Difference Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Fatigue frequently takes a secondary seat to crippling muscle pain in fibromyalgia. People with chronic fatigue syndrome (also termed as CFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis) can have difficulty, discomfort in addition to a severe loss of energy.

Similarity

Both CFS and Fibromyalgia show symptoms like chronic pain and fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (also termed as CFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis) is a condition marked by extreme weariness, irregular sleep patterns, pain, and other symptoms that are exacerbated by physical activity.

Females experience chronic fatigue syndrome ((also termed as CFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis) more frequently in comparison to males. 

Fatigue has been a major symptom for more than six months. The exhaustion or tiredness frequently becomes worse with physical activity but doesn’t get better with rest.

This disorder has no known causes or recognized treatments. Some symptoms, though, can be managed or treated in order to bring about comfort.

Fibromyalgia

Widespread muscle pain and sensitivity are typical characteristics of a condition called fibromyalgia, commonly known as fibrositis. Fatigue, disturbed sleep, memory, and mood are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Genetics, infections and physical or emotional events are few causes of a condition termed as Fibromyalgia.

The most prevalent signs and symptoms are widespread muscle soreness and tenderness. Symptom control may be aided by medication, talk therapy, and stress alleviation.

Difference between Chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Definition

Chronic fatigue syndrome 

People with chronic fatigue syndrome (also termed as CFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis) can have difficulty, discomfort in addition to a severe loss of energy.

Fibromyalgia

Fatigue frequently takes a secondary seat to crippling muscle pain in fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome 

Chronic fatigue syndrome usually triggers from a viral infection like mononucleosis or influenza.

Fibromyalgia

Widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties (fibro fog), constipation, nausea, or passing excessive amounts of gas, forgetfulness or lack of concentration.

Cause

Chronic fatigue syndrome 

• Genetics
• Infections (a viral or bacterial infection)
• Physical or emotional trauma – physical injury or significant emotional stress Problems with energy usage 

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia has no recognized cause. The illness is thought to result from a problem in how the central nervous system interprets pain signals. Due to this, those who have fibromyalgia often experience pain from symptoms that other people might just consider to be uncomfortable.

There are signs that the condition may be brought on by a physical injury, an emotional stress, an infection, or a disease. Additionally, there are signs that hereditary (genetic) factors contribute to the fibromyalgia epidemic because it can occasionally affect multiple family members at once.

Summary

The points of difference between chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia have been summarized as below:

FAQ:

Is Chronic fatigue syndrome worse than fibromyalgia?

They – chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are considered central sensitivity syndromes (a collection of illnesses where the central nervous system falls through and amplifies sensory input (the response our sensory organs have whenever it receives stimuli) resulting in pain, tiredness, brain fog, and cognitive dysfunction). Chronic fatigue syndrome is more often tied to immune-system abnormalities than fibromyalgia. And fibromyalgia is generally more painful than chronic fatigue syndrome.

Can Chronic fatigue syndrome be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia?

Tiredness brought on by fibromyalgia symptoms can range from mild exhaustion to the kind of exhaustion seen during flu-like conditions. exhaustion or extreme exhaustion may strike out of nowhere and utterly sap your energy.

What is fibromyalgia called now?

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)

What does fibromyalgia fatigue feel like?

Tiredness brought on by fibromyalgia symptoms can range from mild exhaustion to the kind of exhaustion seen during flu-like conditions, exhaustion or extreme exhaustion may strike out of nowhere and utterly sap your energy.

What are the 7 symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

• Weakness in muscles
• Shortness of breath
• Tender lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Sore throats
• Dizziness
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Irregular heart beat

What are the two criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Severity and duration

What can be mistaken for chronic fatigue?

The symptoms of chronic fatigue might be confused for a variety of illnesses. Anemia, a disorder when the body cannot create enough red blood cells, is one of the most prevalent. Shortness of breath, weariness, and other symptoms may result from this. Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland, is a different disorder that might be confused with chronic fatigue. Fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms may result from this. Finally, depression might be confused with persistent exhaustion. Fatigue, irritation, and other symptoms of depression can occur.

Is chronic fatigue syndrome a disability in Canada?

Canadian government provides disability benefits to people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is the number one cause of chronic fatigue?

Although the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not yet known, it is believed that a number of factors play a role in its emergence. The immune system and body chemistry both undergo modifications. Any infection may cause chronic fatigue syndrome, but viral infections like glandular fever or influenza are the most common causes.

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