Body Ache

A feeling of generalized, dull aching pain all over the body that may or may not be accompanied by weakness and tiredness is known as body ache. In this, a person is not able to recognize the origin of the pain or the exact location of the pain. Instead, it is characterized generally by dull aching pain or a feeling of soreness all over the body.

Symptoms #

Following symptoms are commonly associated with body aches:

• A dull aching, low-intensity pain that occurs all over the body.

• Not having enough energy to perform routine activities or a feeling of discomfort while performing routine activities.

• Not feeling refreshed even after taking ample rest.

• Sometimes, fever and chills occur along with body ache.

Causes #

There are numerous reasons why a person can get body aches such as:

Lifestyle factors #

Stress #

A constant stressful lifestyle predisposes the body to fatigue and increases wear and tear. The person may become weak and have an increased risk of infections due to a reduced immune response. All this may cause the patient to have body aches. Stress is also known to cause other types of muscular pain, such as tension headaches, stiff and painful shoulders, etc.

Heavy exercise #

An intense full-body workout session may leave the muscles sore and tired. Sore muscles cause pain. When a large number of muscles are involved, it can cause pain in the whole body.

Lack of sleep #

Around 6 to 8 hours of sleep is essential for the body. While sleeping, the body regenerates its energy resources and refreshes you. A lack of sleep can hamper the overall health of the body.

Dehydration #

The human body is made up of about 70% water. When you don’t drink enough water or lose more water than you consume (such as diarrhea), your body gets depleted of its stock of water. All these factors can lead you to feel tired and achy.

Nutritional deficiencies #

If you do not consume a healthy and balanced diet, you are at risk for nutritional deficiencies. A deficiency of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, iron, and potassium can cause your body to feel weak, tired, and achy.

Medications #

Certain medications such as statins (lipid-lowering medicine) or a few blood-pressure relieving medications are known to cause body aches.

Most of us are aware of the effects of stress on our mood, emotions, and behaviors. However, very less is known about the negative impact of stress on key organs and systems of the body. Here is a brief on the effects of stress on the body and how different organs react to stress.

Health Conditions #

Viral fever #

Body aches are a common symptom of viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. Body ache is also a symptom of the novel coronavirus infection which has caused the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pneumonia #

Infections in the lung, known as pneumonia, can be viral or bacterial. Body aches are a predominant symptom in the early stages of pneumonia.

Anemia #

Anemia is a health condition caused by the deficiency of the pigment hemoglobin in the blood. It is characterized by weakness, fatigue, body aches, and many other symptoms.

Hypothyroidism #

This occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of certain key hormones. It can cause muscle and joint aches, as well as swelling and tenderness. It can make you tired and lead to memory problems, thinning hair, dry skin, high cholesterol, slowed heart rate, and other issues.

Multiple sclerosis #

This is a chronic neurological disorder that occurs due to demyelination (inflammation that destroys the protective covering of nerve cells). It causes periods of flare-ups characterized by extreme fatigue, weakness, and generalized pain.

Fibromyalgia #

In this disease, the entire musculoskeletal system of the body gets affected. The muscles feel tired, weak, and achy. The exact cause of this disease is not yet known.

Arthritis #

Arthritis or inflammation of joints in the body can also cause generalized aches and pains.

Diagnosis #

• Complete hemogram and serum electrolyte to screen for overall health, presence of infections, electrolyte imbalance, etc.

• Urine routine and microscopy to check for latent urinary tract infections.

• Glucose - fasting blood and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to evaluate diabetes mellitus.

• HRCT chest - plain and X-Ray chest PA view to check for suspected pneumonia.

• Liver function test and Kidney function test to check the metabolic health of the body.

• Iron studies in cases of suspected anemia.

• ECG and lipid profile to check the heart’s health.

• PET CT in cases of suspected malignancy.

• EMG - All 4 limbs to evaluate the health of the muscles and NCV - All 4 Limbs to evaluate whether the nerves are carrying impulses to and from the brain correctly.

• MRI brain and MRI screening of whole spine to evaluate possible neurological causes of muscle weakness.

Treatment #

Symptomatic relief #

Antipyretics and analgesics: Drugs like paracetamol can help with pain relief. In severe body aches, NSAID painkillers may be used for pain relief.

Treatment of underlying cause #

Treatment for body ache varies according to the cause.

• Fever and infections - Antibiotics and antivirals are used to treat bacterial or viral infections, respectively.

• Anemia - The treatment for anemia covers a very broad area and is mostly based on the type of anemia. Common formulations used to treat anemia are folic acid supplements, Vitamin C supplements, recombinant human erythropoietin alfa, etc.

• Neurological and related disorders - The treatment for neurological and other related causes of body ache, such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc., is vast and complex.