A patient suffering from chronic fatigue went to see a doctor who was knowledgeable in nutrition before seeing me. The doctor prescribed some nutritional supplements to help improve the patient’s energy level. The patient saw just a little improvement of her chronic fatigue. The underlying problems were not getting addressed. More importantly, I believe that the proper treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) must address multiple factors using the Functional Medicine approach because CFS and FM are multifactorial conditions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Are Multifactorial Diseases
Numerous research studies show that there are multiple factors influencing the origin and severity of FM and CFS. An April 2003 article in Endocrine Reviews states that:
Given the many factors that may impinge on the HPA axis in CFS, such as inactivity, sleep disturbance, psychiatric comorbidity, medication, and ongoing stress, it seems likely that HPA axis disturbance is heterogeneous and of multifactorial etiology in CFS.
The HPA, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is a complex group of direct influences and feedback interactions among the adrenal glands, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland. It is a major component of the neuroendocrine system and regulates many systems in our bodies, such as the immune system, the digestive system, mood and emotions, etc. It also controls reactions to stress.
Why Functional Medicine Approach
Through my training and practice of Functional Medicine, I have seen over and over again that the Functional Medicine approach is superior in resolving chronic conditions that are multifactorial. Functional Medicine is dedicated to improved management of complex chronic disease to correct underlying imbalances. This is done by intervening at multiple levels, such as diet, supplemental nutrients, lifestyle modification, environmental factors, structural body alignment, etc. The objective is to restore the person’s health functionality to the greatest extent possible.
Training in Functional Medicine is applicable to all medical disciplines. Functional Medicine doctors consider processes involved in conditions, rather than focus on the diagnosis. When altered or dysfunctional processes are corrected, a domino effect occurs in other organ systems.
Considering that multiple factors influence the origin and severity of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I emphasize a treatment that address the multiple factors. First and foremost, nutritional and lifestyle factors must be addressed. Altered metabolic processes must be transformed to more healthful processes. Structural imbalances need to be addressed. Immune system and energy imbalances must be considered.
In order to determine, which factors need to be addressed, the doctor needs to conduct a comprehensive medical history evaluation and run appropriate diagnostic tests. The doctor needs to determine the conditions of each of the systems affected by the HPA axis. Otherwise, the doctor will simply be putting a band-aid on the person’s condition.
The wrong treatment or a treatment that just addresses or relieves the symptoms will only prolong the patient’s suffering. Left unresolved, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will lead to life threatening diseases. Thus, proper treatment is imperative.
Dr Husbands is a Chiropractor, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, an Anti-Aging Healthcare Practitioner and a Functional Medicine Doctor. For more information, visit http://www.drhusbands.com.
Copyright © 2009; Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN, ABAAHP. All rights reserved.
