That depends on what's actually going on. If you've been dealing with something for five years, we can't automatically expect it to disappear in five days. Some people notice improvements relatively quickly, while others need more time. Your symptoms, health history and the factors contributing to the problem all matter. That's why we start with an examination. We want to understand what you're dealing with before recommending a realistic plan.

Fatigue isn't always just from working too hard. Poor sleep, stress, lack of movement, nutrition, persistent pain and underlying health conditions can all affect your energy. The key is understanding what's causing your fatigue rather than constantly relying on coffee to push through the day.

Think about it this way. If you're carrying extra weight, everyday activities can require more physical effort. Excess body weight can also be associated with conditions such as sleep apnoea, which can leave you feeling exhausted even after a full night's sleep. But weight isn't the whole story. Sleep, nutrition, fitness, medications and medical conditions can all influence energy levels. That's why we look at the bigger picture instead of assuming losing weight will fix everything.

More than you might think. When you're constantly dealing with pain, it can affect how well you sleep, how much you move and how you feel throughout the day. Poor sleep can leave you exhausted, and when you're exhausted, you're often less motivated to exercise or look after yourself. That can become a frustrating cycle. It doesn't mean your back is necessarily causing your fatigue, but it's one of the relationships worth investigating.

First, we sit down and discuss what you've been feeling, how long it's been happening and how it's affecting your life. Then we review your relevant health history and perform an examination based on your concerns. Where appropriate, this may include movement, physical function and other relevant health measures. If treatment is clinically appropriate, we'll discuss the options, risks and benefits and obtain your consent before proceeding. At your follow-up, we'll review your findings, discuss your response to any initial care and explain a realistic plan moving forward.