Intermittent Pain in Multiple Body Areas: Possible Causes

Intermittent pain in various body parts?

Hello, Doctor.
Over the past week, I have been experiencing increasing pain throughout my body without a specific location.
Initially, it felt like each segment of my spine was stuck together, and I had a sense of fatigue in my back.
When I straightened my back, I could hear popping sounds.
One morning, I was awakened by intense pain in my thumb nail area, feeling as if someone was forcefully pressing into my nail for an extended period.
Later, I started to feel pain in my knees and lower back, with a similar sticky sensation in my knees.
Eventually, I also experienced sharp pain in the bones of my forearm (I’m not sure if that’s the correct term, but it’s the bone from the wrist to the elbow).
Sometimes, when I take a deep breath, I feel pain in my ribs and chest.
Strangely, even my cheekbones have sharp pain.
The sharp pains in various areas occur suddenly and are brief, but the sticky sensations in my finger joints, knees, and spine persist.
A couple of days ago, my fingers were also swollen.
Today, my menstrual period started, and the pain has disappeared, but the aforementioned joints still have a sticky feeling.
I have mitral and tricuspid valve prolapse and hepatitis C, and I had kidney stones three months ago.
Due to the kidney stones, I had an abdominal X-ray in the emergency room, and the hospital informed me of a bone lesion near my hip and pelvic area (at a hospital in the United States), but a subsequent nuclear bone scan showed normal results.
I’m not sure if this information is helpful.
What could this possibly be? Thank you.

Han, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/31

Dr. Zhou Hongzhi reply Orthopedics

At just 25 years old, experiencing so many ailments is concerning.
You should be cautious and consider further examinations, such as tests for rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
You can go to the hospital for blood tests.

Reply Date: 2005/03/31

More Info

Based on your description of experiencing widespread pain and discomfort in various body parts, it is essential to consider several potential underlying causes. Your symptoms, which include a sensation of stiffness or "sticking" in your spine, sudden sharp pains in your thumb, knee, and ribs, as well as facial pain, could be indicative of a few different conditions.

1. Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It often coexists with sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood swings. The pain can be intermittent and may vary in intensity, which aligns with your experience of sudden, sharp pains in different areas.

2. Inflammatory Arthritis: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The "sticking" sensation you describe in your joints could be related to inflammation in the synovial lining of the joints.

3. Neuropathic Pain: Given your history of C hepatitis and previous kidney stones, it is also possible that you are experiencing neuropathic pain, which can occur due to nerve damage or irritation. This type of pain can manifest as sharp, shooting sensations or a feeling of tingling and numbness.

4. Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can also contribute to physical symptoms. Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate pain perception. Your mention of pain relief coinciding with the onset of your menstrual cycle suggests a potential hormonal influence, which can also affect pain sensitivity.

5. Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as lupus or other autoimmune disorders can present with widespread pain and various systemic symptoms. Given your medical history, it may be prudent to rule out these conditions through appropriate blood tests and evaluations.

6. Musculoskeletal Issues: Poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or computer use, can lead to muscle strain and discomfort in the back and limbs. The popping sounds you hear when straightening your back may indicate joint or ligament issues, which could also contribute to your symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life, it is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional. A rheumatologist may be particularly helpful in assessing for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, while a neurologist can evaluate for neuropathic pain syndromes.

In the meantime, consider implementing some self-care strategies. Regular gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help alleviate stiffness and improve mobility. Additionally, maintaining a healthy sleep routine and managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, may also provide relief.

Lastly, keep a detailed symptom diary, noting when your pain occurs, its intensity, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the underlying cause of your symptoms and developing an appropriate treatment plan.

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