Chronic Fatigue Virus Link No More

This post will probably rub some tired people the wrong way, but...well, I've been waiting a long time to write it. I guess it's time. It has to do with chronic fatigue, and the attempts to turn it into a disease, with it's own microorganistic causation, and probably a slew of drugs and support groups. Evidence to the affirmative has been lacking, however, and the latest happenings has a prestigious medical journal retracting a controversial 2009 report that linked chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to a virus. Sorry folks.

In an unusual move, the journal Science is taking the retraction step on its own. Normally, authors retract their own research papers when serious problems arise after publication, but according to the scientific publication, the authors are having trouble agreeing on the wording of their statement. A retraction signed by all the authors "is unlikely to be forthcoming," said the journal.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by severe fatigue for at least six months, impaired memory and other symptoms.
The 2009 paper, from scientists at the Whittemore Peterson Institute in Reno, Nev., the Cleveland Clinic and the National Cancer Institute, reported finding a virus called XMRV in blood cells of some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. That raised hope that a cause of the mysterious illness had been found, although other viral suspects, like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) over the years had proven to be false leads.

Follow up studies, however, failed to show a link, leading Science magazine to publish two reports last May suggesting the original finding was due to lab contamination. Doh! In September, the authors retracted some of the data, citing contamination. Science said the authors had also acknowledged omitting important information about the study's procedures in an illustration of some lab results.

Sigh...as much as I sympathize with people feeling really, really tired (I know, I know...), I think the problem in chronic fatigue is psychosomatic. Now there's often a misunderstanding with this term--psychosomatic does not mean that something is simply a figment of the imagination, that it doesn't exist.  On the contrary, the physical condition exists, but it is the manifestation of many components including social, psychological and behavioral factors. And I am confident that this is the case with CFS.

I believe that CFS is rooted in a generalized lack of purpose in those exhibiting signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue. Whoa! I know, many reading this are going to flip. How dare I blame the victim? No blame here, just an observation. I have had numerous clients in my West Hollywood chiropractic clinic demonstrate signs and symptoms of CFS, and my observation is that most of these people were not working, they had nothing inspiring them, and their drives were stuck in survival mode--I know I'd be fatigued with life under those circumstances too.

Well...perhaps these people had no drive or inspiration, and lacked work because they were suffering from unusual fatigue. I doubt it. Anecdotally speaking, I had lived a purposeless life for a short period during my youth. I slept for long hours, was tired all the time, my body ached, and I was certain there was something wrong with me physically. But it wasn't until I made decisions from my heart as to what I wanted my life to be about that I developed a renewed vigor. Today, I rarely sleep longer than six hours, and my energy levels are booming.

I realize that my experiences do not a scientific study make. But they shape my beliefs, and that along with the failure to find any infectious agent or other solitary cause for that matter, make it easy for me to hold my convictions. Further, if the illness is in fact a medical condition, in the sense that it requires physical or chemical treatment, then exercise and psychotherapy seem to be the most effective treatments available so far. Not rocket science. And all this goes for fibromyalgia too.

Listen, I know when people are in a rut--when they aren't in touch with their heart's drive, their life's purpose--it can be very fatiguing. I've lived it. But the answer will never be in medicalizing the condition. Finding purpose in one's life will do much more for this condition than searching for viruses that aren't there. Surely, a virus can be found...we have many to choose from, as they permeate our world, but is that really it--doubtful. Sorry to shatter the illusion.

West Hollywood Chiropractic: Glute Stretches to Relieve Low Back and Pelvic Pain

Low back pain, hip pain and knee pain can all originate from a weak pelvic girdle.  When the muscles of the butt and pelvis get weak, the low back loses support--add in a weak abdominal core and you've got a recipe for disaster.

In my West Hollywood chiropractic office, I always evaluate the pelvis and buttocks muscles, which are also known as the gluteals.  The gluteus maximus is the main muscle of walking, as it is the primary hip extensor--a movement necessary to bring the leg back during walking (gait) cycle.  The gluteus medius is the muscle that holds the pelvis upright as we stand.  When the glutes get weak--or perhaps lazy is a better word--they need to be isolated and strengthened. 

No muscle can be totally isolated because muscles work together--synergistically--as a group.  However, there are two exercises that are outstanding for isolating the gluteal muscles as much as possible.  The first is called gluteal bridges, and if you watch the video below, you can see a great version that will not only strengthen the gluteus maximus muscles, but will also help correct any muscular imbalances that are in place, whereby one side becomes stronger or weaker than the other.  The second exercise is called hip abductions and we'll save that for another post.

You should have your work cut out for you with the gluteal bridges I demonstrate in the video, so watch and practice.  If you are not sore the next day, then you aren't doing them right.  But don't worry, you'll be sore...

West Hollywood Chiropractic: Abdominal Hollow Exercises to Strengthen and Stabilize Core

We hear a lot about the abdominal core (especially since it's been designed by Navy SEALS...just kidding) for good reason, it's nature's support belt--it stabilizes and protects the lower trunk, the pelvis and the spine.  The term "core" is a current buzzword in fitness circles, but it's more than just the abdominals.  It's a group of muscles working together, dynamically to stabilize the body during movements.  It's includes abdominal muscles for sure, but low back, pelvic and spinal muscles contribute to the function of the core.


The video below shows an outstanding exercise--the abdominal hollow--I give to all my West Hollywood chiropractic clients to strengthen their core.  I call it a basic building block because, despite its effectiveness as a solitary movement, it is an integral part of numerous compound exercises that I give my clients as they advance through a sports rehab routine.  Simply put, it's the best fundamental strengthening exercise anybody can benefit from, no matter what shape you are in.

Watch the video below to learn how to do the powerful abdominal hollow exercise, and do it daily.  I guarantee within six weeks of doing this exercise every day, your core will be solid and your low back will have more support, leading to--less injury and less low back pain.  Have fun.