Pain Characteristics of People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: Until now, there has been a lack of fundamental research into the pain experienced in chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS]. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the pain experiences of people with CFS with a range of disability, and (2) identify specific pain characteristics of people with CFS.Methods: Fifty people were recruited, including 10 people who were severely disabled by CFS [25% Group]. Participants completed a structured interview and a series of pain assessments about their current pain, which included the McGill Pain Questionnaire [MPQ], the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale [PASS], and visual analog scales.Results: Muscle pain was the most reported painful symptom [68 percent]. The current pain intensity was 43.2 mm ± 20.8 mm measured on a visual analog scale. The MPQ pain rating index was 23.6 ± 10.8. The PASS total score was 37.9 ± 17.6. Thirty percent [N = 15] of participants reported the cervical spine the location of "most severe" pain, followed by the left and right scapular and right lumbar spine [N = 10 each, 20 percent each]. Further analysis indicated that those people, who were severely disabled by CFS, also experienced significantly more pain [P < 0.05].be tailored to the individual requirements of patients presenting with symptoms of both fatigue and pain.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM): the foundation of a relationship

“…Although there are no cut-off scores for the MPQ, people with painful conditions will normally have scores ranging from 24% to 50% of the total score with an average of 30%. 45,46…”

Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

“…For severely ill patients, physical activity may not be possible without making the patient sicker. Although pain (e.g., joint/muscle aches, sore throats, headaches) is common in ME/CFS [103] and sleep disturbances are part of diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS [4,104], clinicians should evaluate the cause of symptoms before attributing them solely or entirely to ME/CFS, especially if the pain is new or worsening. For example, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea are common comorbid conditions yet each condition has specific treatments.…”

The ‘cognitive behavioural model’ of chronic fatigue syndrome: Critique of a flawed model

“…The CBM of ME/CFS inextricably fails to explain the origins and impact of symptoms specific to ME/CFS; the commonest symptoms reported in the illness are pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction. In the CBM, pain is theorised to be the result of patients somatising or overly focusing on bodily sensations (Lane et al, 1991), whereas studies of pain in ME/CFS reveal that patients experience widespread muscular, joint pain and headaches (Marshall et al, 2010). Meeus and Nijs (2007) offer an explanation that pain in ME/CFS might originate from increased central neuronal responsiveness.…”