Waking up with sore muscles or feeling achy at the end of the day can leave you wondering what is happening in your body. While occasional body aches are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Understanding the causes of body aches and knowing how to address them can help you stay comfortable and proactive about your health.

“Everyone gets occasional aches and pains, especially after recent exercise,” explains Priscilla Miguez, DO, family medicine physician at Summit Health. “It is important to see a doctor if those body aches become a recurrent issue, are accompanied by fever or chills, or become so severe that it interferes with your ability to work or complete tasks of daily living.” 

Here’s a look at what might be behind your body aches, how to find relief at home and when to check in with a healthcare provider.

Understanding Body Aches: Common Causes from Stress to Illness

Body aches can stem from various causes, from daily habits to illness. Here are some common reasons for feeling achy:

• Physical exertion or overuse: Exercise, manual labor or repetitive movements can strain your muscles, leading to temporary soreness.
• Stress and tension: High stress levels can cause muscles to tighten, leading to discomfort in areas like the shoulders, neck and back.
• Viral infections: The flu, common cold and other viral infections often cause body aches as your immune system fights off the illness.
• Dehydration: Not getting enough fluids can lead to muscle cramps and general achiness.
• Poor sleep: Lack of rest can make your muscles feel sore, especially if sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
• Chronic conditions: Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome are known for causing persistent body aches and discomfort.

While occasional aches are normal, ongoing or intense pain may need a closer look, especially if other symptoms accompany it, adds Dr. Miguez. 

At-Home Remedies for Relieving Mild Body Aches

For mild or occasional body aches, these at-home remedies may provide you with relief and comfort:

• Hydrate: Dehydration can cause achiness, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Stretching: Gentle stretching can relieve tension in sore muscles, especially after physical activity.
• Warm compresses or baths: A warm bath or heating pad can soothe sore areas, promoting relaxation and blood flow to muscles.
• Rest: Giving your body time to recover can help alleviate soreness from physical exertion or minor strains.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and relieve pain if needed.

“If you've tried the at-home remedies and your aches persist, it's important to seek professional help,” says Dr. Miguez. “Don’t hesitate to check in with your primary care physician. They can evaluate you and develop an individualized treatment to help you get relief if needed.” 

When Body Aches Signal a More Serious Health Concern

In some cases, body aches could be a symptom of something more serious, explains Dr. Miguez. Here are a few signs that it’s time to see a doctor:

• Persistent aches: Body aches that last for more than a week, especially if they don’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief. 
• Fever or chills: If your body aches come with a fever, chills or other signs of infection, it could be more than a simple cold or flu.
• Severe pain: Intense pain that interferes with daily activities or is not relieved by typical at-home treatments.
• Swelling or redness: If you notice any visible swelling, redness or warmth in the achy areas, it could indicate an injury or inflammation.
• Dark urine. Make an appointment with your physician if your urine is deeper in color than usual. This could indicate a more serious health condition. 
• Difficulty moving: If body aches are affecting your mobility or causing stiffness, they may need further evaluation.

Body aches are a common symptom that often resolves on its own, but if you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s best to get checked out to rule out any underlying issues.

What Illness Starts with Body Aches?

Body aches can often be one of the first signs that your immune system is responding to an illness. Here are a few common illnesses that typically start with body aches:

• The flu: Influenza is known for causing sudden, intense body aches, often along with fever, chills and fatigue. These aches usually occur throughout the body, especially in the back, legs and arms.
• Common cold: While milder than the flu, the common cold can also cause body aches, particularly if congestion or coughing leads to muscle strain.
• COVID-19: Many people with COVID-19 experience body aches as an early symptom, often accompanied by fever, fatigue and respiratory symptoms like cough or shortness of breath.
• Viral infections: Other viral infections, such as mononucleosis, can start with body aches and fatigue. Mono, for instance, often causes a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes as well.
• Pneumonia: In some cases, pneumonia can cause muscle aches, especially if a fever is present. Pneumonia-related body aches may be accompanied by cough, chest pain and shortness of breath.

“If body aches are accompanied by symptoms like fever, sore throat cough or extreme fatigue, it may be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness,” explains Dr. Miguez. “In such cases, rest, hydration and over-the-counter medications can often help. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, consider contacting a healthcare provider at Summit Health for guidance and pain management.”

Treating Body Aches at Summit Health

While occasional body aches are a part of life, they shouldn’t interfere with your daily comfort. At Summit Health, we understand this and are here to help. Your primary care physician can help evaluate you and set up an individualized treatment plan. If needed, they can also connect you with a physical therapist or pain management specialist. 

“Sometimes a diagnosis is not evident right away. It may take several visits or evaluations with one or more specialists. It's important to follow up with your doctor if your symptoms persist,” says Dr. Miguez. 

If you’re concerned about ongoing aches or are experiencing symptoms that don’t improve, schedule an appointment with a Summit Health provider to learn more about your options for care. We're committed to providing you with both relief and answers, ensuring your health and comfort are always prioritized. Together, we’ll ensure your health and comfort are prioritized.