Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a mysterious affliction that has gained a lot of attention in the past decade. The debilitating condition encompasses much more than just "being tired." People afflicted with CFS often feel depressed, suffer headaches, body pain and have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning.
While there is no identifiable cause, there are definite symptoms and, therefore, different measures one can take to help overcome this unusual disorder.
Symptoms
Once coined "the yuppie flu," symptoms of CFS include excessive and unexplainable fatigue that lasts more than 30 days. These flu-like symptoms can include sore throats, body aches, generalized muscle pains and headaches. Other signs of CGS include swollen lymph nodes, inability to concentrate or complete tasks and sensitivity to light.
In studies at Johns Hopkins University, researchers have proposed that CFS is related to abnormally low blood pressure. In fact, 100 percent of patients in studies who suffered from CFS and who also had extremely low blood pressure — and were treated for low blood pressure — reported feeling better after six months of therapeutic intervention (either medically or via dietary modification).
And 47 percent of those studied said that all signs of CFS had disappeared, while the remaining 53 percent reported significant improvements in their condition.
But what if your blood pressure is normal? Further research suggests treating CFS with exercise. Upon review of the most current findings, researchers such as Dr. Neil Gordon, author of "Chronic Fatigue: Your Complete Exercise Guide," report that treatment of CFS should include — or even be the most important component of — a well-rounded physical exercise program.
This can sometimes be hard to do — people with CFS often complain of being too tired to exercise.
However, measured capacities of strength and muscle function between people with CFS and those without CFS are virtually the same, leading to the determination that CFS patients can exercise and should.
Treatment
A well-known and highly held fact is that exercise increases energy. This is why it is such an integral part of CFS rehabilitation.
Exercise guidelines for those suffering with CFS are similar to any other exercise program.
Programs should include a cardiovascular component (walking, swimming, bike riding), a strength training or resistance component (weight lifting, push-ups, calisthenics), and flexibility or range-of-motion training (gentle stretching).
The main difference separating CFS exercisers from the rest of the population is the pace and degree of progression and intensity of exercise. CFS patients require more time to adapt to physical demands on the body.
Anyone with CFS should consult a doctor prior to beginning an exercise program and then closely monitor his or her progress and symptoms with the doctor.
del.icio.us
Digg this
