Chronic fatigue is more than just feeling tired all the time.
For those who suffer from this mysterious syndrome, it can be a
constant battle simply to get out of bed in the morning.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) include unexplained
fatigue lasting 30 days or more; flu-like symptoms such as a
sore throat, generalized muscle pains, head-aches and swollen
lymph nodes; difficulty concentrating and sensitivity to bright
light. CFS was dubbed the yuppie flu in the '80s and, despite
the fact that it has been recognized as a legitimate, often
debilitating illness, it is still met with scorn and disbelief.
There is no cure for CFS. For some people, it simply goes
away, while others are debilitated by it for many years. Because
the cause is largely unexplainable, treatment for CFS focuses
primarily on relieving symptoms.
Low Blood Pressure Can Bring You Down
One of the latest theories proposed to explain CFS is that
individuals who suffer from this condition also may have
extremely low blood pressure. Researchers at Johns Hopkins
University found that 22 of 23 CFS patients also had a disorder
called neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). People with NMH get
dizzy from standing up too quickly or from standing for extended
periods of time, signaling that not enough blood is reaching the
brain. When treated for NMH for six months (either with
medication or by increasing salt and fluid intake), nine of the
22 CFS patients said that all or nearly all of their CFS
symptoms had disappeared; another seven said that their symptoms
had improved.
A Novel Approach
But what about those who have normal blood pressure, but still
fight persistent fatigue? Here's an interesting proposition: Is
it possible to treat chronic fatigue with exercise?
Some researchers think so. A recent review of existing
research on CFS explored the possibility of using physical
activity programs to treat this puzzling condition. The findings
are intriguing, if not conclusive.
Many people with CFS claim that they are too tired to
exercise. Measurements of strength, exercise capacity and muscle
function, however, suggest that CFS patients are not much weaker
than the controls (people without CFS) they are compared to in
research studies. This suggests that their capacity to exercise
is greater than they may perceive. But telling someone who feels
unable to get out of bed to exercise is probably an exercise in
futility.
Exercise For Energy
Still, physicians such as Dr. Neil Gordon, author of Chronic
Fatigue: Your Complete Exercise Guide, view exercise as a form
of medication and an integral part of rehabilitation from CFS.
Exercise programs for people with CFS are not much different
than any other comprehensive exercise program: Cardiovascular,
strengthening and range-of-motion training should all be
addressed. The primary difference is the pace and degree of
progression: CFS patients need time to build their strength and
adapt to the increased demands of exercise. And, as with any
other physical condition, CFS patients should consult with their
physicians before beginning an exercise program.
Exercise Your Options
People with CFS feel limited by their condition to enjoy the
benefits of an active life. But as anyone who exercises will
tell you, expending energy brings about increased energy in
return. The same may hold true for individuals who are plagued
by the unexplained tiredness of CFS.
