Body aches are common among everyone. It is a common symptom of several diseases or conditions. Almost every human body has felt muscle aches (also known as myalgia). Body aches make every work more difficult – from the daily chores to getting a good night’s sleep. It is important to give your body rest, in order to relieve your body of the pain. But in some cases, there may be an underlying cause which definitely should not be ignored. In such cases, you must concern with your doctor for a diagnosis. Here is a list of some possible causes of body aches, and also, a guide to its treatment.

Why Does My Body Ache All The Time & What Is Its Treatment?

Here are the 15 causes that can lead to body ache all the time and their treatment options:

Cold and Influenza

Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a viral infection, and so is cold. Cold and influenza together can cause inflammation – in your throat, chest and lungs, which is painful. To fight off the infection, your body happens to release chemicals. Prostaglandin is one of the chemicals that your immune system produces, to help fight influenza. But, it causes pain in different parts of the body, and sometimes, can even cause fever. Some common symptoms of cold and influenza are
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Hoarse voice
- Coughing
Treatment: You need to drink a lot of water, and get rest. Gargling with warm salt water can help decrease the soreness of your throat. Also, if it goes on for two weeks or so, and if you have difficulty in eating your food, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Stress

Stress can be bad for your health both mentally and physically. You may figure out that you are stressed when you are busy at work and running out of time, when dealing with financial problems, or when you are coping with a relationship that is challenging or at the verge of breaking. When stressed out, your body can not control its response to inflammations. Hence, it is even more difficult for your body to fight off infections such as cold or flu. Stress is basically the reaction of one’s body to something harmful, or in some harmful situation. During stress response, the heart rate increases and blood pressure rises. Dealing with stress has different ways, and the possible causes vary from person to person. A thought that is stressful to even think about for someone, may be of no concern at all for somebody else. Here are some symptoms of stress

Emotional symptoms include
- Frustration
- Becoming moody
- Easily agitated
- Low self-esteem
Physical symptoms include
- Cold sweats
- Headaches such as migraines
- Nervousness or abnormal shaking
- Ringing in the ears
Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction are the treatments that can be taken, with the help and guidance of a trained professional. There are complementary therapies such as yoga, aromatherapy, massage and acupuncture. Ecotherapy is another way to deal with stress, which involves spending time with the nature. You can either go to parks for morning walks or exercises – or you can take up gardening or conservation projects.
Vitamin D Deficiency

Also known as milder insufficiency, it is common in people with chronic pain. You are more likely to have Vitamin D deficiency if you live in high altitudes, if you don’t go out much or cover your skin with sunscreen or clothing every time. People, who have diseases such as the celiac sprue or short bowel syndrome, face problem in consuming Vitamin D. Also, pregnant women as well as obese people need more amount of Vitamin D, and even “normal” levels may not be sufficient for them. Some symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency are
- Getting Infected Often
- Fatigue
- Bone or back pain
- Impaired wound healing
- Hair loss
Treatment: The easy way is to consume food that is high in Vitamin D, such as cheese, egg yolks, pork, beef liver. Some common food products are soy milk, orange juice, cereals. Salmon, Herring and Sardines are popular fishes, which are great sources of Vitamin D. Oysters and Shrimps can also be consumed.
Anemia

Anemia has its different types that cause body aches. It can by caused due to Red Blood Cell Destruction, Chronic Lead Poisoning, Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, etc. Underlying health issues such as hemorrhaging, cancer or menstrual pain can also be related. The human body has ability to compensate for early anemia. But, if it is mild and developed over a long period of time, noticing symptoms can be a little difficult. Some common symptoms are –
- Pale skin
- Unusual and rapid heart beats
- Cramps in legs
- Loss of energy
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
Treatment: Treatment of anemia depends on the cause. Dietary supplements can be taken in case of Vitamin deficiency. If you have A bone marrow transplant is necessary if your body cannot produce healthy blood cells. In some cases, blood transfusions may be needed.
Mononucleosis

Commonly known as Mono, it is a viral infection that causes high fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Mono symptoms may occur after 4-5 weeks of the infection. The symptoms are –
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Rash
- Swollen lymph glands in neck and armpits
- Headaches
- Swollen tonsils
- Sore throat
Treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and decreases fever and inflammation. Reducing activity and taking bed-rest can help to deal with the illness.
Multiple Sclerosis

In this disease, the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves. This leads to disrupted communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are –
- Prolonged double vision
- Unsteady gait
- Slurry speech
- Numbness in limbs of one side of the body at a time
- Fatigue and dizziness
Treatment: Medication that suppress the immune system need to be taken. Physiotherapy can be helpful too.
Histoplasmosis

As the name suggests, it is caused by a fungus called histoplasma. It is spread throughout the world, except Antarctica. It is most common in river valleys. Some common symptoms are –
- Coughing
- Chills
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Chest pain
Treatment: In most of the cases, it goes away within a week of two without any treatment. However it is necessary to have prescribed antifungal medication if it spreads from the lungs throughout the body.
Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, including hands and feet. It is an autoimmune disease. RA is a long-term chronic disease and some of its symptoms are –
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of function in joints
- Flare, dry mouth
- Sensation of pins and needles
- Redness or lumps
Treatment: Treatments include medications, specific exercises, dietary changes or home remedies. Medications may include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Acetaminophen and Corticosteriods. Ice-packs can be used in order to reduce pain or inflammation.
Lyme Disease

Also known as Borreoliosis, it is a tick-borne disease that is caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi. It spreads through animals and needs lab tests or imaging. Lyme disease causes a rash. Its symptoms are –
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Malaise
- Bull’s eye pattern rash
- Headaches
Treatment: Lyme disease can be treated by a medical professional. Antibiotics stop the growth of, or kill the bacteria. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the pain.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

It is a disease that causes extreme tiredness and sleep abnormalities. It can last for a year or two, or can even be forever. It is somehow common among women. Its symptoms are –
- Fatigue over six months
- Loss of memory
- Frequent headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Multi-joint pain
Treatment: This condition gets worse with the increase in activity, but does not improve with rest. Treatment can only help, but the condition cannot be cured. Therapies benefit people with CFS, specifically two types – psychological counseling and physical therapies.
Lupus

It is caused when the immune system attacks the body tissues. It affects the brain, skin, kidneys, heart and lungs. It is an autoimmune disease that is most common among young women between 15-40 years of age. Common symptoms are –
- Extreme fatigue
- Rash
- Fever
- Joint pain and swelling
Treatment: There is no particular cure, but treatments focus on reducing the pain, or improving quality of life. Immunosuppressive drugs help to reduce immune response, and steroids modify and simulates hormone effects.
Pneumonia

It is an infective disease that inflames the air sacks. It can happen either in one lung, or in both. The air sacks get filled with fluids. The most common cause is the Streptococcus bacterium. This infection can be life-threatening to anyone, but especially to infants, children and people aged over 60. Some of its symptoms are –
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Fever
- Sweating
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
Treatment: Pneumonia can be treated at home by following the doctor’s prescription. Antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal drugs need to be taken. Resting for a minimum of three days helps to cure the disease faster.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica

It is an inflammatory disorder that causes pain in the muscles and stiffness in different parts of the body. It commonly affects the shoulders, neck, hips and arms. It is mostly found in people aged over 50. Some common symptoms are –
- Pain in neck
- Pain in pelvic girdle
- Stiff shoulders and hips
- Fatigue
- Tenderness
Treatment: Usually, corticosteroid (low dose) has to be consumed. You may feel better within three to four days, but in some cases, the treatment goes on for two to three years.
Lack of Sleep or Insomnia

Lack of sleep may cause muscle and joint pain. Insomnia is something that should not be ignored. It causes problems like stress, anxiety, dizziness during activity, etc. Sleep disorder is also related to obesity and diabetes. Psychiatric mood disorders are also caused due to lack of sleep. Common symptoms are
- Daytime sleepiness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of concentration during work
- Headaches
- Irritability
Treatment: Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation and guided imagery are some of the ways. A planned diet and workout chart may also be of help. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapies are needed. Some medications to cure insomnia include benzodiazepine hypnotics, melatonin receptor agonists.
Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Treatment can help, but this condition cannot be cured. It is a chronic disorder – which can last for a few years, and also lifelong. Some common symptoms are
- Extreme fatigue
- Altered sleep
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Headaches
Treatment: Medication and stress reduction can help in controlling the symptoms. Aerobic activity for about half an hour each day is suggestive. You need to take care of yourself, with the help of relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and music-therapy. Doing what makes you happy is suggested.

Prevention

You need to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
Regular exercises can help to stay fit and flexible
Stretching your muscles before exercising
If you work at a desk, you need to take breaks and stretch your muscles from time to time
Also, it is important to remember that consulting a doctor is always a safer way to deal with any sort of health issue

To lead a healthy life, it is important to keep certain things in mind. You should maintain a healthy diet. Children, especially those aged among 5 to 14, should be taught how junk food affects the human body. It is necessary to educate children about benefits of various food items, and how exercising can help you even after your hair turn grey.

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Why Does My Body Ache All The Time & What Is Its Treatment?