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Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are genuine, serious, non-inflammatory and debilitating physical illnesses that are likely inter-related or are the same illness with different symptoms. Many clients will meet the criteria for diagnosis of both illnesses at the same time.1 A person living in any country, of any age, socioeconomic group and race can be affected by these illnesses. Presently, it's estimated that at least five per cent of Canadians, predominantly women between the ages of 20-50 years, who suffer from FM/GFS.2 Although more women than men are affected, the symptom presentation is not different.3
FM & CFS are not psychiatric illnesses or hysterical reactions. What is known is that some people with FM/CFS have a diagnosable depression. However, having a depression with a chronic, debilitating physical illness is not uncommon. To date, there have been no findings that indicate the illness is caused by a psychiatric problem.'- There are many theories about the cause of these illnesses. Despite promising research in regards to the effects of stage-4 sleep deprivation7 gS and Neurally Mediated Hypotension10, the cause remains a mystery. This leads to skepticism about the validity of these illnesses.
Fibromyalgia (FM)
FM, also incorrectly called Fibrositis and Myofascial Pain Syndrome, is a specific, chronic pain disorder which causes diffuse, widespread aching in the person who is affected by it. It is a form of soft tissue pain, which affects the fibrous connective tissue or muscles, tendons and ligaments. It does not affect the bones or joints and it is not inflammatory, nor is it degenerative.11 People with FM often report their symptoms occur following some type...