What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition that is characterized by persistent fatigue and extreme physical tiredness. Chronic fatigue can affect anyone; however, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged women.
The exact cause of chronic fatigue is not yet known, with current theories ranging from viral infection to stress overload. More recently, researchers have also identified vertebral misalignments in the upper cervical spine as another potential cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue
The severity of chronic fatigue symptoms will vary on a case-by-case basis. However, there are a number of symptoms that are commonly experienced by those with chronic fatigue. Unsurprisingly, the primary symptoms of chronic fatigue are severe tiredness and fatigue that impair your ability to function throughout the day. Individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome are also likely to suffer from other debilitating conditions like insomnia, joint pain, sore muscles, frequent headaches, and swollen lymph nodes.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Chronic Fatigue
The upper cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae and is responsible for stabilizing the base of the skull and protecting the spinal cord’s connection to the brainstem. Due to its proximity to the central nervous system (CNS), injuries to the upper cervical spine can have serious consequences for the functioning of the entire nervous system.
In the case of chronic fatigue syndrome, it has been hypothesized that vertebral misalignment and misalignment of the suboccipital muscles can have a cascade effect throughout the body, producing inflammation in the surrounding muscles and disrupting nerve signals in the CNS. This type of disruption can severely impair the body’s ability to respond to common triggers (i.e. viruses or imbalanced hormone levels) of chronic fatigue syndrome.
How Our Chronic Fatigue Treatment Works
Our treatment regime for chronic fatigue syndrome begins with an initial consultation with our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello. Before commencing treatment, Dr. Bello will use a combination of X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to analyze the exact angle and location of any vertebral misalignments in your upper cervical spine.
Following your initial assessment, Dr. Bello will utilize a range of gentle, low-impact adjustment techniques to restore the natural placement of the misaligned vertebrae. By restoring the upper cervical spine to its natural alignment, Dr. Bello can alleviate the pressure on surrounding nerves and muscles. Once these interferences are removed, the body’s immune system should be able to respond more aggressively to the environmental and/or physiological triggers that contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic fatigue syndrome.
If chronic fatigue is impacting your quality of life, consider speaking with Dr. Bello who will provide a natural and alternative treatment. He services patients in Brentwood, Culver City, Westwood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Beverly Hills, and the surrounding areas.