Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Fibromyalgia: A Useful Comparison

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are very similar disorders. These diseases are so similar that earlier chronic fatigue syndrome was characterized as Fibromyalgia. A considerable number of people who are suffering from fibromyalgia are also suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms of both the diseases are very common. These similarities make diagnosis and treatment even more confusing. A clear comparison should be made for both the diseases to diminish this confusion.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be characterized by extreme tiredness fatigue and widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. This disorder is more common in women than in men. The intensity of the pain may vary to every person. In most of the cases the fibromyalgia does not disappear completely. However, fibromyalgia is not a life threatening disease. It does not progress with the time also. The most common symptom of Fibromyalgia is widespread pain. This pain takes place in specific areas of body, if pressure is applied. Many affected people also complain of headaches and facial pain. These headaches and facial pain are related with tenderness and stiffness in neck and shoulders. This pain is accompanied by stiffness and generally persists for a long time, sometimes for months. Affected persons often wake up tired even after they had plenty of sleep. Muscle spasms in your legs at night time and restless legs syndrome are also associated with fibromyalgia. Hypersensitivity is another symptom of Fibromyalgia. According to a report people with fibromyalgia are sensitive to odors, noises, bright lights and touch. The other symptoms of the Fibromyalgia are constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms make the Fibromyalgia very annoying.

Main Difference between Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Although, both Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have many symptoms in common, there are some differences. The most common symptom of Fibromyalgia is widespread pain, while the foremost symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome remains the extreme fatigue. The diagnosis and the treatment of Fibromyalgia revolve around the pain. While, in the chronic fatigue syndrome the primary emphasis is on tiredness. The drugs used in both the disease are different.

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