When faced with a cold, flu, or other illness, body aches and pains can be one of the worst symptoms. These aches stem from your natural immune response – when the body’s immune system works hard to fight an infection leading to tiredness and aching of the body. Luckily, there are different methods of dealing with such pains that will enable you to heal faster. In this blog, we’ll explore various ways you can manage the discomfort and help your body recover faster.
For same-day illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our medical team is available seven days a week to treat your condition with no appointment necessary. Just walk-in!
The Connection Between Illness and Sore Joints
When an illness triggers the body's defense mechanism—the immune system drives off or attacks the elements or the pathogens. In this case, it would result in the secretion of what is called cytokines, which are proteins responsible for causing inflammation and facilitating repair. Cytokine can also induce myalgia and arthralgia, which cause the distressing symptoms known as body aches. In illnesses such as influenza, which are viral in origin, there is a secondary factor; which is the direct inflammatory myopathy of the virus itself.
Rest and Hydration: Your Best Defense Against Aches
Adequate rest allows your body to concentrate its energies on recovery. During sleep, your immune system is in a better position to fight against infection and repair torn tissues, hence reducing aches. Staying hydrated is just as important because water supports circulation, flushes out toxins, and keeps joints well-lubricated. Severe dehydration increases muscle cramps, and fatigue, and hurts recovery. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water or electrolyte-laden fluids throughout the day.
The Benefits of Heat Therapy and Warm Baths
Pain originating from muscular contractions, spasms, or any kind of sporting activity can be managed by using warm compression on the affected area or heating pads. These treatments are all forms of localized heat therapy and they can be as simple as using a hot water bottle, warm packs, or wearing commercial electric heating pads while sleeping. Heat therapy is founded on the principle of expansion whereby the blood vessels are enlarged, hence allowing ease of blood flow. The main advantage of heat therapy, of course, is that the heat is constant.
Over-The-Counter Medications
When it comes to dealing with bodily discomfort caused by diseases, there are a couple of medications available to patients, the most common being aspirin and ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen are part of a bigger class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Such medication is taken to ensure that there will be as little pain as possible and also for discomfort, pain relief, and swelling reduction by inhibiting the pain pathways to the brain and the spinal cord.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen For Symptom Relief in Aberdeen, NJ
Body aches are an unpleasant but common part of being sick. A combination of limiting activities, drinking fluids, using heat, and taking medications will help you manage body pains and rest easier when sick. If your symptoms worsen or you’re unsure about the underlying condition, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen for fast, compassionate care. Our providers can diagnose your symptoms, offer appropriate treatments, and ensure you are on the right path to recovery. The center is conveniently located at 1140 State Route 34 in Aberdeen, NJ, and we provide our services with no appointment required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. For more information on the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (732) 583-5100.
