Fatigue and Low Energy in Austin, TX

Fatigue is a feeling of lingering, constant, and limiting tiredness – unexplained, persistent, and relapsing exhaustion. People with chronic fatigue often wake feeling as though they never rested. In most cases there’s a reason: allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic bacterial or viral infections, thyroid conditions, diabetes, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, sleep apnea, or another underlying health problem. The good news is that when the underlying condition is identified and properly managed, fatigue often resolves.

Fatigue Symptoms

The primary symptom is exhaustion with physical or mental activity, without feeling refreshed after rest or sleep. Over time this can make it hard to carry out daily activities like work, household chores, and caring for others. Signs and symptoms can be physical, mental, or emotional, and tend to worsen after exertion – sometimes hours later or the next day. Common signs include:

• Aching or sore muscles
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Daytime drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating or learning new tasks
• Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea
• Headache
• Irritability and moodiness
• Slowed response time
• Vision problems such as blurriness

What Causes Fatigue?

There are dozens of reasons someone develops fatigue – and the difficulty in treating it is that there are usually multiple causes at once. Dr. Daniel evaluates the full range of contributing factors, including:

• Poor sleep – restorative sleep is essential to resolving fatigue
• Dehydration – many people live in a state of chronic dehydration
• Food sensitivities & toxins – allergies and reactions that drain energy
• Lack of movement – too much sitting and inadequate exercise
• HPA axis / adrenal dysfunction – affecting cortisol, sleep, blood sugar, and energy
• Thyroid dysfunction – often missed on standard lab testing
• Sex hormone imbalances – progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone
• Nutrient deficiencies – iron, B12, folate, magnesium, and vitamin D
• Digestive health – constipation increases the body’s toxic burden
• Mold toxicity – common in water-damaged buildings
• Heavy metals, chemicals & EMFs – environmental toxins
• Chronic infections – bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi
• Mitochondrial dysfunction – the energy centers of your cells
• Brain health – a major determinant of mood, resilience, and energy

Fatigue Diagnosis

Diagnosis is challenging precisely because there are so many possible causes. Important questions include the quality of the fatigue, its patterns (time of day, severity, and duration), and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and rest. A physical exam is the best place to start. Our Austin clinic may perform a body composition analysis, digital posture analysis, muscle strength and reflex testing, and digital X-ray. If these don’t determine the cause, additional hormone, blood chemistry, and vitamin testing can be ordered.

Fatigue Treatment

Treatment depends on the actual cause – and because fatigue usually has several causes, several treatments are often recommended at once. Examples include treating anemia, addressing sleep apnea, improving blood sugar control, correcting an under- or overactive thyroid, treating infections, addressing depression, and more. Dr. Daniel’s functional medicine approach works to identify and resolve the true drivers of your exhaustion rather than masking them.

Fatigue Treatment in Austin

If you live in the Austin area and are struggling with fatigue, let Dr. Daniel help you figure out why you’re so tired. At Family Health Chiropractic, treating your fatigue is only the beginning of how we can help you live a happier, healthier life. Call 512-347-8881 to schedule your consultation.