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What Causes Aches All over?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

The human body has many ways of noting when something is off or just not right. Body aches are one way that the body communicates when something is potentially wrong. The cause of body aches can be no cause for alarm; however, chronic aches all over the body can manifest as an infection, invading pathogen, or other severe biological ailments.

Body aches tend to be a common occurrence post-workout. After rigorous exercise, the body will try to recuperate, actively trying to repair the small tears in the muscles caused by the constant motion body exercises. The healing of these tears will result in bigger and stronger muscles. Aches throughout the body is just part of the package for individuals who work out rigorously.

Common viral infections can be eased with hot tea and chicken soup.
Common viral infections can be eased with hot tea and chicken soup.

The onset of infectious diseases like the common cold or influenza will be accompanied by chronic aches all over the body. These types of body ailments are caused by an uninfected person coming into contact with the cold virus. Once infected, the immune system will release white blood cells to metabolize infected cells, which can result in aches and transient body pains.

Swollen lymph nodes are one symptom of mononucleosis.
Swollen lymph nodes are one symptom of mononucleosis.

A very common cause of body aches is the viral infection mononucleosis, commonly known as mono or "the kissing disease," since it is transmitted most commonly through saliva. Other common symptoms of mono are a severely sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise including drowsiness and a desire to sleep more than normal. In addition, the spleen or liver may become enlarged and could become potentially dangerous for the body. Mono can only be diagnosed by a blood test, the severity can only be diagnosed by a physician.

Fibromyalgia may cause body aches and extreme fatigue.
Fibromyalgia may cause body aches and extreme fatigue.

Acrodynia, a condition that is caused when an individual comes into contact with mercury, can result in nerve damage, discoloration of the body’s extremities, as well as chronic aches all over the body. The aches are caused by the body’s immune system activating the lymph nodes, allowing the immune system to eradicate the heavy metal from the body. As the body tries to ward off acrodynia, body aches and pains will generally occur.

A hot water bottle is soothing when applied to body aches.
A hot water bottle is soothing when applied to body aches.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder with symptoms ranging from body aches, extreme fatigue, sleep disorder, and memory issues. The cause of fibromyalgia is not readily known, but it has been noted to be tied with genetics, infections, and trauma. Fibromyalgia is noted to cause body aches all over, chronic nerve pain, and reduced vitality.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is an ailment that shares similar symptoms to fibromyalgia. An infected person tends to be consistently tired, even after ample bed rest. The condition is noted to cause body aches all over, as the body will seem to not have enough rest to energizer itself. A noted difference between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers is that individuals infected with fibromyalgia can only be cured with a combination of bed rest and medications, whereas chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers still feeling achy, even with ample rest.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Detox is another reason for body aches. The first time I got a massage, it caused a major detox and my body ached all over for several days. Massage, especially deep tissue massage causes toxins to be released from the body and it's normal to feel sick for a while afterward. The body aches while it's recovering, much like after a workout.

Massage salons will usually mention this side effect to their customers but I have friends who went in without knowing and thought that they were seriously ill afterward.

discographer

@SarahGen-- It sounds like you got the flu. Aches and pains all over are usually the first symptoms and the incubation period is anywhere from one to four days. You should see a doctor and take some precautions now.

Drink lots of water and fruit juice. Wash your hands often, don't be in public places. If you get a fever, take a fever reducing medication.

It might not be the flu because many viral infections can cause body aches. So if you notice new symptoms or if things get worse, make sure to see your doctor for a diagnosis. They will take a sample and send it to the lab to see what type of pathogen is causing your symptoms.

SarahGen

I spent some time with my nephew this weekend who was down with something. He probably got a virus from the kindergarten. I was fine yesterday and the day before, but today I'm aching all over. I feel so exhausted and my body hurts like I've been hiking all day. Could I have gotten the virus from my nephew? But is the incubation period so short for these types of things?

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    • Common viral infections can be eased with hot tea and chicken soup.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Common viral infections can be eased with hot tea and chicken soup.
    • Swollen lymph nodes are one symptom of mononucleosis.
      By: Syda Productions
      Swollen lymph nodes are one symptom of mononucleosis.
    • Fibromyalgia may cause body aches and extreme fatigue.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Fibromyalgia may cause body aches and extreme fatigue.
    • A hot water bottle is soothing when applied to body aches.
      By: by-studio
      A hot water bottle is soothing when applied to body aches.
    • Fibromyalgia can be treated with bed rest and prescription medications.
      By: april_89
      Fibromyalgia can be treated with bed rest and prescription medications.
    • Chronic fatigue syndrome may cause body aches.
      By: naka
      Chronic fatigue syndrome may cause body aches.
    • Fatigue and muscle pain are two symptoms often associated with hepatitis C.
      By: Alliance
      Fatigue and muscle pain are two symptoms often associated with hepatitis C.
    • Common symptoms of seasonal influenza include headaches and body aches.
      By: emde71
      Common symptoms of seasonal influenza include headaches and body aches.