As anyone who suffers from chronic fatigue will tell you, this is a debilitating disorder. Characterised by persistent fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and various other symptoms, CFS remains a medical mystery. Although the exact cause of this syndrome is still unknown, medical researchers have identified several potential factors that could contribute to the development of this condition.
Luckily, there are many things that you can do to help yourself if you have a diagnosis of CFS. Our osteopath London at Rakhee Osteopathy can create a targeted treatment plan, which will help to minimise symptoms, boost your energy levels and give you control back. Great!
So, in this article, our osteopath London will delve into five potential causes of CFS, shedding light on the ongoing scientific investigations in this field, as well as treatment options. Enjoy!
Viral infections
Viral infections have long been suspected as possible triggers for CFS. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) have been linked to CFS in some cases. It is believed that these infections may lead to persistent immune system activation, resulting in chronic fatigue and other debilitating symptoms. Researchers are actively studying the role of viral infections in CFS, aiming to unravel the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted treatments.
How can our osteopath London help? With the use of our osteopathic massage, we can seek to drain lymphatic nodes; the blockage of these nodes has been found to play a factor in prolonging all of the aforementioned viruses, as well as causing fatigue and muscular pain.
Immunological dysfunction
Immunological dysfunction, or an auto-immune disease, is another potential cause of CFS. Studies have suggested abnormalities in the immune system of individuals with CFS, including altered cytokine profiles and impaired natural killer cell function. These abnormalities could contribute to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to fatigue and other symptoms experienced by CFS patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the intricate relationship between immunological dysfunction and CFS.
Neurological factors
Emerging evidence indicates that neurological factors may play a role in the development of CFS. Dysfunction within the central nervous system, including abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, has been observed in individuals with CFS. These findings suggest that disturbances in brain function and communication could contribute to the profound fatigue and cognitive impairments experienced by patients. Scientists are actively investigating these neurological aspects to unravel the underlying mechanisms of CFS. There is also some research that suggests that those who have mental illnesses are at a higher risk of developing CFS.
Genetic predisposition
Genetic factors are thought to contribute to an individual's susceptibility to CFS. Multiple studies have suggested a genetic predisposition, as CFS tends to cluster within families. Certain gene variations involved in immune function, neurotransmitter regulation, and energy metabolism have been associated with CFS. While genetic factors alone may not fully explain the development of the disorder, they likely interact with other environmental triggers to increase the risk. Ongoing research aims to identify specific genetic markers that may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of CFS.
Environmental triggers
Environmental factors, such as physical or emotional stress, exposure to toxins, and hormonal imbalances, have been proposed as triggers for CFS. Stressful life events, trauma, and overexertion are known to precede the onset of CFS symptoms in some individuals. Additionally, environmental toxins and certain medications have been linked to CFS-like symptoms. Understanding how these triggers interact with the individual's unique susceptibility could provide valuable insights into the development of CFS.