Difference between Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are often considered and treated separately by most of the doctors. Also there are health care providers and medical practitioners who think that these are the two forms of same conditions or the variation of a similar condition which are named differently as FMS and CFS. According to the researches there are significant similarities between the two conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Also there are several symptoms that are common in both the cases.
People get confused when they hear about fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome. But it is important to note that this is not a single medical condition as there are two different conditions that are named as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Both of these are non-fatal conditions. These are the conditions that do not damage any body tissue and show no permanent physical defects in people who are suffering from one of these conditions.
There are lots of similar symptoms that are commonly seen in both the conditions of CFS and FMS. These are:
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Dizziness
- Sleep Disorders
- Chronic headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Coordination impairment
- Memory or cognitive impairment
- Association with Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome or TMJ
However, with lots of similarities it is not true to say that these two conditions are one and the same. When the condition is to be diagnosed it is important to take into consideration about which is more troublesome, pain or the fatigue.
After lots of researches and experiences experts have also found some significant differences between the two conditions.
- First of all the starting of FMS is usually regarded as an emotional or physical depression, while there is no clear reason for onset of CFS.
- Then there is major difference between the pains caused by the two conditions. FMS pains can be eased out with heat and massage whereas pain caused by CFS cannot be eased similarly.
- It has been seen that FMS sufferers have tender points in their body and have abnormal level of substance P (cellular chemical which sends out pain signals), whereas CFS sufferer have normal level of this substance.
- Also the level of RNase L. (cellular antiviral enzyme) is higher is CFS patients whereas it is normal in FMS patients.
- The main diagnosis criteria for CFS are sore throat and fever whereas FMS do not have these criteria for diagnosis.
From these differences as well as similarities, the question is yet to be answered that whether the two conditions should be treated as same or different. The truth is that some of the doctor say it does not matter and some consider that it significantly matters to consider the situations same.
Based on above discussion it is clear that a patient suffering from particular condition needs to get a true treatment that is meant for the particular condition. Although there are many drugs and medications that are approved by FDA for FMS and CFS patients, it is quite dangerous for a CFS patient to be given drugs supposedly for FMS patients.
As there are not much factors that completely distinguishes the two conditions, it becomes very confusing to understand for few doctors to give the right treatment for a particular condition. It becomes confusing for them to understand what particular condition his patient really has – FMS or CFS.
If you are facing a similar confusing condition and could not find the right treatment for you, here is a right fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue treatment option for you.
This is a guide that will tell you all about your condition. Also it answers your entire questions which were unanswered until now by your doctors. So don’t get depressed as there is a hope for you to get better and live the life better.
