Body pain and aches are common symptoms of an underlying health condition. It is our body’s way of saying that there’s something wrong, and we need to know what it is to alleviate the pain. There can be many causes of body pain and many factors (environmental, biological, emotional, mental, etc.) are at play to bring about such as sensation. The onset of body pain can occur suddenly or slowly depending on the above factors.
In comparison, localized pain can be easy to pinpoint and relieve because it occurs only in a certain part of the body. A localized pain in the upper or lower back can be remedied by a specialized mattress for bad back. Pain, whether localized or general, can be mild or severe, and the best judge of it would be the individual in pain. Pain is a significant symptom nowadays, and we need to know are its causes to alleviate it effectively.
Types of Body Pain
Before we go to the causes of pain, we need to know what it is and what are the types of pain. Simply defined, pain an unpleasant sensation in the body that is triggered by the nervous system. Pain can generally be categorized into two types: acute pain and chronic pain.
Acute Pain
Acute body pain comes from an illness or situation of bodily damage such as an injury or surgery. Its onset is generally sudden, then gradually diminishes or stops on its own or through medication or medical treatment. Acute pain can be mild or severe and could last days, weeks or months. If properly treated, acute body pain will fully subside within six months. If left untreated or if the treatment is not done properly, acute pain may lead to chronic pain.
Chronic Pain
Chronic body pain is the type of pain that persists for a long period of time and may not have an apparent cause, even after the healing of an injury or illness. Chronic pain can persist for months or even years. Sufferers of chronic pain may find it debilitating, can affect proper sleep and can also negatively affect their quality of life and daily functions.
Causes of Body Pain
Body pain can have a number of causes, with the most common ones listed below:
- Stress – stress can have a wide variety of negative effects in the body, including uncontrolled response to inflammation. This causes the body to ache because it becomes more susceptible to inflammation and infection throughout the body
- Fibromyalgia – this is a condition where the entire body, including the muscles and bones, feel exhausted, achy and sensitive. This is due to a dysfunction in the way the central nervous system processes pain messages when they occur in the body
- Infections and viruses – the flu, the common cold, and other viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches. This is due to the inflammation resulting from the body’s response to the infection by sending white blood cells.
- Medications – medicines, and drugs like statins and blood pressure medications have side effects that make the body feel achy, sore and stiff.
- Fluid retention – when the body retains fluid, swelling and inflammation may develop, resulting in general muscular aches and pains.
- Hypokalemia – this a condition where there is low potassium in the bloodstream. Low potassium can affect the way nerves and muscles function, which can result in muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness and body aches.
- Mononucleosis or Mono – also known as “the kissing disease”. It’s an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus. It is highly contagious and the most common symptom is body aches.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – a condition of exhaustion and weakness that doesn’t get better, how much sleep or rest you get. The body doesn’t get rested or refreshed and aches in the muscles and joints are usually felt throughout the body.
- Pneumonia – is a lung infection that affects the whole respiratory system, which is responsible for breathing, sweating, and other important functions. When you can’t breathe well, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen to keep red blood cells and tissues healthy. This can cause aches and pains all over the body.
- Dehydration – Water is essential for the body’s normal and healthy function. The body can’t properly perform many of its important processes, including breathing and digestion. Thus, physical pain across the body results from improperly working body processes.
What Are the Home Remedies for Body Pain?
Body pains can usually be relieved without the need for medicines. One of the easiest ways of relieving pain is getting a good rest and a good night’s sleep. Buying a good mattress for comfortable sleeping is a good solution. A mattress that promotes good posture supports the spine and neck and allows for comfortable movement is a good choice for getting good sleep and waking up relieved, refreshed and rejuvenated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help by hydrating the body and promoting better blood circulation and waste excretion. Taking a warm bath relieves body pain by relaxing the muscles and easing the tension in the body.
Now that you have an idea of what body pain is and what are some of its most common causes, you are better equipped to handle your body aches. You will also know what home remedies to apply and assess your body aches if they need medical attention. The most important thing you gain from knowing the causes of body pain is still prevention. You know what unhealthy activities to avoid and what healthy activities to practice to have a pain-free and healthy body.
