Mind Your Body Podcast
Integrative Support for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Los Angeles
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a debilitatingly complex illness characterized by profound fatigue not relieved by rest, post-exertional malaise (PEM), cognitive difficulties, pain, and other symptoms. Finding knowledgeable and empathetic care in Los Angeles can be challenging. Dr. Zev Nevo at Body and Mind Pain Center offers an integrative, patient-centered approach, utilizing Functional Medicine and Mind-Body strategies to investigate underlying factors and provide support.
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Understanding ME/CFS:
ME/CFS involves significant disruption across multiple body systems. Key features include:
- Severe, persistent fatigue impacting daily life.
- Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): Worsening of symptoms after minimal physical or mental exertion.
- Unrefreshing sleep.
- Cognitive impairment (“brain fog”).
- Orthostatic intolerance (e.g., POTS symptoms).
- Pain (musculoskeletal, headaches).
- Potential triggers/contributors: Viral infections (like EBV), immune dysfunction, mitochondrial issues, gut dysbiosis, nervous system dysregulation, environmental exposures.
Our Integrative Approach to ME/CFS:
Dr. Nevo focuses on investigating potential root causes and providing support strategies for managing ME/CFS in Los Angeles:
- Functional Medicine: Core approach – Investigating potential triggers and imbalances through advanced testing (immune markers, infections, gut health, mitochondria, hormones, nutrients, toxins), followed by personalized protocols including nutrition, targeted supplements, and lifestyle adjustments designed to support energy systems and reduce burdens.
- Mind-Body Rehabilitation: Essential for managing symptoms and supporting the nervous system. Includes gentle nervous system regulation techniques (SSP, HeartMath, Polyvagal exercises), pacing strategies to carefully manage PEM, sleep support, stress resilience building, and cognitive strategies.
- OMT: Very gentle techniques may be used cautiously to support lymphatic drainage, autonomic balance, and address related musculoskeletal discomfort without triggering PEM.
- IV Nutrient Therapy: Considered for targeted nutrient repletion based on testing, potentially supporting energy production pathways and immune function.
Patient Empowerment & Goals:
Our primary goals are validating your profound experience, helping you understand potential contributing factors, providing tools for crucial symptom management (especially PEM and fatigue), improving nervous system regulation, enhancing resilience, and optimizing quality of life within the constraints of the illness.
The Body and Mind Pain Center Difference:
Dr. Nevo offers a rare blend of Functional Medicine investigation, nervous system expertise, and compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with ME/CFS in Los Angeles. Our evidence-based, fiduciary approach prioritizes safety (especially regarding PEM), pacing, and supporting your body’s capacity for balance and function, integrated with resources from our Wellness Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does Functional Medicine help investigate ME/CFS?
Functional Medicine uses advanced testing to look for potential underlying issues often missed in standard care, such as chronic stealth infections (viral, Lyme, mold), mitochondrial dysfunction impacting energy production, gut imbalances affecting immunity and inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or HPA axis (stress system) dysregulation, which can all play a role in ME/CFS.
What is Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) and how is it managed?
PEM is a defining symptom where even minor physical or mental activity leads to a significant worsening of symptoms hours or days later. Management requires radical pacing – learning to stay strictly within your individual “energy envelope” to prevent these crashes. Activity tracking (heart rate monitoring sometimes) and careful planning are key.
Can mind-body techniques help with fatigue and brain fog?
While not a cure for the underlying pathology, Mind-Body techniques can help manage the impact. Gentle nervous system regulation (SSP, HeartMath) can reduce the ‘wired but tired’ feeling. Mindfulness and pacing strategies can help conserve energy and improve focus during limited windows of capacity.
Is OMT appropriate for ME/CFS?
OMT must be applied extremely gently and cautiously in ME/CFS due to the high risk of triggering PEM. If used, Dr. Nevo employs only very subtle techniques aimed at fluid dynamics or autonomic balance, always prioritizing the patient’s immediate feedback and energy levels.
What kind of testing might be involved?
Testing is highly individualized but could include comprehensive infectious disease panels (viral titers, Lyme/co-infections), organic acids tests (mitochondrial markers), comprehensive stool analysis, hormone panels (adrenal, thyroid), nutrient testing, and potentially mycotoxin or heavy metal testing based on history and exposure risk.