CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME or ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) affects the sufferer in many different ways with symptoms ranging from:
• headaches
• intense lethargy
• muscular pains
• mental confusion
• general weakness
• disturbed sleep.
As all sufferers of this debilitating illness appear to have upper back problems, either through previous injury or chronic postural strain. Medical thought is that that the chronic stiffness leads to irritation of the Sympathetic Nervous System with which this area is closely linked. The lymphatic system, which is integral to the body's natural toxin disposal, subsequently becomes over-loaded as a result of the chronic tension and consequent breakdown in control from the nervous system. The ME sufferer is left with a malfunctioning lymphatic system, chronic muscular tension spasms over the upper back and rib cage and a poor breathing mechanism.
Osteopathy alone will not ‘cure’ ME. The treatment has to be backed up with a programme of self help measures, such as;
• simple exercise routines
• breathing techniques
• postural advice
• hydrotherapy approaches
• dietary advice
• general health promotion ideas.
The Purbeck Practice can help you evolve a programme of rehabilitation that suits your individual conditions.
No two ME sufferers are the same and treatment regimes have to be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Recovery takes time with such a chronic condition but in each case full participation in the programme is encouraged, as this will speed the recovery process.