Body pain

If you talk to anyone with a chronic or invisible illness, there’s a pretty good chance they’ve experienced chronic body pain at some point. It’s one of those things that unites us in solidarity! There are all types of pain: dull or throbbing, popping or burning, widespread or limited to a one spot/area. The most common causes of pain in specific muscles are tension, stress, overuse, and minor injuries. Pain that racks your whole body—systemic muscle pain—is more likely caused by an illness/condition, like fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, or Lyme; an infection, like the flu; or emotional distress. It could also be a side effect of a medicine you’re taking—statins for high cholesterol, for example. And sometimes pain may be linked to inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, say) or damaged nerves. The good news is that for as many different types of pain as there are, there are just as many treatments. Acupuncture, cryotherapy, and massage are just a few you might want to try. Self-care can also help: rest, stay hydrated, take warm baths, and try over-the-counter pain medicines to see if they provide relief. You can also talk to your WanaFam about pain therapies that have worked for them. We guarantee, you’ll get a lot of feedback on this topic!