water bottle with you and drinking from it regularly, Berhorn says. If you do notice signs of dehydration, drinking a sports beverage with some sugar and electrolytes will help rehydrate you faster than just water.

7. Deficiencies 

Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can also cause body aches, Berghorn says. Some of the most common ones include:

• Vitamin D
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Iron

Our bodies need a certain level of vitamins and nutrients to function properly, and deficiencies can alter the way tissues interact with each other, causing aches and pains.  

“Each muscle contraction requires the appropriate levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium,” Berghorn says. “If one or more levels are low, it can result in spasms, reduced muscle contraction control, and muscle cramping.”

Don’t rush to taking supplements however; experts say most over-the-counter vitamin supplements are a waste of money. If you are worried you have a vitamin deficiency, talk to your doctor and get tested, then follow their specific treatment plan. Most people will get all the vitamins they need if they eat a healthy and balanced diet. 

8. Autoimmune disorder 

An autoimmune disorder is when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Some autoimmune disorders can cause body aches.

There are many different types of autoimmune disorders. Some of the most common ones that can cause body aches include:

• Lupus. A condition where the body attacks healthy tissues. Lupus most commonly affects the skin, joints, and internal organs and can cause muscle and joint pain.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the fatty substance protecting nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The loss of this protective layer can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in limbs, and sudden pain when moving the neck.  
• Dermatomyositis. A condition that causes muscle weakness, which can result in joint pain. 

There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but medications may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with these disorders. 

9. Lyme disease 

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorfer. Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• Body aches
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Fever

Lyme disease isn’t common in all parts of the US. Most cases occur in Northeastern states, where the deer tick, which spreads the disease, is the most common. Climate change has expanded the tick’s habitat, however, and more states are seeing cases of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Most people respond well to treatment and fully recover.

To prevent tick bites in the first place, wear long pants and check for ticks frequently when in the outdoors in an area where Lyme disease is common. 

10. A viral infection 

Both body aches and fever are common symptoms of viral infections, but it is possible to have a viral infection, like the flu, without having a fever, Favini says. Other viral infections may also cause body aches without a fever, like the common cold, and even COVID-19. Symptoms of a viral infection include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

A viral infection can last as long as a week or two, but over-the-counter medications, like Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help relieve many of the symptoms.  

When to see your doctor 

If your body aches are severe, lasting more than a few days, and impacting your daily life, you should seek medical attention, Favini says. A doctor can help you determine the exact cause of your symptoms and suggest proper treatment. 

Insider’s takeaway 

Body aches are a common symptom of viral infections, like the flu, but they could have several other causes, including autoimmune diseases or a nutritional deficiency. If you are experiencing persistent body aches that impact your daily life, reach out to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

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Erin Heger

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist located in the Kansas City area. She primarily covers stories related to healthcare policy, maternal mental health, parenting, and personal finance. Her work been featured in The Atlantic, Rewire.News, Refinery29, HuffPost, and more. 

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Apathy and loss of energy: causes and symptoms

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• Published: 28 May 2021

• Article updated: January 21, 2023

How often did you notice fatigue and loss of energy behind you? Headaches, weakness, nervousness – it happens to everyone sometimes. But it happens that these ailments become chronic. And the usual methods of solving the problem: sleep and rest do not help. Then you should think – is everything in order with your health? After all, these symptoms can be harbingers of serious diseases.

If we talk about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), then women from 25 to 40 years old are more likely to suffer from it, but men can also be affected by the disease. Basically, these are people engaged in responsible work and intensive intellectual activity. CFS occurs due to the development of neurosis, which is due to the inhibition of the activity responsible for inhibitory processes. That is, the excessive use of the resources of the human body.

How to understand that you are not just tired? CFS is a state of fatigue that does not go away after rest and lasts more than six months. In addition to the obvious symptoms of CFS, similar to those of fatigue: apathy, depression, fits of anger, aggression, amnesia, there is one that betrays the disease: a significant decrease in working capacity. The fact is that with chronic fatigue, you not only get tired quickly, you simply cannot work more than a few hours a day.

What other symptoms can chronic fatigue syndrome cause?

– dizziness and headache;
– deterioration of immunity; frequent colds
– muscle weakness, body pain;
– delayed reaction;
– tinnitus;
– decreased thinking processes;
– loss of appetite;

– lethargy, apathy, drowsiness.

Fatigue can manifest itself for physiological and pathological reasons. There is nothing wrong with physical fatigue. Usually it is associated with workload, lack of sleep, jet lag, overexcitation.

The causes of pathological fatigue are more extensive:

— psycho-emotional;
– taking medications;
– insomnia;
– beriberi;
– chronic diseases;
– overweight and eating disorders;
– chronic pain;
– viruses and rehabilitation after them;
– sedentary lifestyle.

Many people do not even pay attention to fatigue. They consider their state of weakness or laziness. But sometimes these symptoms can be harbingers of serious endocrine diseases, including: problems with the thyroid gland, elevated glucose levels, impaired phosphorus-calcium metabolism, testosterone deficiency, hypercortisolism, adrenal insufficiency, decreased vitamin D, iron and more. All of these serious illnesses can manifest as normal fatigue.

Therefore, it is very important to be attentive to your health and consult a doctor in time. Specialists of the Nearmedic clinic https://www.nrmed.ru/vrachi/ will be able to distinguish fatigue from a serious illness and prescribe the right treatment for you.

Basic recommendations for restoring the body with constant fatigue:

Rest. Watching a positive movie, reading a book, knitting, the main thing is a quiet pastime that will not cause a surge of emotions.

Sport. A healthy lifestyle helps to solve many health problems. Moderate physical activity will keep the body in good shape, and thoughts in order. Of course, you should avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Sleep. A healthy eight-hour sleep in a room with the curtains drawn. It is very important to take care of sleep, because in most cases it is sleep disorders that lead to fatigue.

Massage, exercise therapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy. Recovery of the body by any means is the main goal in getting rid of fatigue. Swimming, massages and even meditation are best suited.

Medicines. Basically, doctors prescribe vitamins and vitamin complexes, but in severe cases, it is possible to use antidepressants and daytime tranquilizers.

Psychotherapy. The help of a psychologist or psychotherapist, identifying sources of stress and eliminating foci of irritation is a very important step in the fight against fatigue.

Be attentive to your health, undergo preventive examinations on time and be treated by the best doctors at the Nearmedic clinic.

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Pain in the body can appear for various reasons. Aches in the bones, aching muscles, pain in all limbs – the cause can be a cold, flu, severe fatigue and even stress. But if such sensations occur without heat and fever, then it is much more difficult to find out what is happening.

We list the most common causes of pain in the body without fever and in which medical attention will be needed immediately.

Stress. Pain in the whole body will be different from the pain that is associated with the disease. It manifests itself in the neck, shoulders, back, head. May be in the legs, stomach or chest. Such pain comes quickly, and spreads quickly – within hours or days. As experts explain, stress causes muscles to tense up. If a person relaxes, then the muscles relax. Constant or chronic stress can lead to prolonged bouts of muscle tension. Muscle tension can lead to problems of the musculoskeletal system, nervous, respiratory and endocrine systems. Additional symptoms of stress include sleep problems, nausea, diarrhea, sudden weight loss or weight gain, and exhaustion.

Lack of sleep. Full sleep is necessary for cell regeneration – replacement or repair of damaged cells and tissues in the body. Lack of sleep can impair this function and cause a feeling of physical exhaustion and pain throughout the body. Additional symptoms: impaired concentration, mood swings, anxiety, increased depression, nausea or diarrhea, problems with planning.

Chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a condition that causes extreme fatigue and drowsiness. According to experts, this is a defensive reaction of the body, since a person is running out of strength, and he does nothing to restore them. The body is so exhausted that it reacts with pain even to the simplest tasks. Additional symptoms: problems with concentration and memory, headaches, muscle weakness, recurrent sore throat.

Fibromyalgia. This disorder causes pain and stiffness throughout the body. Accompanied by headaches, tingling or numbness in the limbs, fatigue, problems with concentration, memory, depression and anxiety.