Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is usually characterized by a prolonged bout of fatigue accompanied by a wide range of other symptoms. The condition can affect individuals of any age but is more common between the ages of 25 and 45, with females usually affected more than males.

An adult is diagnosed with CFS if, for at least four months, they have had chronic fatigue but with no obvious other medical issue causing the condition. The main symptoms associated with CFS include sore throat, muscle pain, lack of concentration, joint pain, headaches, and fitful sleep. Some other symptoms that can also occur are abdominal pain, bloating, cough, chest pain, earache, jaw pain, stiffness, diarrhea, weight loss, nausea and night sweats.

As a rule, the symptoms of CFS are not improved by taking bed rest and conversely may be made worse by some physical or mental activities. As it is unknown what actually causes the condition, it is very difficult to prevent; it is not, though, a contagious condition. Some causes that are thought to contribute to CFS include having had a viral infection of some description, depression, stress or a life changing event such as loss of employment or bereavement.

The prevalence of fatigue states

Following on from this, there are no specific treatments’ for the condition either, but medication can be prescribed for the associated symptoms, for example, taking painkillers for headaches.

Sciatica refers to any pain or compression of the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve runs from the back of the pelvis and right down through the buttocks and both legs and ends at the feet. If something presses on the sciatic nerve it can cause a pain that runs from the lower back and down the leg; this pain can be mild to severe.

Sciatica

Causes of sciatica include slipped discs which can get temporarily moved out of place and then press on the sciatic nerve.  Acute sciatica is pain which lasts up to six weeks whereas chronic sciatica lasts longer than six weeks. Most cases clear up unaided but using painkillers, hot or cold compresses and exercise can help to alleviate symptoms. Sometimes there is a need to contact a physiotherapist especially for chronic sufferers.

Sciatic pain is different to back pain in that it also affects the legs.  Sciatica can cause weakness in the legs or feet. There is a rare condition which can cause sciatica and this is called Cauda Equine Syndrome.  This can lead to paralysis if left untreated as it can permanently damage the nervous system.  A sign of cauda equine syndrome is the sudden loss of bladder or bowel control and if this occurs immediate medical help should be sought.

Another cause of sciatica has been put down to general wear and tear.  This is why people over forty with jobs involving a physical activity are more prone to sciatica.

The heart is a pump that is designed to force blood through the body and as with any type of pump, it works by generating pressure. In the body, the blood is pumped through the arteries to all major organs, but if there is too much pressure it can put a strain on the heart itself or the arteries, causing all sorts of problems.

Blood pressure is dependent on two things. The first is the force with which the heart pumps the blood around the body, and the second is the narrowness of the arteries. Hypertension happens when the blood is forced with increased pressure through the arteries.

When blood pressure is measured, it is done so using two numbers, an example being 120 over eighty. The first number listed is the systolic blood pressure which is the maximum pressure exerted on the arteries when the heart beats, and the second number listed is the diastolic blood pressure, or the minimum amount of pressure on the arteries when the heart is relaxed. The example above is of a normal blood pressure reading.

Blood pressure can be considered high when the systolic blood pressure reading is constantly above 160, and/or the diastolic blood pressure reading is above 100. One of the biggest problems with high blood pressure though, is the fact that it doesn’t always cause any symptoms meaning it may go unnoticed until a later complication such as a heart attack or stroke.

Other complications arising from high blood pressure can be an aneurysm, heart failure, eye damage, kidney failure or atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of the arteries. Some factors that could contribute to high blood pressure include hereditary reasons, obesity, kidney disease, diabetes, excessive salt intake, lack of exercise and high intake of alcohol.

High Blood Pressure