chronic fatigue Archives - Minnesota Physical Medicine Blog

Understanding And Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome are similar in that they both describe a condition that has gone unresolved for months. Pain is considered chronic when it remains present despite attempts at treatment for more than three months. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by at least six months of severe fatigue and exhaustion that is not improved by bed rest. Other symptoms that commonly accompany chronic fatigue syndrome include:

Brain fog

Pain

Discomfort after physical activity

Medical professionals don’t really know a specific cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but many believe the problem is housed in the immune system. If something triggers a reaction of the body’s natural immune response, it can be physically draining. It’s not just the presence of a virus or bacteria that is making your tired, it’s also because your body is working hard behind the scenes to fight off this foreign invader. For many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s believed that their immune system is hypersensitive or has been exposed to a prolonged overreaction.

Although there is currently no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, that doesn’t mean that treatment is futile. Treatments can help to manage and relieve symptoms, so you have options when it comes to fighting back against chronic fatigue. Oftentimes a combination of the following treatments are recommended for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome:

Medications

Anti-depressants (if appropriate)

Pace training to avoid overexertion

Low-impact exercise

Improving sleep quality

Mental and emotional health counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Like chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome is highly unique to the individual, so while the above treatment techniques are oftentimes recommended, it is in your best interest to connect with a specialist and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Finally, chronic pain can oftentimes be misclassified as chronic fatigue syndrome. Pain is physically, mentally and emotionally draining, and this can leave you feeling tired and unmotivated. However, there oftentimes is a cure for chronic pain conditions, so don’t give up on your quest to find relief. If you are wondering if your fatigue is tied to a chronic pain issue, consider reaching out to a pain management specialist in your area. Dr. Cohn specializes in helping patients find the true source of their issue and so that they can get access to the specific types of treatment they need to overcome their condition. If pain is truly at the heart of your fatigue, let us be a resource for you.

For more information about chronic fatigue syndrome, or for assistance overcoming a chronic pain problem, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.

One common side effect of fighting a near-constant battle with chronic pain is that fact that it oftentimes leaves you feeling tired and fatigued. Even if you don’t have a chronic pain condition, there are a number of other health issues like arthritis or long COVID that can leave you feeling tired and lethargic throughout the day. In today’s blog, we share some tips for fighting back against chronic fatigue so that you can have more energy to get through the day.

Tips For Countering Chronic Fatigue

We want to remind you that this is just general advice, and that you should seek out a specialist who can conduct a physical exam and chart review in order to set you up with an individualized treatment plan. Odds are some of their recommendations will be on this list, but know that the best advice comes from a professional who can evaluate you in person.

1. Exercise – We know that this is way easier said than done, and the last thing you may want to do if you’re feeling tired is exert more energy, but exercise can help you feel more energized throughout the day. Exercise gets our heart rate up and pushes healthy oxygenated blood through our bodies, ensuring key structures have easier access to essential nutrients. It doesn’t have to be a crazy intense workout, as even 15-20 minutes of brisk walking can give you the energy you need to finish the day strong.

2. Develop A Regular Sleep Pattern – Many patients that we talk to who say they are chronically fatigued say that they have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. When we dig deeper, we find that they typically have some unhealthy habits that may be making sleep hard to come by. Make your room as dark as possible and free of distractions and light sources like televisions or cell phones. Perhaps most importantly, get in the habit of going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, as this will make it easier for your body to develop a healthy circadian rhythm.

3. Mind Your Food And Liquid Intake – Sometimes our food choices can play a big role in how we feel throughout the day. If we’re eating a lot of processed foods and refined sugars, we can experience a short burst of energy followed by a crash. The same goes for stimulants like caffeine. Work to decrease your reliance on these substances, and you may feel more refreshed and even keeled throughout the day.

4. Destress – Stress can weigh heavy on your mind, and over time this can be physically exhausting. Try to find ways to destress your life or look for positive outlets to channel your emotions when you’re feeling stressed. Activities like yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress that can be contributing to your fatigue.

5. Limit Your Screen Time – Finally, have you ever found that you are tired after an extended scrolling session on your phone? Prolonged exposure to television screens and cell phones can leave your eyes feeling tired and fatigued, and it can even contribute to headaches. All of this can contribute to a general sense of fatigue, so work to cut down on your daily screen time.

Keep these tips in mind, and if you nee help overcoming a chronic condition like pain or fatigue, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.