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

Did you know that the human body has more than 600 muscles? The fact that every single one of them is susceptible to pain, however, is less pleasing. And muscle and joint pain can affect anyone - from top athletes to office workers.

In fact, statistics from the GCS Spezials OTC & Pharma Report show that almost a third of all Germans have suffered from at least one form of joint and muscle pain in the previous 12 months. Specific areas are usually affected, but it is not uncommon for sufferers to complain of muscle pain throughout the 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 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 - all over the body and in specific areas of the body. We explore their different types and causes and show how targeted massages not only relieve pain, but also improve your general well-being.

NotePlease note that this article does not replace advice from a doctor. If you suffer from persistent pain, be sure to consult a healthcare professional

The most common causes of muscle pain throughout the body

To be able to classify muscle pain correctly, we first need to understand it. Also known as myalgia, muscle and joint pain can occur in many different forms: 

→ Acute pain in the musclesthat 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. In the case of chronic pain, it is advisable to work on your pain management and thus learn how to deal with the pain better.

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

Reading tipMuscle and joint pain are often difficult to distinguish from one another. In our article, we have looked at the topic of joint pain, its causes and treatment treatment.

Which diseases cause muscle pain?

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

Muscle pain all over the body due to fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex disease characterized by joint and muscle pain in several areas of the body. It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from muscle pain throughout the body and exhaustion, including chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, the exact causes are unknown, but fibromyalgia appears to be linked to changes in the way the brain processes pain signals.

People who suffer from fibromyalgia often experience increased sensitivity to pain and accompanying symptoms such as sleep disorders, memory problems and mood swings. The prevalence of fibromyalgia in the German population is around two percent.

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 muscle pain in the back, as the muscles try to compensate for the weakened structure.

In Germany, around 7.8 percent of women and 2.0 percent of men aged 18 and over suffer from osteoporosis, with the incidence increasing significantly with age and women being affected much more frequently than men.

Reading tip: Learn more about the topic of muscle pain in osteoporosis in our article.

Sarcoidosis and muscle pain

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.

Sarcoidosis usually progresses in episodes. With an estimated 3500 people affected in Germany, it 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 throughout the body and fatigue. 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 typical of this phase of life influence inflammatory processes and fluid distribution, which intensifies ailments such as muscle pain throughout the body. 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 joint and muscle pain can include

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

Reading tip: Occasionally, muscle pain also occurs after massages. We have also dealt with their causes and remedies in our blog.

Please note that a medical clarification of the origin of your muscle pain is essential in order to be able to decide whether massage therapies are suitable for relief.

Muscle pain all over the body and exhaustion - what is the connection?

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 the fatigue and the muscle and joint 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 done by stimulating blood circulation and lymph flow, which 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 thus helps to reduce pain, including muscle and joint 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.

What to do about muscle pain: our tips for different massage techniques

Gentle massage techniques are beneficial for people who suffer from muscle and joint pain due to fibromyalgia. These include Swedish massage or trigger point therapy, for example. These massage techniques reduce muscle tension without overloading the body and treat pain points in a targeted manner.

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 promote 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 are particularly effective for back pain and specific techniques that focus on loosening the back muscles are particularly effective. 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 and joint pain. It is important that you know and take into account your body's individual conditions 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 against muscle and joint pain

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 joint and muscle 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.