Common Treatment Options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By Mishaun Taylor

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a severe disorder in which the patient suffers from extreme exhaustion that cannot be relieved through sleep or rest. Several years ago, people who suffered from this disorder often suffered in silence. However, there are now many common treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

One of the most common treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is exercise. There are many forms of exercise that can help ease the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but the three most common forms of exercise include:

• Graded exercise is usually prescribed as a rehabilitation or physical therapy exercise. These programs are designed to help build strength and cardiovascular health. These exercise programs include educational opportunities regarding physical fitness, such as how to manage your exercise regime on your own.

• Self-controlled rest and exercise is also commonly referred to as pacing. This practice allows the patient to exercise at 70% capacity so that the patient will not over-exert themselves, avoiding muscle weakness and respiratory difficulties.

• Other forms of exercise, such as gentle yoga or walking, have also helped several patients. It is important to avoid aerobic activities and strenuous stretching, as these activities can do more harm than good for patients.

Several types of medication are among common treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Sleep aids can help relax a patient, allowing them to get a restful night’s sleep without interruption. Pain relievers can also be a boon to patients who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. They are particularly helpful to those who suffer from nerve pain.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is often among the common treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This therapy often successfully helps patients cope with short term memory loss and deteriorating attention spans. Effective counselors can help teach techniques to help patients compensate for their impairments. This, however, remains a controversial form of treatment.

Several nutritional supplements are common treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, more studies need to be completed in order to provide definitive results for these modes of treatment. Among the most popular are:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid, a powerful anti-oxidant
• Passionflower extract aids depression and muscle pain
• Magnesium can relieve pain and aid in sleep
• Glutathione can help ease “brain fog” and other cognitive impairments
• L-Theanine is an amino acid that can also ease “brain fog” in patients

Many of the common treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are most effective when used in conjunction with each other. It is best to fully discuss all your treatment options with a health care professional in order to design the treatment plan that is best for you.