Whether you’re an athlete or a couch potato, muscle soreness can strike at any time. Muscle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including over-exertion, injury, and illness. Here are the nine most common causes of muscle pain:.

1. Overuse

When you engage in physical activity that your body is not used to, you may experience muscle soreness. This is known as overuse. Overuse can occur when you increase the intensity, duration, or frequency of your workouts too quickly.

Your muscles may not have enough time to recover between workouts, leading to soreness.

2. Injury

Muscle soreness can also be caused by injury. This may include strains, sprains, and tears. Injuries can occur when you engage in physical activity without proper warm-up or when you use improper technique during exercise.

3. Tension

Tension is another common cause of muscle soreness. This may include tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. Poor posture and stress can contribute to tension, leading to muscle pain.

4. Dehydration

Dehydration can also lead to muscle soreness. When your body is dehydrated, your muscles may not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, leading to pain and discomfort.

Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity to avoid dehydration.

5. Infection

Infections such as the flu or a cold can also cause muscle soreness. When you’re sick, your body may be fighting off the infection, leading to fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain.

6. Medications

Certain medications can also cause muscle soreness as a side effect. This may include statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, and ACE inhibitors, which are used to treat high blood pressure.

7. Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to muscle pain. This may include deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, which are essential for muscle health. Make sure to eat a balanced diet and supplement if necessary to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

8. Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause muscle soreness. These diseases occur when your immune system attacks your own body, leading to inflammation and pain in your muscles and joints.

9. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to a problem with how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.