What is body weakness? Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

Body weakness is a common symptom experienced by almost everyone at several phases of their life. It is often characterized by simple tiredness or inability to perform any physical tasks or even daily routines, seen in severe cases. While millions of people in the country encounter body weakness in their lives, distinguishing normal tiredness from severe body weakness helps to understand the need for medical attention.

The additional symptoms associated with body weakness are difficulty walking, lifting objects, or even performing daily tasks; trouble speaking or swallowing, along with disturbed coordination or balance; double vision; muscle twitching or cramping; and involuntary tremors.

Causes of body weakness

• Viral or bacterial infections or autoimmune conditions can weaken the immune system & reduce the energy levels.
• Certain conditions, such as heart diseases that impact blood circulation, can eventually lead to body weakness.
• Conditions that are associated with the nervous system, otherwise called neurological conditions, where the communication or signaling between nerves & muscles is disrupted, leading to loss of muscle strength & body weakness.
• Common risk factors associated with body weakness include improper nutrition that causes vitamin deficiency, inadequate sleep, a sedentary lifestyle (without proper exercise), and exposure to high temperatures or polluted environments more often; all increase the likelihood of body weakness, along with aging factors that contribute to reduced muscle mass & low energy levels.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice sudden body weakness lasting for a few days to weeks, or if it is accompanied by fever, fainting, chest discomfort, etc., or worsens over time despite proper sleep and intake of a nutritious diet, you must seek medical help.

What if body weakness is left untreated?

While general tiredness is not a worrisome symptom, body weakness lasting for more than a few days to weeks due to several underlying conditions can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as the following:

• It can lead to further muscle wasting or weakness.
• It increases the risk of secondary or additional health conditions, including hypertension or chronic pain.
• Reduced quality of life due to delayed diagnosis of underlying chronic conditions that might be life-threatening.
• Diminished productivity or ability to focus on tasks.
• Increases the likelihood of falls or injuries.
• Contributes to a negative impact on mental health, leading to depression

Diagnosis of body weakness

The diagnostic measures employed in individuals with body weakness include physical examination that helps in understanding muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination, followed by certain blood tests to determine vitamin deficiencies or infections, combined with imaging tests including CT, X-rays, or MRI scans to rule out spinal cord or brain conditions associated with body weakness.

Treatment for body weakness:

• Physical therapy includes exercises & mobility training that help strengthen the muscles, while occupational therapies focus on activities that improve daily function & coordination.
• Certain lifestyle modifications, such as eating well-balanced food or a nutrient-rich diet along with proper sleep, can improve the condition.
• Treating the underlying cause, such as infections with certain antibiotics or thyroid disorders with antithyroid medication, can improve body weakness.

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