DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Aches

Why: The exact location and distribution of the aches gives some indication of the underlying disease, e.g. polymyalgia rheumatica occurs more in the muscles of the upper leg and upper arm, temporal arteritis occurs on the scalp, arthritis occurs in joints (different types also occur in different joints).

Why: Muscle strain can present up to 24hours after the initial activity.

Why: Aches which are worse in the morning in muscles may be as a result of polymyalgia rheumatica, excessive exercise or poor warming up and down associated with exercise. Joint aches which are worse in the morning may be rheumatoid arthritis, whilst those which are worse at the end of the day or immediately after a small period of resting may be osteoarthritis.

Why: The pain caused by heart disease, whether it be an infarction or angina, can be felt as an "ache" in either or both shoulders, in the neck and down the arms. Alternatively it might be felt as a "heavy" ache in the chest.

Why: Fatigue is commonly seen in connective tissue disease or autoimmune disease, which can both cause aches.

Why: If these aches have been experienced for some time then it is more likely that they are as a result of a systemic disease, such as is the case in connective tissue disease or autoimmune disease.

Why: Some conditions which can result in joint aches are genetic and inheritable, such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Why: Non-specific urethritis (a sexually transmittable condition), chlamydia infection and dysentery can all cause a reactive arthritis (Reiter's Syndrome) in those who are genetically susceptible.

Why: A rash in the shape of a "butterfly" over the nose and face can be indicative of systemic lupus erythematosus which can cause aches.

Why: Pleurisy and some haematological abnormalities can indicate systemic lupus erythematosus.

Why: This may be associated with fibromyalgia which causes generalized chronic aches and pains.

Why: Many causes of aches and pains are more common in older people, and age may play a large factor in the diagnosis that your Health professional makes. For example, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, degenerative arthropathy, temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica all occur more frequently with increasing age.

Why: Depression can be a cause for aches and many other seemingly unrelated physical symptoms.

Why: myositis, polymyositis or dermatomyositis can all cause aches plus upper leg and arm muscle weakness and wasting, sometimes with a characteristic rash.

Why: Weight increase may indicate decreased activity as a result of physical limitation by your aches, or it could be as a result of another condition such as Cushing's disease/Cushing's syndrome. Alternatively, weight loss may be because of such conditions as hyperthyroidism or cancer.

Why: alcoholism can be a cause of a myopathy which causes muscle aches.

Why: It is important for your Health Professional to know what medications you are currently taking, what you are taking them for, and how much/often you are taking them. Some medications such as corticosteroids can cause myopathies, or other side effects resulting in aches. Your Health Professional may also enquire about medications you have taken in the past as some side effects don't exhibit quickly.