Differences Between Fibromyalgia
And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Figuring out the difference between chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia is not always an easy task. Researchers and the medical community are still baffled by both of these conditions. Some researchers believe that the two diseases are completely separate while others believe that they are separate diseases but with very similar kinds of symptoms. Still other researchers believe that they are different versions of the same kind of disease. Regardless of what the case is, people who suffer from CFS or fibromyalgia find that neither disorder is easy to live with on a day-to-day basis.

To make the situation even more complicated, many people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) also suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of people who suffer from FM also suffer from CFS and in turn the opposite is also the case.

A researcher of fibromyalgia by the name of Muhammad B. Yunus has created the term “Central Sensitivity Syndromes” (CSS) to include a “large group of illnesses that have overlapping features.” What these conditions have in common is that they cause sensitivity of the central nervous system. Under the category of CSS Yunus includes chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, TMJ, restless legs syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, chemical sensitivities and a variety of other health problems. The one thing all of these problems have in common is that they share many of the same symptoms that overlap each other.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia share many of the same symptoms. Thee symptoms include excessive fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, memory loss, depression and anxiety, numbness, generalized weakness in the body, forgetfulness, and problems with concentrating on tasks. However there are other similarities as well. In both disorders there is a limited flow of blood in both the midbrain as well as the cerebral cortex. Stage four of sleep is often interrupted for patients suffering from CFS and/or FM and there is a serious suppression of the hypothalamic pituitary axis as well as decreased levels of the growth hormone. Those who suffer from CFS or FM experience reduced levels of normal serotonin in the brain. Both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are believed to have a genetic link.

There are differences between thee diseases as well. The most significant difference between the two is that the predominant symptom of fibromyalgia is pain in the muscles and joints and indeed sometimes all over the body whereas the number one symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is extreme, prolonged and unexplained fatigue. Those who suffer from FM have elevated levels of Substance P in their bodies while CFS sufferers do not. Substance P is a neurotransmitter that sends signals regarding pain to the brain. Those who suffer from CFS have elevated RNaseL, which is a “cellular antiviral enzyme” whereas those who suffer from FM do not have this. It is believed that CFS is brought on by an infectious illness or by a type of flu whereas FM is believed to come about as a result of one form or another of trauma to the body, such as an accident, surgery or an injury.