What causes generalized muscle pain?
Disease description:
Sometimes, a cold can cause body-wide muscle aches. Why is this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Generalized muscle pain may be caused by various factors.
1. Intense exercise or overexertion: Short-term strenuous activities, such as running or working out, can lead to the production of large amounts of lactic acid in the muscles. Accumulation of lactic acid irritates nerve endings, resulting in a sensation of soreness. Prolonged heavy physical labor or insufficient rest can also keep muscles in a tense state for extended periods, causing pain.
2. Common cold or viral infection: Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections often accompanies symptoms such as fever and cough. Muscle pain may develop as the illness worsens.
3. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis are characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's muscle tissues, leading to inflammation, muscle weakness, and pain.
4. Metabolic disorders: Muscle pain can also be caused by metabolic diseases such as thyroid dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance, and diabetes.
5. Excessive stress: Being under prolonged stress may cause muscles to switch into a protective mode, resulting in contraction and soreness.
