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Back and body pain are something most women have experienced at some point, but when the discomfort lingers for weeks or months, it can feel frustrating and confusing.
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Dr Dushyant Chouchan, orthopaedic and sports injury surgeon at AIIMS Raipur, addressed this common struggle in an Instagram post. He said, “This video is especially for females who have been struggling with body, back, and bone issues for quite some time. Many women visit OPDs with such problems, and their main complaint is that even after taking all the medicines, they don’t get relief.”
He also highlighted how many patients end up spending unnecessarily on broad medical checks. “Should you do a full-body check-up or not? Many patients come after doing expensive full-body check-ups, only to find nothing wrong. When the reports come back normal, they feel unsure about what to do next,” he explained.
Instead, Dr Dushyant suggests focusing on a few key tests that can shed light on what’s really going on. “Around 90% of generalised body, back, and bone pain can be addressed with these tests,” he said, before recommending three essentials: Vitamin D3 and calcium levels, a complete blood count with iron profile, and a DEXA scan for women over 40 to check bone density. According to him, “If you get these 3 important tests done, you can identify the cause of around 95% of your pain. These tests are economical, and there’s no need for a full-body check-up.”
So, why are women particularly prone to Vitamin D3 and calcium deficiencies, and what role do lifestyle or hormonal changes play?
Dr (Prof.) Raju Vaishya, senior consultant orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, tells indianexpress.com, “Nearly 80-90% of musculoskeletal pain in women is linked to Vitamin D3 and calcium deficiency. Women are particularly vulnerable due to biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density; after menopause, falling estrogen levels accelerate bone loss, making deficiencies more impactful.”
Lifestyle choices, such as spending limited time outdoors, covering the skin due to cultural clothing norms, or using sunscreen excessively, reduce Vitamin D synthesis from sunlight. “Pregnancy and breastfeeding further deplete calcium and Vitamin D stores, as the body prioritises the baby’s needs. Over time, this deficiency weakens bones and muscles, resulting in diffuse aches, back pain, and fatigue,” notes the doctor.
The role of CBC and iron profile in detecting anaemia early
A CBC and iron profile can uncover hidden anaemia, Dr Vaishya says, which is common in women due to menstrual blood loss, pregnancies, and nutritional gaps. Anaemia deprives muscles and tissues of oxygen, causing fatigue, muscle soreness, headaches, and even restless legs.
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Recognising these red flags early is crucial, as untreated anaemia can escalate into severe weakness, poor concentration, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
When pain persists despite normal test results
If Vitamin D3, calcium, iron, and thyroid levels are normal, but pain continues, it’s important to consider the remaining 5% of causes. According to Dr Vaishya, women should be alert to conditions such as:
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which cause joint stiffness and fatigue
- Fibromyalgia, marked by widespread pain, sleep disturbances, and brain fog
- Thyroid imbalances (hypo or hyperthyroidism), which affect metabolism and muscle health
“Red flags such as unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, persistent swelling, or neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness) require urgent medical evaluation,” stresses Dr Vaishya.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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