Body aches without a fever might seem unusual, but they can happen for many reasons. You might feel these aches due to stress, lack of sleep, or overexertion from exercise. Sometimes, body aches might be a sign of an underlying health condition. Here, we will look at some common causes of body aches without a fever, including viral infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, and certain medications.

1. Viral Infections

Viral infections like the flu, cold, and COVID-19 are common causes of body aches. Your body uses these aches to combat the infection. Along with body aches, you might also have:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Fatigue

2. Muscle Strain or Injury

If you’ve recently hurt or strained a muscle, you’ll probably feel some aches. This happens because the muscle gets inflamed and irritated. You might also experience:

Pain
Swelling
Bruising

3. Stress

Stress isn’t just in your head; it can affect your body too. When you feel stressed, your body can release hormones that cause muscle tension and pain. You might also have:

Fatigue
Headaches
Trouble sleeping
Backaches
Chest pain

If stress is causing body aches, there are ways to help. You might try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Engaging in hobbies or spending time with friends and family can also make you feel better.

4. Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough sleep means your body doesn’t repair itself the way it should. This lack of repair can cause muscle aches and pains. You might also notice:

Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in your mood

5. Dehydration

Being dehydrated means your body doesn’t have enough fluids to keep your joints and muscles working smoothly. This lack of fluids can cause muscle aches and pains. Look out for these other signs of dehydration:

Dry mouth
Thirst
Tiredness
Dark urine

Drinking enough water is essential. If you think dehydration might be causing your body aches, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Consuming water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also help.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Your body needs certain nutrients to function properly. If you’re lacking in potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, or vitamin D, you might experience body aches. Symptoms of these deficiencies can vary depending on what nutrient you’re missing.

7. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are when your body’s immune system incorrectly attacks itself, causing inflammation and pain, including body aches. Some examples of these diseases are:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Fibromyalgia
Multiple sclerosis (MS)

8. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a long-term illness that causes extreme fatigue and can lead to body aches. People with CFS often feel very tired and unrefreshed even after a full night’s sleep. According to National Health Service, other symptoms might include:

Sleep problems like waking up often at night
Headaches
Concentration and memory issues
Dizziness
Sore throat
Flu-like symptoms

9. Medication Side Effects

According to various studies, certain medications like statins and chemotherapy drugs might cause body aches as a side effect. These side effects may vary depending on the medication, so it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience unexpected body aches after starting a new medication.

10. Lyme Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is an infection you get from tick bites. It can cause body aches, and you might also notice:

A red, circular rash that looks like a bull’s-eye
Joint pain
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Neck stiffness

What Can You Do About It?

If you’re feeling achy but don’t have a fever, it’s always a good idea to listen to your body. Here’s what you might want to consider:

Rest and Relaxation

Taking it easy for a while might be just what your body needs. Whether it’s a nice bath, a good book, or just some quiet time, giving yourself a break can make a big difference.

See a Doctor

If your body aches continue for a long time or get worse, you should see a doctor. They can help you figure out what’s going on and give you the right treatment to feel better.