What is the best thing to take for body aches? Your comprehensive guide to relief

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 25 million American adults experience daily pain, with body aches being a common complaint [1]. Knowing what is the best thing to take for body aches is key to managing discomfort and resuming your daily routine with confidence.

Quick Summary

The best remedy for body aches depends on the cause, but common strategies include over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs or acetaminophen, staying hydrated, getting rest, and using warm compresses. Understanding the underlying reason for the pain helps determine the most effective treatment.

Key Points

Identify the Cause: The best treatment for body aches depends on the root cause, whether it's from a viral infection, muscle strain, or tension.
Consider OTC Options: Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) are ideal for inflammatory pain, while acetaminophen is effective for fever and non-inflammatory aches.
Embrace Home Remedies: Simple strategies like resting, staying hydrated, and using hot or cold compresses can effectively alleviate mild to moderate body aches.
Prioritize Rest and Hydration: Give your body time to heal and ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids, as dehydration can worsen muscle pain.
Know When to See a Doctor: Persistent or severe body aches, especially when accompanied by fever, rash, or extreme weakness, warrant medical attention.

Understanding the Root Cause of Body Aches

To find the most effective treatment, it's crucial to identify what might be causing your body aches. The triggers can range from minor issues to more serious underlying conditions [1].

Common culprits behind the pain

Viral Infections: The flu, common cold, and viruses like COVID-19 frequently cause widespread body aches and fever as your immune system fights off the infection [2].
Physical Exertion: Intense exercise, manual labor, or repetitive movements can strain muscles, leading to temporary soreness and pain [3].
Stress and Tension: High stress levels can cause muscles to tense up, resulting in aches in the neck, shoulders, and back [3].
Dehydration: Lack of sufficient fluids can lead to muscle cramps and general achiness, as proper hydration is essential for muscle function [2].
Poor Sleep: Inadequate rest impairs the body's ability to repair and rejuvenate, which can leave muscles feeling sore and fatigued [2].
Nutrient Deficiencies: Insufficient levels of certain minerals, particularly magnesium, can contribute to muscle pain and spasms [6].
Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs, including statins and some blood pressure medications, can cause muscle soreness as a side effect [2].

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

For most mild to moderate cases, OTC pain relievers offer reliable relief. The two main categories are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is generally gentle on the stomach. It works by raising your body's pain threshold [4]. It is a good choice for fever and pain that does not involve inflammation. It is vital to follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid liver damage, especially if you consume alcohol regularly [5].

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), are effective for reducing both pain and inflammation [5]. This makes them particularly suitable for muscle strains, joint pain, and other inflammation-related aches. They can, however, be harsher on the stomach and should be used with caution by individuals with kidney issues, heart disease, or a history of stomach ulcers [7].

Oral vs. Topical Treatments

Oral Medications: Tablets, caplets, or liquids are taken by mouth and provide systemic relief for widespread aches. The choice between acetaminophen and an NSAID depends on the cause of the pain (inflammatory or not) and your personal health history [5].
Topical Analgesics: Creams, gels, and patches containing ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or diclofenac sodium can provide targeted relief for localized muscle or joint pain [3]. They are applied directly to the skin and can be a good alternative if oral medications cause stomach upset.

Home Remedies and Natural Approaches

Beyond medications, several home-based strategies can effectively soothe body aches and promote healing.

Rest and hydration

Rest is one of the most fundamental steps for recovery, allowing your body to dedicate energy to healing [3]. Staying well-hydrated is also critical, as dehydration can worsen muscle cramps and overall soreness [2]. Drink plenty of water and other clear fluids like broth.

Hot and cold therapy

Applying heat or cold can provide significant relief. For recent injuries and inflammation, ice packs can reduce swelling and numb the pain. For generalized stiffness or chronic muscle tension, heat therapy—such as a warm bath or heating pad—can increase blood flow and relax muscles [3]. Alternating between heat and cold can also be beneficial [3].

Gentle movement and stretching

While rest is important, complete inactivity can lead to stiffness. Gentle stretching and light movement, such as walking, can help reduce muscle tightness and improve blood circulation. Always listen to your body and avoid movements that increase pain [3].

Epsom salt baths

Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a classic remedy for sore muscles. The magnesium in the salts is absorbed through the skin, helping to relax muscles and reduce tension [3].

Supplements

Some supplements can support muscle health and recovery. Magnesium, for example, is essential for muscle and nerve function [6]. Vitamin D also plays a key role in muscle function and can help reduce inflammation [6]. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

How to choose the right pain reliever

Choosing the right option depends on the cause of your pain and your health profile. This table provides a quick comparison to guide your decision.


Feature	Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
Primary Function	Pain relief, Fever reduction	Pain relief, Fever reduction, Anti-inflammatory
Best For	Headaches, Fever, Muscle aches (non-inflammatory)	Inflammation (sprains, arthritis), Menstrual cramps
Speed of Relief	Works fairly quickly, but relief can vary [4]	Works fairly quickly, relief can last longer (Naproxen) [4]
Stomach Impact	Fewer stomach issues, generally gentler [4]	Can cause stomach upset, ulcers, or bleeding [5]
Risks	Liver toxicity with high doses or heavy alcohol use [5]	Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, stomach issues with long-term use [7]
Special Considerations	Safe for children (age-appropriate doses) and some with stomach sensitivity [4]	Not for children; caution for those with heart, kidney, or stomach issues [7]

When to see a doctor

While most body aches resolve with self-care, there are times when medical attention is necessary [1].

Severe or Persistent Pain: If your aches are intense, interfere with daily activities, or last longer than a week [1].
Accompanying Symptoms: Seek care if aches are paired with a high fever, stiff neck, rash, swelling, or extreme weakness [1].
Possible Tick Bite: See a doctor if you develop body aches after a known or potential tick bite [1].
New Medication: Consult a doctor if you experience body aches after starting a new medication [1].

Conclusion: Tailoring Your Approach

Finding the best thing to take for body aches is a matter of understanding the cause and choosing the right combination of treatments. For general aches and fever, acetaminophen is a safe and effective option, while NSAIDs are better for inflammatory pain. For mild discomfort, home remedies like rest, hydration, and heat therapy can provide significant relief. Regardless of the approach, always prioritize safety and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe or persistent. For further authoritative information on this topic, consider visiting the Mayo Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best choice depends on the cause of your pain. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that reduces both pain and inflammation, making it ideal for aches related to muscle strain or injury. Acetaminophen relieves pain and fever but does not reduce inflammation; it is often gentler on the stomach. If the ache is from a virus and not inflammation, either can work [5].

Yes, dehydration can be a direct cause of muscle cramps and overall body aches. Muscles are about 75% water, and when they are not adequately hydrated, they can become tense and painful. Staying well-hydrated is a simple but effective way to prevent and treat this type of discomfort [2].

Several natural remedies can provide relief. These include applying heat with a warm bath or heating pad to relax muscles, using cold compresses for inflammation, and soaking in an Epsom salt bath. Gentle stretching and adequate rest are also highly effective strategies [3].

For minor illnesses like the flu or common cold, body aches usually resolve within a few days to a week. If the aches are caused by muscle exertion, they should improve with rest. Persistent or worsening pain, however, warrants a visit to your doctor [1].

You should see a doctor if your body aches are severe, last longer than a week, or are accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as a high fever, stiff neck, rash, swelling, or significant weakness [1].

Yes, some supplements can be beneficial. Magnesium is known to help with muscle relaxation, and a deficiency can contribute to muscle pain. Vitamin D is also important for muscle function and can help reduce inflammation [6].

Absolutely. High stress levels can lead to muscle tension, resulting in aches in the neck, back, and shoulders. Similarly, a lack of quality sleep impairs the body’s ability to repair and recover, making you more prone to feeling achy and fatigued [3].