ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia & Long COVID
Understanding the Causes
Viral Infections
Many individuals with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or Long COVID report a viral illness prior to the onset of symptoms. Common triggers include Epstein-Barr virus (which causes glandular fever), Human Herpesvirus 6, and more recently, COVID-19.
While viral infections are a significant contributor, these conditions can also develop from a combination of other underlying factors.
Immune Dysfunction
Dysregulation of the immune system is frequently seen in patients with these conditions, often resulting in a reduced ability to fight off infections and a tendency to experience prolonged illness.
Dr Perrin proposes that these immune challenges stem from disruptions in the nervous and lymphatic systems, which play critical roles in immune function.
Hormonal Imbalance
Many individuals with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID present with abnormal hormone levels. Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, or periods of significant stress can act as triggers, particularly in those already predisposed.
Dr Perrin believes this is due to toxic interference within the brain, particularly in areas like the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands, which govern hormone regulation.
Chronic Stress
Ongoing psychological or physiological stress can result in persistent inflammation, contributing to the breakdown of neurological and immune function.
Stress is widely recognised as a key driver of neuroinflammation, which may be central to the development and exacerbation of ME/CFS and related disorders.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma – whether from a single injury or chronic strain – can disrupt the body’s systems. This includes blunt force trauma, surgical procedures, or injuries to the head or spine.
Such trauma can overstimulate the autonomic nervous system, potentially leading to long-term issues with regulation and healing.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional or psychological trauma, whether from a single event (like a bereavement) or long-term stress (such as abuse, neglect, or ongoing anxiety), is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor in chronic illness.
Unresolved trauma can have lasting effects on the body and mind, often playing a role in the onset of ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID.
Find us
Markland Therapy Centre
112 Market Street
(Side entrance on Church Street)
Westhoughton
Bolton
BL5 3AZ
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Based in Westhoughton, Lancashire, our Clinic specialises in providing treatments and therapy for people suffering from chronic illnesses that cause severe fatigue and can result in persistent headaches, cognitive issues (brain fog) and poor memory, constant muscle pain and soreness, fibromyalgia and other fatigue related symptoms.
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All of our team are fully insured. Our chartered physiotherapists are all registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy CSP and The Health Care Professions Council HCPC.
