To send a link and summary of this article to a friend, click here . Spring has sprung and your annual cleaning is done. But when morning breaks, you ache all over.
Overexertion is one of the more common reasons for total-body achiness.
Viral infections, arthritis or other diseases could be responsible, in the absence of excessive activity, doctors say. But don't be surprised if the aches don't hit until two or three days after the exertion, says Clayton W. Kersting, M.D., a family physician in Newport, Washington. Muscle soreness may take its time in appearing. Before You Call the Doctor . Invasion of your body by a virus sets off inflammation as your immune system attempts to fight back, causing the soreness in your muscles, Dr. Kersting explains.