Fatigue (also called exhaustion, lethargy, listlessness, etc) is a state of awareness. It can describe a range of afflictions, varying from a general state of lethargy to a specific work-induced burning sensation within one's muscles. It can be both physical and mental. Physical fatigue is the inability to continue functioning at the level of one's normal abilities, usually noticeable during heavy exercise. Mental fatigue, on the other hand, manifests rather in drowsiness and difficulty in concentrating.

Fatigue is considered a symptom, as opposed to a medical sign, because it is reported by the patient instead of being observed by others. Fatigue and “feelings of fatigue” are often confused.

Causes

Fatigue is typically the result of working, mental stress, over- and under stimulation, jet lag or active recreation, depression, boredom, disease, premenopausal (low oestrogen, testosterone, etc) and lack of sleep. It may also have chemical causes, such as poisoning or mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Massive blood loss frequently results in fatigue.

Diseases and conditions

Temporary fatigue can be likened to a minor illness such as the common cold. It can be a typical response when the immune system fights an infection. Chronic fatigue, on the other hand, meaning of six months or more duration, can be a symptom of a large number of different diseases or conditions. Some major categories of diseases that feature fatigue include:

• Auto-immune diseases such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and spondyloarthropathy
• Blood disorders such as anemia and hemochromatosis
• Cancer
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Depression and other mental disorders that feature depressed mood
• Eating disorders, which can produce fatigue due to inadequate nutrition
• Endocrine disease like diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart disease
• Infectious diseases such as infectious mononucleosis and influenza
• Leukemia or lymphoma
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and post-concussion syndrome
• Physical trauma and other pain-causing conditions, such as arthritis
• Pregnancy
• Sleep deprivation or sleep disorders

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the most common name given to a variably debilitating disorder or disorders generally defined by persistent fatigue unrelated to exertion and not substantially relieved by rest, and accompanied by the presence of other specific symptoms for a minimum of six months. The disorder may also be referred to as post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) when the condition arises following a flu-like illness, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), or several other terms. The etiology (cause or origin) of CFS is currently unknown and there is no diagnostic laboratory test or biomarker.

Fatigue is a common symptom in many illnesses, but CFS is a multi-systemic disease and is relatively rare by comparison. Symptoms of CFS include widespread muscle and joint pain; cognitive difficulties; chronic, often severe, mental and physical exhaustion; and other characteristic symptoms in a previously healthy and active person. CFS patients may report additional symptoms including muscle weakness, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, poor immune response, and cardiac and respiratory problems.

Can Myosteopractic help?

Myosteopractic has assisted many people with general fatigue resulting from extreme exercise, excessive work pressure, emotional trauma, etc. As for CFS, Myosteopractic has had some positive results, often in conjunction with naturopathy and or homeopathy.