Whole Body Pain

At Nexus Pain Management we are experts in diagnosing and treating all facets of pain from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. We offer treatment solutions for any cause of pain from mechanical issues (such as joint, tendon, ligament damage, hypermobility), neuropathic pains (pain resulting from nerve damage or over-activation), pre- and post-surgical pain, acute to chronic pains and anything in between.

Understanding Whole Body Pain: Causes and Conditions

Whole body pain can be a complex and distressing experience, affecting daily life, mobility, and overall well-being. Unlike localized pain that stems from an injury or specific condition, whole body pain is often persistent, widespread, and influenced by multiple factors. Understanding all of the potential contributors can help in seeking appropriate management and treatment options.

Common Causes of Whole Body Pain

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is arguably the archetypical condition or diagnosis reflecting whole body pain. 

It is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. It is believed to be linked to abnormal pain processing in the brain and nervous system, leading to heightened pain sensitivity. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience tender points, stiffness, and an exaggerated response to stimuli that would not typically cause pain.

Central Sensitisation

Central Sensitisation is a condition where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, amplifying pain signals and making even minor stimuli feel intensely painful. This phenomenon plays a role in various chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Individuals with central sensitisation may also experience heightened sensitivity to touch, sound, and temperature changes.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) (including long Covid)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or ME) is marked by profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest, along with widespread pain, cognitive impairment, and post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after activity). The exact cause is unknown, but viral infections, immune system dysfunction, and nervous system abnormalities have been suggested as contributing factors.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can cause widespread pain as the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. These disorders often lead to multi-site joint pain, inflammation, fatigue, and systemic symptoms affecting multiple organs.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition involving trigger points—tight, painful knots in the muscles that can refer pain to different areas of the body. Unlike fibromyalgia, which involves widespread pain, myofascial pain syndrome is often localized but can still contribute to overall body discomfort.

Other Potential Causes

Infections: Viral and bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and post-viral syndromes can lead to long-term, diffuse pain.

Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and diabetes-related nerve pain can contribute to systemic discomfort.

Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, including statins and some antidepressants, can cause widespread muscle pain as a side effect.

Psychological Factors: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can amplify pain perception and contribute to persistent body aches. Identifying and managing these factors as best we can is also important to achieve better long term outcomes.