What Could Cause Dizzy Spells, Chills And Muscle Soreness While Under An Abnormal Amount Of Stress?

Posted on Fri, 4 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 4 May 2018 Answered on

Mon, 9 Oct 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been have dizzy spells, chills, and muscle soreness but have been under an abnormal amount of stress. I think i look pale, too. Am I dehydrated or anemic? Can i take cared of this over the counter. I am so busy.

Answered by Dr. Malik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
More information is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

How long have you been having dizziness, muscle soreness and chills?

If it is a recent condition it is highly likely a common cold from viral infections and it can be managed taking rest, taking adequate fluids and over the counter medicines (Tylenol).

If it is chronic the condition might be from anemia or thyroid problem. The underlying cause should be identified for these disorders and you might need to have common blood test and thyroid function tests (T4 and TSH) to start with.

When do you feel dizziness: all the time or while standing?
Do you have any sleeping problems?
How is your appetite? Do you have abdominal discomfort, pain or change in stool habit or color?
Do you have any bleeding problem?
What was your last blood pressure and heart rate reading?

Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Malik (34 minutes later)

I have dizziness when sitting also. I havent had difficulty sleeping but i have been working long hours for the past 8 weeks and noticed the dizziness first about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I thought i might be dehydrated so started drinking more water but i still had times of lightheadedness or dizziness. I am dieting because i have put on a lot of weight after foot surgery last year. I also started taking Gundrys prebiotics and am very regular with my bowel movements. I have not noticed any darkened stool. I do not have abdominal pain but have had chronic back problems which led to the foot surgery. My back issues now are mostly just stiffness. Although i have had some muscle fatigue in my legs but again have been chocking that up to weight gain and my long days. I am now back on my regular work schedule for the past 2 weeks but the dizziness and chills have continued. I hope i have answered clearly. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Malik (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please, get CBC, thyroid function and blood sugar tests

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the detailed answer.

Your condition is highly likely caused by work related stress. Stress can lead to mental problems (depression, anxiety) and physical illnesses. Stress exhausts adrenal glands that control blood pressure, blood sugar and have effect on other endocrine glands (e.g.thyroid).

Furthermore, your muscle soreness and feeling cold along with lightheadedness are also suggestive of under-functioning thyroid or anemia.
In order to differentiate these disorders and make proper diagnosis you should have the following tests:
-Blood pressure and heart rate should be checked
-Complete blood count (CBC) to exclude anemia, infection or inflammatory conditions;
-Blood sugar test – to exclude low or high blood sugar
-Thyroid gland function tests to exclude under-functioning thyroid gland

Hope the information is helpful for you. Please, get the above mentioned tests and let me know the test results. I will be happy to help you further.

Please, also feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Malik (8 hours later)

Thakj you, I will.

Answered by Dr. Malik (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
follow-up

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.

I hope I have been helpful.

Wishing you good health
Malik Amonov MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng