Muscle pain all over the body: causes and methods for relief

Did you know that the human body has over 600 muscles? The fact that every single one of them is susceptible to pain, on the other hand, is less pleasing. These can affect anyone - from top athletes to office workers. In fact, one statistics from the GCS Spezials OTC & Pharma Reportshows that almost a third of all Germans have suffered from at least one form of muscle pain in the past 12 months. Specific areas are usually affected, but it is not uncommon for people to complain of muscle pain all over their body. The causes are just as varied as the ways to treat them. One of the oldest and most tried and tested approaches to alleviating muscle pain is massage therapy.

Reading tip: You can find out when massages can be effective in the article "From head to toe - massages help here." 

In this article, we take a look at the broad field of muscle pain. Together, we will explore the different types and causes of muscle pain and show you how targeted massages can not only relieve pain, but also improve your general well-being. 

The most common causes of muscle pain throughout the body

In order to classify muscle pain correctly, we first need to understand it. Also known as myalgia, it can occur in many different forms: 

→ Acute painthat is sudden and intense is often triggered by an injury or overexertion.

→ Chronic muscle pain on the other hand, develops over longer periods of time and can be extremely persistent. They have causes ranging from physical to psychological factors.

→ Cramps, strains and tension are other common manifestations that can vary from mild discomfort to severe impairment.

The causes of muscle pain are as varied as the types. However, some clinical pictures lead the statistics.

Aching muscles due to fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder characterized by muscle pain in multiple areas of the body and a feeling of fatigue. Its exact causes are unfortunately unknown, but it appears to be related to changes in the way the brain processes pain signals. People suffering from fibromyalgia often experience increased sensitivity to pain and accompanying symptoms such as sleep disturbances, memory problems and mood swings. The prevalence of fibromyalgia is around two percent of the German population.

Muscle pain with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis itself does not cause muscle pain, but the weakening of the bones can lead to painful fractures, which in turn lead to muscle pain. Especially when vertebral fractures occur, these can lead to long-lasting back pain as the muscles try to compensate for the weakened structure. In Germany, around about 7.8 % of women and 2.0 % of men over the age of 18 suffer from osteoporosis, whereby the incidence increases significantly with age and women are affected much more frequently than men.

Muscle pain with sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect various organs, but most commonly the lungs. If the muscles are affected, muscle pain and weakness may occur. These symptoms are often fleeting and vary greatly in intensity. With an estimated 3500 people affected in Germany, sarcoidosis is far less common than other causes of muscle pain throughout the body.

Muscle pain during the menopause

During the menopause, hormonal changes lead to a variety of symptoms, including muscle pain. This pain, often dull and aching, occurs mainly near the joints, making it difficult to distinguish from joint pain. Varying pain intensity and morning stiffness are typical symptoms. The hormonal fluctuations influence inflammatory processes and fluid distribution, which intensifies the symptoms. These are accompanied by hot flushes, sleep problems and mood swings, which further impair well-being. Heat therapies, such as treatments using infrared radiation, can provide relief.

Muscle pain in the back

Back pain is one of the most common complaints in the context of the musculature. In turn, it can be attributed to a variety of causes, ranging from muscular tension and strains to slipped discs and arthritis. The pain can be acute or chronic and can significantly impair quality of life.

Other causes of muscle pain can be

• Stress and overexertion 
• Malnutrition and electrolyte disorders 
• Infections 
• Side effects of medication
• An infection with the coronavirus

Reading tip: Occasionally it also comes to Muscle pain after massagesWe have also addressed the causes and remedies in our blog.

Please note that clarifying the origin of your muscle pain is essential in order to decide whether massage therapies are suitable for relieving it.

 

What is the connection between fatigue and muscle pain throughout the body?

Another often neglected cause of muscle pain is fatigue. Although we are aware of the connection, it is often not entirely clear to us how it actually arises or how one thing can lead to another. Exhaustion, whether due to prolonged stress, poor sleep or emotional strain, can lead to increased tension in the muscles. This constant tension causes muscle pain, as the muscles do not get the relaxation and recovery they need. Exhaustion also impairs the body's pain tolerance, making the body more sensitive to pain stimuli. 

The increased sensitivity to pain can then in turn lead to a further deterioration in sleep, which increases fatigue and thus perpetuates the cycle of pain and fatigue. This vicious cycle can have a significant impact on daily life and often requires a holistic approach to break it, addressing both fatigue and muscle pain. 

With all the different forms of muscle pain, one key question ultimately remains for those affected: what to do about muscle pain? While medication usually only combats symptoms, in many cases a form of treatment that also addresses the causes in the long term is more suitable.

Massage therapy as a solution for muscle pain all over the body

How can massages provide relief from muscle pain? Basically, this is achieved by stimulating blood circulation and lymph flowwhich promotes the elimination of toxins and improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. Relaxation during a massage promotes the release of endorphins, which act as the body's own painkillers, and therefore helps to reduce pain.

In addition, the improved blood circulation supports the healing of micro-injuries in the muscle tissue, which can be caused by overexertion or injury. Depending on the cause of the pain, it is important to take special factors into account when applying massage therapies.

 

Massage techniques for different types of muscle pain: our tips for you

• Gentle massage techniques such as Swedish massage or trigger point therapy are beneficial for people with fibromyalgia, as they reduce muscle tension without overloading the body and treat specific pain points.

• In osteoporosis, special care must be taken with massages to avoid injury. Techniques that rely on light stroking movements and strengthen and relax the muscles around the affected areas are particularly suitable here.

• For people suffering from sarcoidosis, gentle massages that stimulate the lymph flow can be helpful. Lymphatic drainage massages support the removal of fluids and can reduce swelling that causes pain. This not only improves the function of the affected muscles, but also promotes general well-being.

• During the menopause, massages specifically aimed at relaxation and stress reduction can be particularly helpful. Techniques such as aromatherapy massage or hot stone massage promote relaxation and help to alleviate muscle pain caused by hormonal fluctuations. These massages also promote better sleep and contribute to general stress reduction.

• Deep tissue massages and specific techniques that focus on loosening the back muscles are particularly effective for back pain. They address deep-seated tension and support a healthier posture.

Through the targeted application of these massage techniques you can achieve significant relief from muscle pain. It is important that you are aware of and take into account the individual conditions of your body and any illnesses when choosing a massage therapy. If nothing speaks against massage therapy, you should try to incorporate it into your health routine.

Regular massages: a cornerstone of your prevention

In short: by continuously caring for your muscular system, you can reduce the risk of chronic pain. Massages not only offer you immediate relief from pain and tension. They also help to strengthen your immune system and improve your mental health in the long term. Make massage therapies part of your preventive healthcare and promote your mobility and relieve pain in a natural and soothing way.