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M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as C.F.S. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), is a
chronic disorder which leaves the patient suffering from intense lethargy,
pain in the muscles and joints, plus mental confusion and many other serious
and unpleasant symptoms. It often leaves the patient with long-term
disability and facing a miserable existence. At least 400,000 people in the U.K. alone suffer from M.E., and it even affects children as young as five years of age. Many
patients become bedridden for long periods, and some need to be hospitalised.
Since the original publication of the 'Osteopathy and M.E.' booklet,
many interesting discoveries have been made during Raymond Perrin's research
at the University of Salford, U.K.
Firstly clinical trials scientifically demonstrated that osteopathic
treatment did indeed help with symptoms associated with M.E. [Perrin RN,
Edwards J and Hartley P (January/February 1998). An evaluation of the
effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on symptoms associated with Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis. A preliminary report. Journal of Medical Engineering and
Technology, 22 (1), 1-13.]
At present we are investigating why osteopathy does help.
To answer this question one has to exmine the probable mechanism causing M.E.
in the first place.
 As already stated in 'Osteopathy and M.E.', different
stress factors, whether physical, allergies, emotional or infections lead to
an overstrain of the sympathetic nervous system. Further investigation has
led to a probable cause of nervous system overload being a build up of toxins
in the fluid around the brain and the spinal cord. Poisons caused by
infection or inflammation in the head or spine normally flow through perforations
in a bony plate (the cribiform plate) just above the nasal sinuses into the
lymph ducts of the face and neck. The toxins are also meant to drain down the
spinal cord and out into the lymph ducts lying along the spine. In an M.E.
sufferer these normal drainage points are congested.
The osteopathic approach stimulates the fluid motion around the brain and
spinal cord via cranial techniques discussed in 'Osteopathy and M.E.'. Manipulation
of the spine further aids drainage of these toxins out of the cerebro-spinal
fluid. Massage of the soft tissues in the head, neck, back and chest direct
all toxins out of the lymphatic system and into the blood, where they are
readily detoxified.
Eventually with no poisons affecting the brain, the sympathetic nervous
system begins to function correctly, and providing the patients do not
overstrain themselves their symptoms should gradually improve.
To obtain a full copy of the printed version of 'Osteopathy and M.E.' by Raymond
Perrin, see the FAQs page. The printed
version also contains exercises and patient advice but should only be done
under the supervision of a trained osteopath.
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Ostheopathy and ME
