by Sunny Cooper, MS, MEd
INTRODUCTION
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS) are complex disorders involving a variety of symptom patterns. These two syndromes are more prevalent in women than men (approximately 90% are women), and can occur in young children and teens. The two co-exist in many people, and are probably two different presentations of the same underlying process.
Fibromyalgia is considered chronic, non-inflammatory, systemic, and non-degenerative; no structural damage is attributed to it, as, for example, in degenerative disk disease. People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can, however, improve over time and many actually go into remission, with symptoms being minimal and having little interference with their health and comfort.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue are common problems; most massage therapists have several clients with these syndromes. Yet it is poorly understood and many patients become frustrated and discouraged with their lack of improvement. In my work as a massage and shiatsu therapist over many years, I have noticed some consistent patterns among people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
ONSET OF FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC FATIGUE
Onset of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can be sudden or gradual. There is a recurring theme of three factors among fibromyalgia patients. The three are:
1) High-stress lifestyle (“Running on Empty”)
2) Weakened immune system, and
3) Emotional or physical trauma.
High Stress Lifestyles
High stress lifestyles are ubiquitous in the United States and other developed countries. Our modern culture has traded the stresses of survival found in third-world nations for a whole system of new stresses that go with the technology and information-based society.
According to Eastern medicine, there are several major causes of disharmony and disease. Interestingly, these mostly relate to stressful living which arises when one fails to live “according to the natural laws.” The “natural laws” describe a lifestyle which features moderation in all things, a balanced way of living, reverence and respect for nature, and a path of spiritual development leading to self-mastery. This is quite different from the Western view of the cause of disease from invading pathogens or failure of organs.
For the practitioner of complementary and alternative therapies, these things are signs of unattended problems that started years previously. They may be treated with herbs or bodywork or needles, but if the patient is to have any hope of recovering, they must return to “living according to the natural laws.” It was years of unbalanced living that led them into disharmony. Some of the more common types of stress will be explored as they relate to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
Prolonged stress leads to “running on empty” and “burn out”. Poor nutrition, sedentary indoor lifestyles, lack of appropriate movement, insufficient sleep, and lack of emotional support increase “burn out”. Chronic “burn out” and “running on empty” is virtually universal in individuals who develop fibromyalgia.
Weakened Immune System
When stress is uninterrupted and prolonged, the immune system will eventually become weakened. The immune system may also be weakened by acute illness such as colds and flu. Many cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue seem to start with an acute viral illness which never resolves completely.
Signals of immune suppression can include:
1. Fatigue
2. Catches colds or flu easily, and illness persists for a long time
3. Allergies worsen
4. Low stress tolerance
5. Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid and female hormone problems
6. Chronic or recurring infections, such as sinus, vaginal, throat, urinary tract, coupled with frequent use of antibiotics
7. Slow wound healing and easy bruising
8. Easily chilled, feeling of being “cold in the bones”; dislike winter and cold weather.
Rebuilding the immune system is a key strategy in optimizing one’s probability of improvement or recovery from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Acupressure, shiatsu, acupuncture, chiropractic, cranio-sacral therapy and massage therapy are modalities which are can help rebuild the immune system, along with appropriate nutrition, rest, and stress reduction.
Physical or Emotional Trauma
Past physical trauma is usually part of the history of fibromyalgia patients. Examples of trauma may include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and surgical operations. Major dental work such as root canals or extractions, and prolonged labor and difficult delivery are also traumatic to the body. Spinal injury, bone fractures, head trauma, loss of blood, and internal injury are other traumas to the body. Multiple abdominal surgeries are common in the histories of fibromyalgia patients. Whiplash injuries, which may or may not involve disk problems; and coccyx (tailbone) injuries seem to be extremely common in fibromyalgia patients.
Some of these injuries may have occurred in childhood and been overlooked or ignored in the treatment of fibromyalgia. When injuries have occurred, and structural imbalances have not been adequately treated, the body seems to handle subsequent traumas less efficiently. Thus, old trauma sites which are not producing major symptoms can prevent natural self-correction when a new trauma occurs. Thorough intake and assessment should include information about these traumas before beginning bodywork or acupuncture therapy. Releasing abdominal surgical scars and adhesions and balancing spinal and coccyx disharmonies are very important aspects of the treatment.
Many fibromyalgia patients have experienced emotional trauma through the loss of loved ones and the ending of relationships. Physical or emotional abuse in the past, and family backgrounds which consistently suppress the expression of emotions are common patterns. This emotional component may or may not be directly related to depression as part of the presenting clinical picture.
Resources and Pathways
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) will be important for those patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Many people have almost complete recoveries, and virtually all see improvement when using integrative approaches to their health.
The following lifestyle modifications are strongly recommended:
1. Yoga, Qi Gong or Tai Chi- relieve stress, relax and stretch the muscles, move the spine and joints, improve breathing and body awareness.
2. Bodywork or acupuncture- therapists trained in body therapies can help untangle painful muscles, boost the immune systems, relieve stress, balance the body’s energies, lift the spirits, helps the patient feel nurtured and supported.
3. Emotional support- support groups, stress management and counseling can help patients learn stress management, problem solving skills, and self-discovery. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue usually have significant emotional components.
4. Whole foods nutrition- reduce or eliminate chemicals such as aspartame, minimize refined carbohydrates (sugar, baked flour products). Drink plenty of water.
5. Get more rest and sleep
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes and working with a qualified, experienced holistic practitioner can help FMS and CFS patients on the road to recovery.
Sunny Cooper, MS, MEd is approved by NCBTMB as a continuing education provider.
Have a massage!
Return to Article List
Return to Home Page