Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia (CFS and FM, respectively) are both illnesses that have been given a name based on a presentation of signs and symptoms.

They are both very similar, and have historically generated controversy on how to diagnose them, what causes them and how to treat. Both are characterized by persistent pain and fatigue, and many people who experience these syndromes can also have difficulty sleeping, trouble thinking, depression, headaches, digestive issues and swollen lymph nodes.

More than 1 million Americans have chronic fatigue and about 5 million have fibromyalgia, as estimated by the CDC. Both occur more often in women and adults.

Evaluation and treatment of these illnesses involves looking for possible infections, mold and heavy metal toxins, nutrient deficiencies and inflammatory promoters in one’s diet and environment. Patients with these conditions often improve with treatments that focus on improving digestive health, supporting detoxification, improving immune system function, treating any persistent viral and bacterial infections and balancing hormones.

Each person is different regarding the length of treatment required to recover from CFS and FM. Evaluation and treatment can involve significant testing and multiple appointments in order to identify and clear these causes that manifest symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.