What is the Difference Between Fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue syndrome?

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are similar conditions that feature body aches and persistent fatigue. However, there are key differences between the two:

1. Dominant Symptoms: In fibromyalgia, widespread body pain and tenderness are the dominant symptoms, while in chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue is the dominant symptom.
2. Symptom Presentation: Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread musculoskeletal pain and touch tenderness, fatigue (particularly when waking, during the mid-afternoon, and after periods of inactivity), difficulty concentrating ("fibro fog"), and depression. Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms include debilitating exhaustion, which may last for years, and can develop in children, teens, and adults, but is most likely in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
3. Pathophysiological Differences: Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have major pathological differences in areas such as sleep pathology, spinal fluid composition, hormone release, exercise response, neurotransmitter activity, and comorbid mental disorders.
4. Causes: The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but genetics, trauma, or an infection may play a role. Chronic fatigue syndrome can develop in children and teens, but is most likely in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is four times more common in women than men.
5. Diagnosis: In contrast to fibromyalgia, which has no exclusionary diagnostic criteria, chronic fatigue syndrome should not be diagnosed unless medical and psychiatric causes of fatigue have been ruled out.

In summary, the main differences between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome lie in the prevalence and presentation of their symptoms, as well as their pathophysiological processes. While both conditions involve body aches and fatigue, the severity and impact of these symptoms can vary significantly between individuals.

Comparative Table: Fibromyalgia vs Chronic fatigue syndrome

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) are two distinct conditions that share some overlapping symptoms. Here is a table highlighting the main differences between the two:

Fibromyalgia is characterized by persistent musculoskeletal pain and tenderness throughout the body, while Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is dominated by fatigue that often worsens with exertion. Although both conditions share some similarities, such as body aches and fatigue, their primary symptoms and underlying pathophysiology set them apart.