Body aches are a symptom of a health condition, infection, or medication side effect.
They cause a dull pain that can be hard to pinpoint.
Infections like the common cold orflucause the immune system to ramp up.
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With the immune system working harder, it releases white blood cells to eliminate the infection.
This causes inflammation, which leads to muscle and body aches.
It is how the body protects itself from injury and pain.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions cause the body to feel achy.
Medications
Some kinds of medications can cause muscle pain and body aches.
Other symptoms can include stiffness, difficulty moving the muscle, swelling, and bruising.
They may ask questions to help determine the cause.
However, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause of the aches.
For example, the provider may prescribe antibiotics if someone has abacterial infectioncausing body aches.
How Long Body Aches Take to Subside
Body aches should subside within three to five days.
If the aches have not gotten better, then it is time to contact a healthcare provider.
Summary
Body aches cause dull pain that can stem from several causes.
Contact a healthcare provider if body aches do not improve or worsen.
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