What are Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders?
Jan 01, 2017
It has been known for almost two decades that there is a connection between ME/CFS and FM and joint hypermobility. Dr. Peter Rowe was one of the first to publish on this topic. For more on his work and a video on managing orthostatic intolerance (dizziness and other symptoms when remaining upright) go to Dr. Rowe’s webpage at Johns Hopkins.
Does Hypermobile EDS Get Worse with Age?
I had never understood why some individuals with joint hypermobility suffer symptoms from a young age (growing pains and fatigue) and others are seen perfectly healthy until later in life. This very interesting paper by experts in the field of hypermobility hypothesizes that there is a progression of symptoms with age. Some people have symptoms of pain and fatigue in childhood and by the 20s to 30s many individuals with hypermobility develop various types of chronic pain, central pain syndromes like Fibromyalgia and allodynia (painful touch), sensitivity to light and sound, post-exertional malaise, disabling fatigue, the pain of the inner organs and pelvic pain (in women mostly).
This article is of interest to anyone with hypermobility syndrome. It is long and detailed and has quite a bit of medical jargon (which may not be for everyone). Of special interest is a table listing some management strategies to prevent what the authors call the “chronicization” of pain. Their suggestions involve many of the lifestyle interventions that are discussed in my manual Let Your Light Shine Through.
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Check out more resources to help combat ME/CFS, FM and ES
Dr. Eleanor Stein is a physician and psychiatrist who now dedicates her career to empowering people with complex chronic conditions—such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, environmental sensitivities, long COVID and chronic pain—to reclaim their lives through accessible science-based self-management strategies.
She draws ideas from cutting edge research in circadian biology, neuroplasticity, hormesis and quantum biology among other.
With over 35 years of clinical practice in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, along with research and decades of lived experience navigating ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), Dr. Stein uniquely blends rigorous medical insight with personal resilience.
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