Almost everyone experiences muscle aches and pains now and then. The good news is that over-the-counter pain medicines and self-care can help most people feel better. If your aches and pains become chronic, talk to your doctor. There may be underlying health conditions causing them that need treatment.
Muscle aches and pains fix aches and pains can be caused by injury, overuse or illness. Often, they’re also a symptom of chronic diseases like arthritis and fibromyalgia, which cause stiffness and tender, tight muscles. Inflammation is another common cause of body aches and pains. The immune system sends pain signals to the brain when it detects damage or an injury. The brain then sends a signal to the muscles to contract in order to protect the injury. If the muscles are already tense, it’s even more painful when the brain sends the message to contract them. This cycle can be hard to break.
The best way to fix achy joints is to exercise, stretch and do strengthening exercises. Hot and cold therapy can relieve pain, too. If you have an aching back, a heating pad or soaking in a warm tub or shower can loosen the muscles and improve circulation to the area. If you use a heat pack, don’t put it directly on the skin — wrap it in a towel to prevent burns.
Joint aches can be caused by a number of different conditions, including osteopenia and osteoarthritis. These conditions can lead to reduced bone density, which makes bones brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition that destroys the cartilage that cushions joints, making them stiff and painful. These aches and pains can be reduced by exercising, taking over-the-counter pain medicines, eating a healthy diet and losing weight.
A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to body aches and pains, especially in the spine. Sitting in the same position all day puts pressure on the spinal discs, which can result in pain and achy joints. Regular exercise, especially if you start slowly and gradually build up your intensity, can strengthen the spine’s supporting muscles and reduce pain and stiffness.
Getting plenty of sleep and relaxing can also help with body aches and pains. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga can decrease anxiety and relax the muscles, which can relieve the pain. If your aches and pains persist, consider seeing a therapist who offers cognitive behavioral therapy to change the way you think about pain.
If you have a persistent pain or ache, don’t increase your dose of over-the-counter pain medicines without talking to your doctor first. You might need to see a physical therapist to learn how to exercise properly, improve your range of motion and get the most out of your medication. Acupuncture is another option for some people who have chronic aches and pains, but only under the guidance of a licensed practitioner. Make sure the acupuncturist is licensed and has experience working with patients who have a variety of chronic conditions, such as arthritis.