What Causes Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

What causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FMS)?  If I knew the answer to that, I’d be a gazillionaire!  The truth is, nobody really knows what causes these diseases, and I suspect that there probably is more than one cause.

Until definitive research is completed on CFS, FMS and other autoimmune diseases, there are many hypotheses as to the causes behind these diseases. Some FMS researchers are looking at abnormally low levels of the hormone cortisol and its relationship to FMS. Other FMS researchers are studying regulation of the adrenal gland (which makes cortisol) in fibromyalgia.

Some medical researchers believe that a virus (such as Epstein-Barr, the mononucleosisvirus is at the core of these diseases. And while no single virus or cause has been firmly associated with CFS and FMS, one medical journal reported that 78% of the CFS patients studied in one research effort also tested positive for the Epstein-Barr Virus. Anecdotally, many thyroid patients report having had serious bouts of mononucleosis, or recurrent Epstein-Barr virus.

Other researchers believe bacterial infection, stress, an accident (such as an auto accident) or other trauma may chronically activate the immune system. The immune system, which ordinarily returns to normal after successfully fighting an infection, then remains in a hyperactive state.

Others have suggested the development of one autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may then precipitate the onset of CFS or FMS.

And certain researchers are looking to autoimmune thyroid disease itself as perhaps the underlying cause of some CFS and FMS symptoms, or perhaps the root cause of the diseases themselves.

In taking a medical history of our patients, we discover that most have more than one autoimmune disease, most have had an accident or trauma, and a history of mono or Epstein-Barr is not unusual.  When a combination of things are at work and the patient’s immune system is kicked into overdrive and autoimmune disease can develop when the immune system isn’t able to shut itself down. 

We treat CFS and FMS patients to get at the root of the problem – based on patient history and clinical experience.   Although there isn’t a one-size fits all protocol, most patients benefit from a combination of detoxification/chelation and NRC therapy.  The detoxification or chelation removes toxins and heavy metals from the body, allowing internal organs to function properly.  When there is an injury, the central nervous system sends signals to the brain that there is injury in the body, stimulating the immune system to heal.  But when the meninges (which is supposed to protect the spinal cord) impinges upon the spinal cord, those same signals are sent to the brain.  But, because there is no “injury” to heal, the signals are never shut down and CFS or FMS develops.  Through use of the NRC technique, we relieve the meningial impingement and reducing the symptoms that make your life miserable. 

Consultations and NRC technique testing to determine whether an individual is a good candidate for the therapy are always complimentary.  To find out more, please call 727-525-1141.

Posted by Laurie Puckett, Remmel Wellness Center – a full service chiropractic and wellness facility in St. Petersburg, Florida.