Here are some ways to get relief from body aches
Dehydration can lead to various side effects, including muscle or body aches. Counter this by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated will keep muscles supple and prevent them from cramping or aching. Sometimes, dehydration coupled with the loss of electrolytes causes body aches. Try sipping some oral rehydration solution or Gatorade.
Take a hot bath. Warm water will relax and soothe the muscles. This will relieve pain and help the body feel better overall. If a hot bath doesn’t make much of a difference, try adding two cups (470 mL) of Epsom salts to the bathwater. Soak in saltwater for at least 12 minutes. The body will absorb magnesium from the salts, which will help reduce body aches.
Lie down and cover yourself with a heating blanket. The warm temperature will relax your muscles and help reduce aches and pains. Heat treatment can be especially effective in treating aches caused by arthritis or severe muscle pain.
Certain essential oils may provide a helpful natural remedy for aching muscles. Mix together three or four drops of peppermint oil or lavender oil with three or four drops of coconut oil and rub the mixed oils on the sore muscle.
Apply an ice pack to the sore spot. Ice will reduce muscle inflammation and numb the nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain. This is also a useful trick if your body aches have been caused by a rigorous workout. Applying ice to overworked muscles will relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Apply ice packs for about 20-30 minutes at a time.
If headaches persist or worsen even after over the counter (OTC) painkillers, talk to the doctor. They may prescribe a limited dose of a painkiller such as codeine, morphine, Fentanyl, or oxycodone (the generic forms of Oxycontin). However, many prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin can be habit-forming. Do not exceed doctors' prescribed dosage.
If body aches are more than a couple of times a month or if it is severe pain, you could be suffering from a diagnosable medical condition. Persistent aches can be a sign of
Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: It is a complicated disorder characterized by the extreme weakness that lasts for at least 6 months and that can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity but does not improve with rest.
Vitamin deficiency: Deficiency of vitamin D, vitamin B complex, zinc, and iron can cause fatigue and body aches. Talk to your doctor and start the required course.
Medication-induced body ache: A few people have body aches as a reaction to blood pressure medications. Make sure to talk to your doctor; they may change your medication, and this may make you feel better.
Lyme disease: It is an infectious disease caused by the Cordelia bacterium, which is spread by ticks. The most common sign of infection is an expanding red rash with weakness and body aches.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): It is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin (protective sheath) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.
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