Many conditions can cause chronic types of full-body pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, chronic pain is pain that persists for weeks, months or even years. Some types of chronic pain manifest in one area of the body, while other types of chronic pain are experienced throughout the body. NINDS states that recent treatment advances are helping reduce the discomfort associated with long-term, pain-producing conditions.
Arthritis
Arthritis can be a chronic type of full-body pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Any joint in the body can experience arthritis. Although there are over 100 different types of arthritis, some types are more common than others. Among the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriatic arthritis; and ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis is characterized by the wearing down of joint cartilage, which is the slippery material that covers the ends of bones. When cartilage wears away, bones rubbing against each other can create arthritis symptoms. Numerous conditions can cause joint inflammation, such as broken bones; general wear and tear; bacterial or viral infections; and autoimmune diseases, or conditions in which the body's immune system attacks the joints.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can cause chronic full-body pain. Approximately 2 percent of the American population has fibromyalgia, states MayoClinic.com. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which a person experiences widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, along with fatigue and multiple tender points throughout the body. A person will feel pain in the tender points with even slight pressure. In most cases of fibromyalgia, and even after many tests, physicians are unable to determine the exact cause of the discomfort. According to MayoClinic.com, women are more likely to experience fibromyalgia than men, and the risk for fibromyalgia increases as a person ages. It's common for fibromyalgia symptoms to manifest following a trauma, either physical or emotional, although in most cases there is no apparent precipitating factor. Risk factors for fibromyalgia include a family history of the condition and certain health conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning can cause long-term pain throughout the body. Approximately 250,000 American children between the ages of 1 and 5 have blood lead levels over the minimum acceptable value, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Children under 6 years of age are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can significantly alter physical and mental development. In some cases, lead levels within the body can be great enough to cause death. Common signs and symptoms associated with lead poisoning include pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities; muscle weakness throughout the body; abdominal pain; headache; mood disorders; fatigue; and memory loss. The CDC states that lead poisoning can affect almost every system in the body and that lead poisoning may occur without any observable signs or symptoms.
