Did you know that up to one in five patients who seek medical help complain of fatigue? For those who feel extremely tired regardless of the amount of rest they get, deal with flu-like symptoms, and struggle to think clearly on a regular basis, it is possible that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is contributing to their health obstacles.
Unfortunately, many individuals who have this medical condition find their lives dramatically disrupted as they are constantly depleted of energy while trying to complete physical and even mental activities.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was first diagnosed forty years ago, and conventional providers have still not been able to fully explain or treat it. The good news is that our functional medicine providers are prepared to help patients take one step at a time on their journey to achieving maximum wellness.
Find out how functional medicine in Springfield, Missouri provides comprehensive solutions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that conventional providers cannot often give.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is commonly referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) as well as its umbrella term, “ME/CFS.”
The causes of ME/CFS remain unknown, but several studies have found multiple potential causes, including infection, physical or emotional trauma, genetics, and environmental factors. All of these can be addressed with functional medicine approaches.
Many physiological processes undergo harmful changes when Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is in the body, such as immune system abnormalities, cellular metabolism abnormalities, neuroendocrine disturbances, and blood pressure or heart rate regulation abnormalities.
These internal changes can be identified and addressed with advanced diagnostic testing and other components of treatment plans provided at our functional medicine clinic.
Symptoms that are persistent and easy for the everyday patient to recognize are often the clearest indicators of ME/CFS:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Substantial reduction in activity levels
- Muscle/joint pain
- Headaches
- Painful lymph nodes
- Cognitive dysfunction
- General malaise or flu-like symptoms
- Dizziness/nausea
How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed?
After examining a patient’s health history as well as factors that are preventing their well-being, most conventional providers conduct an extensive amount of laboratory tests, including:
- Urinalysis for protein, blood and glucose
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Kidney function and electrolytes
- Liver and thyroid function
- ESR
- C-reactive protein
- blood glucose and insulin
- Screening for gluten sensitivity, allergy and celiac disease
- Screening for autoimmune disease including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Sjogeren’s, scleroderma, and Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder.
- Creatine KinaseLDH
- Serum ferritin levels
- Evaluation for underlying viral, bacterial and fungal infections including Lyme Disease, Bartonella, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, Candida, Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, HSV, HHV 6 and 7, and streptococcal infections. .
Conventional medical providers generally make a diagnosis of ME/CFS after symptoms have persisted for at least six months in an adult and three months in a child or an adolescent though often times there has not been a thorough work up to determine what underlying conditions are contributing to the fatigue.
When a patient tests for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at our functional medicine clinic, their provider shares and explains the results of their advanced diagnostic test in order to address the root cause as early as possible. By investigating a patient’s full history, including genetics and environmental factors, functional medicine offers a comprehensive insight of the whole person’s condition instead of focusing on isolated symptoms.
How Can Functional Medicine Help?
Many conventional providers do not have adequate knowledge about ME/CFS in order to make a complete diagnosis. In addition, the use of pharmaceutical interventions is not well supported through research, and can have costly side effects. As a result, many patients spend excessive amounts of time and money seeing multiple providers, only to walk away with more questions instead of answers.
Most patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome do not have the time or ability to visit several clinics, as symptoms can become so inhibiting that working or attending school full-time becomes nearly impossible. Although most people who have the condition gradually improve with time, others spend the rest of their lives managing symptoms, dealing with relapse, or being homebound.
Patients who have consistent symptoms of or have already been diagnosed with ME/CFS are encouraged to seek out functional consultations in Springfield, Missouri. We investigate and assess complex health conditions by extensively examining a patient’s health history, offering continual testing and intervention through services like IV therapy and intravenous laser photodynamic therapy (PDT).
In addition, thyroid and hormone imbalances are addressed with hormone replacement therapy. Nutritional deficiencies are replaced with oral supplements such as our OrthoMolecular product line, Our lipotropic injections are also helpful in alleviating chronic fatigue.
Integrative consultations are available as well. Using a patient-focused approach, these involve modifying lifestyle habits and working toward optimal restoration. If a patient is experiencing general tiredness or other symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the integrative program might be an excellent starting point.
Kare Health and Wellness is here to offer hope and healing to patients who are ready to break the cycle of leaving conventional clinics without solutions. Give us a call at 417-881-4948 or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you get back to the meaningful and energized lifestyle you deserve.