Body pain is a common ailment that may be localized or generalized. Localized body pain is usually acute and occurs as a result of direct injury to a specific area, such as physical trauma or overuse of specific muscles. Generalized body pain is usually more constant then localized body pain and may indicate underlying infections or disorders within the organ systems.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common causes of constant body pain. The condition is characterized by constant, widespread body pain that is accompanied by tender points in the joints, muscles and tendons, says MedlinePlus from the National Institutes of Health. In addition to constant body pain, those with fibromyalgia may also experience fatigue, headaches, depression, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and insomnia. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but MedlinePlus notes that physical or emotional trauma, abnormal pain responses, sleep disorders or prior infections may trigger the onset of the condition. Because the cause of fibromyalgia has not been proven, treatment can be difficult. The best treatment varies based on each individual, but generally includes medications, diet changes, stress reduction techniques and therapy.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is the inflammation of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart. Endocarditis usually affects those with preexisting heart problems and occurs when infectious organisms invade the blood stream and travel to the heart, preying on the already damaged heart tissue, says MayoClinic.com. Depending on the specific organism that is causing the inflammation, the onset of endocarditis symptoms may be acute or gradual. Symptoms include a constant aching body pain, fever, chills, heart murmur, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, cough, swelling in the legs and abdomen, blood in the urine and night sweats. The first step in treating endocarditis involves getting rid of the underlying infection. Intravenous antibiotics are usually necessary for those with endocarditis. If the inflammation has caused permanent damage to the heart, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged tissue.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection that is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is transferred to humans through ticks. When ticks find their way onto human skin, they bite the skin and begin to feed off the blood. According to KidsHealth from Nemours, Lyme disease affects a number of body systems including the nervous system, joints, heart and skin. Because the infection is so widespread, there are many symptoms associated with the disease. These symptoms include a circular rash, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, constant body pain, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, tingling and numbness in the limbs, and swelling of the joints. Lyme disease can be treated with a series of antibiotics that generally lasts two to four weeks. Although the infection can be treated, some sufferers experience joint and body pain long after treatment.
