What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition that causes extreme fatigue not explained by activity—but it can worsen with physical or mental exertion. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes CFS. Theories include viral infections, psychological stress, or underlying conditions. Often, CFS and fibromyalgia share overlapping symptoms, so diagnoses can sometimes vary even for the same person.
Signs and Symptoms of CFS
Adults must experience symptoms for six months (children/adolescents: three months) to meet diagnostic criteria. Of the first seven symptoms below, at least four must be present:
- Extreme reduction in activity levels
- Poor memory or concentration
- Unrefreshing sleep (waking tired)
- Muscle or joint pain
- Worsening headaches
- Recurring sore throats
- Tender lymph nodes (cervical or axillary)
Other common symptoms:
- Brain fog
- Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Digestive issues (IBS-like symptoms, bloating, nausea)
- Night sweats or chills
- Vision problems
- Mood changes (depression, irritability, anxiety)
If you experience fatigue without these symptoms or for less time than required, other illnesses may be causing your low energy.
Other Conditions That Cause Fatigue:
- Lyme Disease
- Sleep Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Alcohol/Drug Abuse
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Mononucleosis (Mono)
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Chronic Hepatitis
- Various Malignancies
Finding Relief from Fatigue
Sometimes medications or underlying illnesses mimic CFS. That’s why proper evaluation is crucial. Upper cervical misalignments, often caused by head or neck injuries, can interfere with the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord function. These misalignments may disrupt nerve signals, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid circulation, contributing to fatigue and other health issues.
Correcting these misalignments through specialized upper cervical chiropractic care can restore proper communication between your brain and body, improving energy levels naturally and safely.
Don’t just cover up fatigue with medication—address the underlying cause. A Board-Certified NUCCA Doctor can assess your upper neck, identify misalignments, and create a precise, gentle treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/