When to See a Doctor About Body Aches and Pains

Almost everyone experiences aches and pains at some point in their life. But when your whole body hurts, carrying on with daily life is a challenge. And if you can’t pinpoint a reason for your pain, it’s natural to worry. 

At Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah, our team of primary care providers wants to be sure you get the care you need when you need it. If you’re experiencing body aches and pain, you may need to see a doctor. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding body aches and pains

We use the term “body aches and pains” to describe the uncomfortable and painful feelings that come when your connective tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons, joints) hurt. It can also describe pain that stems from the fascia tissue between your organs, bones, and muscles. 

People describe body aches and pains as a whole body experience. In other words, every muscle and joint feels achy, and the feeling doesn’t go away. Body aches and pain can be caused by many things, including infection.

Causes of body aches and pains

It’s important to differentiate “muscle pain” from “body aches and pains.” For example, if you work out hard or engage in a new physical activity, or if you overdo an activity, you can experience muscle pain for several days. However, this type of pain doesn’t affect your whole body — only the muscles you overused. 

When your body aches and pain aren’t limited to a specific group of muscles, another cause is usually to blame. Sometimes medications can be the culprit. For example, certain antibiotics used to treat infections may cause whole body aches. 

In many instances, underlying health problems cause body aches and pains. Many possible conditions can trigger this type of pain, including:

• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Fibromyalgia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Fluid retention
• Low potassium
• Dehydration
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Sometimes, joint conditions may cause similar aches and pain.

Signs it’s time to see a doctor

Ongoing pain is a sign that something isn’t right. If you’re worried about body aches and pains, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. Here are some signs it’s time to schedule an appointment:

• Ongoing pain that does not improve with self care
• Severe body pain, especially if you don’t know the cause
• Body aches or pains that come with a rash
• Body aches and pains after experiencing a tick bite
• Body aches and pains with redness or swelling
• Body aches and pain with a persistent fever

You should also see your Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours provider if you’re taking medication that may cause these symptoms. 

Sometimes body aches and pains require emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing body aches and pains accompanied by shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, vomiting, a high fever, loss of consciousness, a stiff neck, or an inability to move. 

Ready to discuss body aches and pains with a trained primary care provider? Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah.