In its simplest form, fatigue is extreme tiredness, often associated with prolonged physical activity, stress, or insufficient sleep. However, sometimes it is a constant, perplexing, and potentially debilitating problem, brought on by even slight exertion. Sometimes it won’t go away, no matter how much you rest. If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, it’s time to see one of our experienced physicians at the New York Center for Integrative Health.
As many as 2.5 million Americans may have chronic fatigue syndrome, according to estimates by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), although many of those are undiagnosed. Chronic fatigue syndrome is now a widely recognized condition, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. This extreme form of long-term fatigue is often accompanied by physical pain, severe insomnia, and changes in mood, among other conditions. Often dismissed as a psychological problem, people suffering from CFS may struggle to get the understanding care they deserve.
There is no simple laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome. In fact, diagnosis consists primarily of eliminating other potential causes. These might include:
Every patient experiences chronic fatigue differently, and other medical problems often accompany it. It is essential to understand the root cause of each person’s fatigue through a thorough medical history and assessment. Once this is done, a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan may combine multiple therapies to address problems such as pain or depression, coupled with lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and other adjunct therapies.
Call us to schedule a consultation today to find out how we can help you.