Here is how you can treat chronic pain and fatigue

Chronic pain and chronic fatigue are common health problems that affect millions of people in India They often coexist unleashing a doublewhammy of troubles to the person suffering from the conditions said experts explaining how to manage bothChronic pain refers to any type of persistent pain that lasts for more than three months while chronic fatigue is a condition characterised by longterm tiredness and low energy levels with even daytoday activitiesStudies have reported that as many as 70 per cent of people with chronic fatigue syndrome CFS also suffer from chronic pain On the other hand individuals with chronic pain are also more likely to experience fatigue and other symptoms associated with CFSPatients who deal with CFS experience a variety of symptoms including muscle pain joint pain headaches poor memory and concentration and a variety of other symptoms Muscle and joint pain are common CFS symptoms because the body is unable to deal with exhaustion and lack of energy Dr Vivek Mahajan Orthopaedic amp Joint Replacement Surgeon Indian Spinal Injuries Centre told IANSThe exact causes of chronic fatigue are not fully understood but several factors that can increase the conditions include abnormalities in the immune system or the nervous system autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis chronic infections neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis hormonal imbalances sleep disorders like sleep apnoea restless leg syndrome and insomnia as well as depression and anxiety added Dr Major Pankaj N Surange CEO amp MD IPSC India Pain and Spine HospitalA history of trauma or stress especially childhood abuse is a prominent risk factor for the cooccurrence of chronic fatigue and chronic pain in people in later years of life Dr Surange saidHe noted that women are much more susceptible to suffering from both conditions than men Lifestyle factors like poor sleep lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet may also contribute to the development of both conditions in an individualWhile not lifethreatening the conditions can significantly impact a persons quality of life and affect the ability to perform daily activitiesThere is no cure for CFS but there are ways to manage the symptoms including pain relief Dr Mahajan saidTreatment for CFS usually involves lifestyle changes such as getting enough rest exercising regularly and eating a balanced dietPractising gentle exercises such as yoga and tai chi avoiding overexertion heat therapy like warm showers and baths heating pads cold therapy pain medication nutritional supplements like omega3 fatty acids magnesium and vitamin D getting adequate rest and sleep can help manage pain the doctor saidThe treatment options for chronic fatigue and chronic pain depend on the underlying cause of the conditions and a persons specific symptoms Dr Surange told IANSFor chronic fatigue treatment options include cognitive behavioural therapy CBT graded exercise therapy and medication management for symptoms like pain depression and sleep disturbances For chronic pain treatment options may include physical therapy occupational therapy and medication management he addedAlso Read Working mothers are still struggling herersquos how employers can support themThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever