Aches and pains are a common symptom of many diseases. One of the most well-known conditions that can cause body aches is the flu. Aches can also be caused by your daily activities, particularly if you stand, walk, or exercise for extended periods of time.
You may only require rest and home treatment to alleviate your body aches. However, some aches, particularly those that last a long time, may indicate an underlying condition. In these cases, you should consult with your doctor for a diagnosis. They can devise a long-term treatment plan to alleviate your aches and other symptoms.
Continue reading to find out what's causing your symptoms.
1. Anxiety
When you are stressed, your immune system is unable to control its response to inflammation. As a result, your body is unable to fight infections or sickness as well as it should. This can cause aches and pains throughout your body as it becomes more prone to inflammation and infection.
Other signs of stress and anxiety include:
- an abnormally fast heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- hot flashes or cold sweats
- hyperventilation
- abnormal physical shaking
- headaches (tension headaches or migraines)
If you suspect that stress is causing your body aches, make minor changes to your daily routine to reduce stress as much as possible.
Follow these steps:
- Spend a few minutes each day meditating. Concentrate on your breathing and divert your attention away from the people or events that are causing you stress.
- Go for a walk or leave a stressful situation to get away from triggers.
- Discuss your stress with someone you trust to help you articulate the source of your stress.
- If you're having trouble sleeping due to stress, try relaxation techniques before bed or take short naps throughout the day to recharge.
2. Dehydration
Water is necessary for your body's normal and healthy functioning. Without it, your body is unable to carry out many essential functions, such as breathing and digestion. When you become dehydrated and these processes fail, you may experience physical pain.
Other dehydration symptoms include:
- dark urine
- dizziness or disorientation
- exhaustion
- excessive thirst
You can become dehydrated quickly if you don't drink enough water, especially on a hot or dry day. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, plus more if you're physically active and sweating.
Drink plenty of water if you're dehydrated as a result of a condition such as diarrhoea. Drinking water or electrolyte-enriched beverages can help you stay hydrated while also replacing electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea.
If you can't keep water down, see your doctor or seek emergency medical attention right away to avoid becoming severely dehydrated.
3. Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on your overall health. Every night, you should get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Your body's tissues and cells require adequate sleep to remain healthy, and your brain requires it to remain refreshed and alert. Without it, your body is unable to rest and replenish vital energies and processes. This can cause discomfort.
Other signs of sleep deprivation are:
- disorientation or confusion
- falling asleep during the day without realising it
- difficulty understanding when reading or listening to others
- difficulty speaking properly
- difficulty remembering things
Every night, try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. To stay healthy, your body requires a daily rhythm, also known as a circadian rhythm.
Try these relaxation techniques before bed:
- drinking hot tea or another hot beverage
- meditating
- listening to music or a podcast
- having white noise in the room, such as from a fan
4. A cold or the flu
Both the common cold and the flu are viral infections that cause inflammation. These infections attack your body, and your immune system fights back. Inflammation, particularly in the throat, chest, and lungs, can be excruciatingly painful. As your body works hard to fight the infection, the rest of your body may ache as well.
Other common cold or flu symptoms include:
- sore throat
- hoarse voice
- sneezing or coughing
- thick, coloured mucus
- headaches or earaches
Rest, plenty of water, and gargling with warm salt water to relieve throat pain can help your body recover quickly from a cold or flu. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and ibuprofen (Advil) are two over-the-counter medications that can help relieve your symptoms and aches.
Consult your doctor if you have cold or flu symptoms that last more than a few weeks, or if you are unable to eat, drink, or breathe properly. They can aid in the treatment of your infection.
5. Anemia
Anemia occurs when your body does not have enough properly functioning red blood cells, causing your body tissues to receive insufficient oxygen. Many parts of your body can feel fatigued when you have anaemia because they don't get enough oxygen to stay healthy or function properly.
Anemia can also cause fatigue, an abnormal heart rate, dizziness or disorientation, headaches, cold feet or hands, and pale skin.
There are numerous causes of anaemia. If you don't have enough iron, folate, or vitamin B-12 in your system, taking a deficiency supplement may help treat your anaemia.
If supplements are ineffective, consult your doctor for an examination and possible diagnosis so that you can treat the underlying condition.
6. Lack of vitamin D
Hypocalcemia, or a low blood calcium level, can occur when your body does not have enough vitamin D. Many of your body's vital organs, including your kidneys and muscles, rely on calcium to function properly. Calcium is also required for bone health. Without enough vitamin D to aid calcium absorption, you may experience aches and pains in these organs and bones.
Other symptoms include:
- muscle twitching or spasms
- dizziness or confusion
- numbness
- seizures
7. Mononucleosis
Mono, also known as "the kissing disease," is the most common form of mononucleosis. The Epstein-Barr virus causes the infection. It's highly contagious, and body aches are one of the most common symptoms. Aches and fatigue can be caused by a generalised inflammation or by swelling and inflammation blocking your airway.
Other symptoms are:
- extreme exhaustion
- tonsils or lymph nodes swollen
- rash
- fever
- sore throat
8. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect your entire respiratory system, which is in charge of breathing, sweating, and other vital functions. If you can't breathe properly, your body won't get enough oxygen to maintain the health of your red blood cells and tissues. This can result in aches and pains throughout your body.
Other symptoms include:
- coughing
- chest pain
- exhaustion
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- shortness of breath
- hot flashes and cold sweats
- fever
9. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes your entire body, including your muscles and bones, to feel tired, achy, and sensitive. Fibromyalgia's cause is unknown, but stressful events such as physical trauma, surgery, and infections may precipitate it.
Other symptoms include:
- difficulty sleeping
- sensitivity to light or sound
- stiffness, particularly in the morning
- difficulty remembering or thinking
- tingling sensations in your hands and feet
10. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
This is a condition that causes you to feel tired and weak regardless of how much rest or sleep you get. It frequently causes insomnia. CFS can cause aches in your muscles and joints because your body does not feel rested or replenished.
Other symptoms include:
- difficulty sleeping
- sore throat
- headaches
- difficulty remembering or thinking
- dizziness or confusion
11. Arthritis
Arthritis develops when the joints become inflamed. This can be caused by:
- cartilage breakdown around your joints, as in osteoarthritis
- infection in a joint
- autoimmune conditions that wear away the lining around your joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or SLE.
All of these can cause joint pain and limit your mobility.
Other symptoms of arthritis include:
- joint stiffness
- swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint
- inability to move a joint completely
12. Lupus erythematosus
Lupus occurs when your immune system attacks the tissues in your body, such as blood vessels, organs, and joints. Pain and aches in the body are common as a result of the damage and inflammation caused by this autoimmune condition.
- fatigue
- rash
- fever
- joint swelling or redness
- seizures
- photosensitivity
13. Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which enters the body via a tick bite. Aches and pains are a common symptom, particularly in the muscles and joints. Lyme disease, if left untreated, can lead to neuromuscular and joint problems, such as arthritis and facial paralysis.
Other symptoms include:
- fatigue
- hot flash
- cold sweats
- fever
- headaches
14. Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by airborne spores from soil or bat or bird droppings. These are common in areas where large amounts of spores are released into the air, such as construction sites, farmlands, or caves.
Other symptoms are:
- body aches
- chills
- fever
- chest pain
- headaches
- coughing
15. Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is believed to be an autoimmune disease. It is a central nervous system disorder in which the tissue surrounding your nerve cells, known as myelin, deteriorates due to constant inflammation. The damage impairs your nervous system's ability to properly transmit sensations. As a result, you may experience aches, pain, tingling, or other strange sensations.
Other symptoms include:
- weakness
- exhaustion
- blurry vision
- temporary or permanent blindness, usually in one eye
- difficulty walking or staying balanced
- difficulty remembering or thinking
When should you see your doctor?
If you have any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention:
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty eating or drinking
- passing out
- seizures
- extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- bad cough that does not go away after a few days
Consult your doctor if other, milder symptoms persist for more than two weeks. They can examine you to rule out any underlying conditions. They can then provide you with a treatment plan to help relieve your aches and treat the underlying cause.
