Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
A brief digest about this topic
Scientists are closer than ever to understanding the connection between on-going pain and high levels of fatigue. The two are tightly intertwined: Up to 75% of people with chronic, widespread pain say they’re deeply tired. And up to 94% of people with chronic fatigue syndrome also say they’re bothered by muscle pain. In one new study, a protein involved with muscle pain also zapped muscle strength—especially in females. This may help explain why feeling tired and ache-y is more common for women than men. Mind-body therapies like meditation and yoga can help you cope with pain in ways that increase your energy levels.
Fast Facts:- Three out of four people with chronic pain say their energy level is low most of the time.
- Cognitive-behavior therapy plus gentle exercise helped people with joint pain ease fatigue and reduce aches in one Dutch study.
- Despite a great track record for soothing pain and boosting energy, just half of all doctors recommended exercise to their chronic-pain patients in one study.
- Stress is another culprit. Good antidotes are yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation; all ease physical and mental tension so you feel refreshed.
- Eighty-six percent of people with chronic pain say it keeps them awake nights. Massage, yoga, and guided imagery can help you get a better nights’ sleep.
The Common Threads of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Fibromyalgia Center - Everyday Health
everydayhealth.com — “Fibromyalgia fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome are so alike that the debate goes on as to whether they're the same disease. Learn about the key differences.” View full resource at everydayhealth.com
The Top 3 resources shared on this topic. More resources.
Key stats and trends about this topic
Related WisdomCards
Related Health Centers
Featuring the top 3 experts for this topic
The Reader's Digest Version health cards were created to provide you with the Reader's Digest Version answers to your health questions: quick, succinct, simple, and 100% reliable. Each card was compiled by the editors of Reader's Digest, one of the world's largest and most trusted brands, based on interviews with doctors and the most current scientific research. Our goal: to help you achieve your best health, the simplest, most direct, most trustworthy ways possible.
These health cards were developed in partnership with OrganizedWisdom.com, where health experts find the tools and inspiration to share their wisdom with the world.
Advertisement
