Chronic Fatigue Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: Can a Sauna Be Used to Treat Both?


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Chronic fatigue syndrome vs. fibromyalgia

A sauna can have a tremendous impact on your stress levels, but can it help those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia pain? The outlook seems very promising.

An estimated 4 million people deal with fibromyalgia. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects thousands, or even millions, of others. Finding effective treatments isn’t easy, if at all possible.

With their relaxing and healing heat, saunas can potentially offer relief for both of these conditions. Keep reading to learn about chronic fatigue syndrome vs. fibromyalgia, and how saunas can present an effective, alternative means of treatment.

About Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

When examining chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, the similarities are undeniable. 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a condition characterized by:

  • Disrupted sleeping patterns
  • Depleted energy 
  • Fever
  • Inflammation symptoms

Fibromyalgia has similar symptoms, such as:

  • Muscle pain
  • Inflammation
  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty sleeping

So, what is the connection between chronic fatigue syndrome vs. fibromyalgia? Some suggest that the two conditions have a great deal of overlap. This is something to consider when discussing options for treatment.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: What Are the Key Differences?

Before we delve any further, it’s worth noting that both fibromyalgia and CFS fall into different research categories. Those that study fibromyalgia are typically arthritis specialists and rheumatologists. CFS studies usually focus on viruses and immune system health.

The potential connection between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome requires further examination. Still, the symptoms bear striking similarities. The most notable of these are chronic pain and fatigue, though each condition presents them in different proportions.

Fibromyalgia largely involves chronic muscle pain, with some underlying symptoms of fatigue. The inverse is true for CFS. Those with this condition are most affected by the extreme lack of energy it causes, with some underlying symptoms of chronic pain.

Can Saunas Be Used to Treat Both Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

While there’s certainly more to learn about the connection between CFS and fibromyalgia, we can look at the overlapping symptoms and consider a common treatment option. 

Experts have pointed out that heat is an effective therapy for muscle stiffness and soreness. This is because it enlarges the blood vessels, allowing for improved circulation. Some relief is possible with hot compresses, baths, and heating pads, but there is still room for improvement.

Saunas take this idea to a new level, allowing users to be fully immersed within the therapeutic heat. Infrared saunas are particularly effective, as they heat the body directly rather than heating the surrounding environment.

As for the fatigue symptoms with chronic fatigue syndrome vs. fibromyalgia, toxins could play a major role. Saunas can help rid the body of these toxic substances through sweating.

Further Benefits Associated with Infrared Sauna Therapy

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome both have no known cure. Instead, those living with these conditions must focus on finding relief from their symptoms.

A relaxing sauna session presents an effective means of doing this. What’s more, an infrared sauna does it without the extreme and often uncomfortable heat found in traditional saunas.

Those dealing with chronic pain and fatigue seek an escape from their symptoms. They need to relax and relieve the tightness and tiredness that they live with every day. Now, thanks to the innovative technology of infrared saunas, they could be able to do just that.

Finding Relief with Sauna Therapy

The overlapping symptoms between chronic fatigue syndrome vs. fibromyalgia present a constant challenge. Those who have these conditions often struggle to cope with everyday living. Now, with the 360° heat therapy offered with infrared sauna technology, relief is possible.

Shop our entire line of infrared saunas to find the perfect one for you. 

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