Fibromyalgia Overview Slideshow Take the Fibromyalgia Quiz Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Other Therapy

Other therapies tried by people with chronic fatigue syndrome include massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, cranial-sacral techniques, self-hypnosis, and therapeutic touch. People with CFS may feel better with such techniques, but these therapies should be combined with an individualized exercise program that includes stretching.

Many people report successful treatment of CFS symptoms with experimental therapies, herbal supplements, and dietary modifications. Various dietary and herbal products have been promoted in the market to improve symptoms of CFS. Many of these have not been tested in controlled trials. Preparations that have been claimed to have benefit to CFS patients include astragalus, borage seed oil, bromelain, comfrey, echinacea, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, primrose oil, guercetin, St. John's wort, and Shiitake mushroom extract. Dietary supplements and herbal preparations can have potentially serious side effects, and some can interfere or interact with prescription medications. Do not begin any experimental treatments without consulting your doctor or health-care provider.

Next Steps

Follow-up

Regular follow-up is necessary for your doctor to monitor your treatment program. Because the treatment program should be based on your overall medical condition and current symptoms, it should be modified over time. Visit your health-care provider regularly.

Prevention

Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are worsened by stress, too much exercise, or lack of sleep. Avoid these triggers.

Outlook

The percentage of people who completely recover from chronic fatigue syndrome is not known. Most people with CFS have improvement in their symptoms over time with proper treatment strategies and regular care. People with CFS may have cyclical symptoms in which they have periods of illness followed by periods or relative wellness. Most patients recover within five years of the beginning of the illness.