Body pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Infections and viruses: The flu, the common cold, and other viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches.
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Autoimmune disorders: Various autoimmune disorders can cause body aches. These include lupus, myositis, and multiple sclerosis.
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Injury or trauma: This includes sprains, strains, and overuse of muscles.
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Tension or stress: Stress can cause muscle tension and pain.
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Dehydration: Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and pain.
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Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can cause muscle pain and aches.
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Medications: Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors for lowering blood pressure, cocaine, and statins for lowering cholesterol, can cause muscle pain.
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Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes tenderness in muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.
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Arthritis: Arthritis can cause pain and achiness.
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Anemia: Anemia can cause muscle pain and fatigue.
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Vitamin D and calcium deficiency: Deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium can cause muscle pain and weakness.
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Sepsis: Sepsis is an extreme response to an infection that can cause body aches.
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Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects the nervous system and can cause body aches and pain.
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Cancer: Cancer can cause general body pain if it spreads throughout the body or if a person has bone cancer.
If the pain lasts more than a few days, is severe, or occurs with other symptoms, medical attention may be necessary. Often, rest and home treatment can relieve body aches. However, persistent or severe pain may have an underlying cause that needs medical attention. A doctor can help work out a treatment plan to relieve aches and other associated symptoms.