What does “body aches” mean?
Aching is a mild, dull pain. Most often it occurs in the muscles, this condition called myalgia. Almost every person has encountered it at some point in their lives.
Myalgia is a nonspecific symptom, that is, it occurs in various diseases, so a diagnosis cannot be made based on just one symptom. It is also important who has the pain. Our advice applies only to adults. In children, the problem may indicate other disorders and require different approaches.
Why do body aches and fever occur?
Most often the body aches with fever due to infections. When viruses or bacteria enter the body, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight them. They produce various substances that kill invaders. Inflammation occurs, causing literally everything to hurt.
At the same time they begin be developed histamine and cytokines. They cause blood vessels to dilate, allowing white blood cells to gain faster and more convenient access to the site of infection. These same substances cause side effects, and pain is one of them.
So to some extent, aches and pains are good. It shows that the immune system is fighting the disease. At the same time, chills intensify this pain because the muscles “tremble”, contract and become overworked. But, despite the fact that such symptoms indicate a positive reaction of the body, you do not need to endure them.
Aches in bones and muscles also occur with various poisonings, for example medications, heavy metals, poisons. And in such cases the temperature too Maybe get up.
Take note ✍🏻
How to understand that pain is due to infection
Symptoms of infections vary depending on what exactly caused disease:
- diarrhea,
- vomit,
- fatigue,
- cough,
- nasal congestion,
- chills and sweating,
- sore throat or mouth,
- dyspnea,
- burning or pain when urinating,
- unusual vaginal discharge or irritation,
- pain in the abdomen or rectum,
- increased frequency of urination,
- redness, tenderness, or swelling in any area, including surgical incision sites.
Why does the body and bones ache without fever?
Sometimes body pain and chills may arise even without a rise in temperature and also talk about infection, inflammation or allergies.
More body aches without fever often It happens and in healthy people. For example, after an intense workout. Also the problem may appear due to other reasons:
- Cold, which causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict to retain heat. As a result, blood flow decreases, the person begins tremblediscomfort and stiffness occur.
- Stress. When you are nervous, your body highlights adrenalin. Because of this, the heart beats faster, the muscles tense, and constant tension can lead to aches and pains.
- Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating or urination. Since water is an important component of muscle tissue, its lack turns around body pain.
- Lack of sleep Maybe bring to inflammation or worsen an existing problem. Also, an unpleasant symptom sometimes appears after a night’s rest in an uncomfortable position.
- Menstrual cramps. Most likely, pain during menstruation is due to the fact that the woman’s body produces prostaglandins – substances that cause inflammation.
In more serious cases, the body aches due to chronic diseases: arthritis, lupus erythematosus, hypothyroidism, diabetes, malignant tumors, or chemotherapy.
When to call an ambulance
Call 103 or 112 and call doctors, if pain:
- accompanied by a temperature above 40 °C;
- appeared after a tick bite;
- accompanied by severe swelling or redness of the skin;
- appeared along with the rash.
The attention of doctors is necessary so as not to miss a deadly condition.
What to do if your body aches
It all depends on the cause of the violation. If you do not have the dangerous symptoms listed above, but the condition still bothers you, consult a therapist. He will find out what causes the body aches and prescribe treatment. If necessary, the doctor can write out muscle relaxants. These medicines help relax muscles, blocking overexcited neural pathways.
If you are sure that your body is aching, for example, due to a common cold, an uncomfortable position during sleep, stress or physical activity, try to relieve the pain yourself. For this will fit such methods.
Reduce the temperature
Although fever and aches indicate that the body is fighting infections, health deteriorates greatly. We repeat: there is no need to endure an unpleasant state. To bring down the high temperature, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. Paracetamol is also suitable. These remedies also help take off muscle pain.
Stay hydrated
Some diseases that cause body aches also lead to dehydration. For example, flu, acute intestinal infections or poisoning. But fluid is important for the normal functioning of the body, without it it will be more difficult for it to fight. Therefore, try to drink more clean water, tea, and broths. You can also connect pharmacy electrolyte solutions.
Have a rest
When the body is fighting an illness or recovering, it becomes more tired, so it requires more rest and sleep. Sometimes other symptoms can make it difficult to fall asleep, but still try to spend as much time in bed as possible.
Warm up your muscles
This advice is only suitable if there is no infection or high fever. Warm promotes muscle relaxation, so a warm (not hot!) bath or shower will help. You can also lie under a blanket or apply a heating pad to your body. It is important not to overdo it so that it doesn’t get worse, so it’s better not to fall asleep with a heating pad.
Give a light massage
Way will doif pain occurs after playing sports. Tell the specialist in advance which areas you would like to work on. For example, if your legs and back hurt after running, ask the specialist to pay more attention to them, but to be gentler.
Also massage will help for stress: it will reduce the level of the hormone cortisol and increase serotonin, which is responsible for the feeling of happiness. This will make it easier for the body to fight pain, anxiety and feelings of sadness.
Warm up
This is another piece of advice for those whose condition is not due to infection. Lungs exercisesActivities such as stretching, Pilates, yoga or walking can help reduce muscle pain, increase blood flow to the body and reduce stress.
The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise exercise can only increase the pain.
Use relaxation techniques
This will help calm and relax the body and mind, reducing stress. For example, the “4-7-8” breathing technique is suitable:
- Take a deep breath through your nose for four seconds.
- Hold your breath for seven seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds.
- Repeat several times.
Try adding magnesium to your diet
Some research show that magnesium helps reduce stress and pain, especially in people with fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome.
Mineral contained in pumpkin and chia seeds, bananas, black beans, almonds and cashews.
This material was first published September 2023. In May 2024, we updated the text.
Understand other symptoms 🌡️🤒💊