Wandering pains throughout the body: causes and treatment

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A burning sensation in the joints (usually a burning pain) or in the skin above them occurs very often in many diseases, and not only rheumatological ones.
Sometimes it turns out that this is the first and even the only symptom, so it is worth paying attention to. What is this burning sensation anyway? This is a kind of pain syndrome that is characteristic of inflammatory processes and acute circulatory disorders. The burning sensation may appear as if inside the joint, or it may be felt on the surface, that is, on the skin. Apart from burns/frostbite and similar situations, we rarely talk about the second option. In most cases, a burning sensation is still felt inside the joint.

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Objective grounds

Itching is a sensation accompanied by the need to scratch the skin. There are several opinions about its occurrence:

• irritation of certain pain receptors;
• occurs independently under the influence of mediators - histamine, serotonin, adrenaline, opioids and others.

The second theory is supported by the fact that itching sensations appear only in the superficial layers of the dermis and the mucous membranes adjacent to it, while pain occurs anywhere in the body. In addition, pain and itching can occur in isolation from each other.

Itching can be localized or spread throughout the body. Due to its occurrence, it is divided into:

• propriocevtive - appears due to a violation of the structure of the dermis;
• neuropathic – observed when the nervous system is damaged;
• neurogenic – without damage to the NS;
• psychogenic – mental disorders.

All types of symptoms differ in intensity, duration and place of occurrence.

Itching of the skin of the body often has objective causes and accompanies any disease. First of all, these include skin diseases :

Another skin condition that causes "scabies" is eczema . It is believed that it occurs against the background of reduced immunity. It can be triggered by stress, nervous tension, as well as hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions.

Eczema is characterized by the formation of foci of rashes in the form of “wet” blisters and pimples, and in some cases dry ones. The itching in this condition is simply unbearable; it is the main symptom of the pathology. The elements are localized on the neck, head, flexor surfaces of the elbows, ankles and knees.

The skin may itch if there are diseases of the internal organs :

1. Kidney - a symptom manifests itself on the skin and in the genital area.
2. Liver - spreads to the face and hands, while the skin turns yellow.
3. Thyroid – dry, flaky and itchy skin on the hands and face.
4. Anemia.
5. Diabetes – the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs begin to itch due to increased blood glucose levels.
6. Oncological diseases.
7. Hormonal disorders - menopause, pregnancy, menstrual syndrome.
8. Viral infections - herpes, AIDS.
9. Dehydration.

Diagnosis of diseases with burning in the lumbar region

Symptoms in each specific case are studied very carefully, and only a doctor can determine what diagnostic methods will subsequently be used to identify health problems. First, the expected area of ​​violations is determined, after which a comprehensive examination with a focus on a specific profile is prescribed. In most cases, blood and urine tests are mandatory, and sometimes stool tests (if there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal diseases). Also, if problems with the musculoskeletal system and internal organs are suspected, ultrasound and x-rays are prescribed.

In case of heart problems, an electrocardiogram can be performed when the patient enters a medical facility or during an ambulance call, then the patient is under constant supervision of specialists. In case of injuries and skin rashes, a visual examination of the damaged area of ​​the body is carried out, and additional types of examination may also be prescribed.

Burning sensation and its origin

A burning sensation in the body and limbs manifests itself in the form of tingling, a sensation of heat. It is constantly present throughout the day or has a wave-like character, but, as a rule, does not bother you at night.

The appearance of this symptom is facilitated by damage to the peripheral nerves. This is observed, for example, in diabetes mellitus . In this case, the burning sensation is concentrated primarily in the extremities, followed by tingling and numbness.

Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, accompanied by a burning sensation in the legs up to the foot.

With multiple sclerosis, the burning sensation is combined with tingling. Such an alliance extends to the limbs. One should be wary of their simultaneous occurrence with problems of speech and coordination.

Radiculopathy is damage to the nerve roots of the spinal nerves. In this case, a pathological feeling of heat also occurs in the arms and legs.

Dangerous is the appearance of a burning sensation in one half of the body. Along with other signs, such as unclear speech, headache, blurred vision, delirium, hallucinations, it can be a sign of a stroke .

Heat in the legs often indicates vascular pathology .

Other conditions that can cause this sensation include:

• spider and snake bites;
• poisoning by chemical compounds;
• avitaminosis;
• calcium deficiency;
• burns.

Particular discomfort is caused by itching and burning in a woman’s intimate area (vagina, vulva and perineum).

A burning sensation in the vagina, along with dryness, are manifestations
of menopausal changes or atrophic inflammation . If the cause of the burning sensation is various kinds of discharge, then this indicates candidiasis, inflammatory processes or sexually transmitted diseases .
Moderate itching in the vaginal area may indicate an allergic reaction to latex or medications. The discussed symptoms in the vulva (external genitalia) also appear against the background of sexually transmitted infections . Other reasons may be:

• lice;
• eczema and mycoses;
• tumor-like formations;
• helminthic infestations;
• kidney and liver diseases.

The perineum includes the area around the genitals and anus. The occurrence of unpleasant sensations in it indicates the presence of such conditions :

• helminthic infestations;
• allergy to powder or linen;
• haemorrhoids;
• rectal tumors;
• systemic diseases;
• sexual infections;
• herpes, candida;
• incorrect hygienic approach.

III. Is it necessary to conduct additional research methods?

At the appointment, the doctor, after assessing your condition (clinical picture) and medical history, makes a conclusion about the need or lack thereof for additional research methods. In most cases, if the pain syndrome is benign, the diagnosis is made based on the patient’s clinical picture. If there are “red flags”, depending on the conditions that the doctor wants to exclude, additional research methods may be prescribed, such as a blood test for inflammatory markers, tumor markers, MRI, computed tomography, radiography, or referred for consultation to a specialized specialist.

Psychogenic nature of burning and itching

The term “psychosomatics” is quite common these days. It is defined as the occurrence of bodily manifestations based on psychological factors.

If during the examination of the patient it is not possible to find objective reasons causing such impressions, the matter is most likely in the mental sphere of the person. Or rather, in its negative manifestations.

For example, itching and burning sensations in the body develop against the background of a stressful situation . If it was a one-time problem, then after it is eliminated, the unpleasant manifestations also disappear.

As for chronic stress , these symptoms may persist or even intensify. This, in turn, increases nervous tension and aggravates the situation. It turns out to be a vicious circle.

There is an understandable explanation for the appearance of skin paresthesias in psychological disorders. With negative emotions, the body increases the production of serotonin and dopamine. It is these neurotransmitters that provoke the occurrence of itching and burning, usually without visible skin elements. But sometimes a rash, dryness and peeling may appear.

Having pain in your vagina?

If you have unpleasant, painful sensations in the vagina, diagnosing yourself, let alone taking measures, prescribing treatment is very dangerous. You need to urgently undergo examination by a gynecologist. Often, all sorts of folk remedies will not only not improve the situation, but will even worsen it .

Only a doctor can carry out the necessary tests and, based on them, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Before being examined by a doctor, you should not douche, use suppositories or other medications. After using them, the test results will be incorrect and it will be difficult to choose the right treatment.

Senestopathies

Burning, itchy feelings provoked by mental disorders are classified as simple thermal senestopathies.

Senestopathies are a variety of unpleasant, intrusive and exhausting impressions that are concentrated on the surface or inside the body. This concept was first learned about in 1907 thanks to the scientists P. Camus and Dupre.

The peculiarity of this condition from true burning and itching is the rich and elaborate way of describing them. For example, “there is a fire in the head”, “the chest is on fire”. The localization is characterized by an unusual presentation: “itching in the stomach area”, “a vessel in the abdomen is pulsating”.

Such episodes can be isolated, constant or paroxysmal. Sometimes they are so intrusive that they literally drive the patient crazy.

Their characteristic feature is tactile hallucinations. They often manifest themselves in terms of itching and tingling. A person claims that bugs or mites are crawling under his skin. In some cases, he even sees them, or it seems to him that crumbs or sand are stuck to his body.

Such hallucinations provoke obsessive actions. The patient persistently visits doctors or tries to get rid of intrusive parasites on his own: he constantly washes himself and disinfects his body.

Mental disorders that lead to similar senestopathies:

• hypochondria;
• neuroses and depression;
• psychoses and psychopathy;
• oneiroid;
• paranoia;
• affective and delusional disorders, etc.

Itchy and “hot” sensations in neuroses

Neurosis is a psychogenic nervous disorder associated with emotional, behavioral and somatovegetative disorders. What distinguishes it from other mental illnesses is that the patient is fully aware of the severity of his condition and strives to get rid of it.

A distinction is made between mental and physical neurosis. Physical neurosis, along with psychogenic disorders, also has physical symptoms. There are several varieties of it.

Skin neurosis is manifested by burning and itching of the skin against the background of its bluish, marbled tint. The skin of the joints and legs becomes rough and tightens.

This condition is characterized by changes in sensitivity. It can be reduced or, conversely, increased when unpleasant sensations appear at the slightest touch. With physical neurosis, the skin itches and “burns” in certain areas or throughout the body, becomes wet or dry. Tactile hallucinations are characteristic.

The patient is so bothered by these manifestations that he scratches his body until it bleeds, leaving wounds and abrasions.

The reasons for this condition are:

• mental and physical stress;
• stress;
• conflict situations;
• brain injuries;
• hormonal disorders;
• infections.

Muscular neurosis . This condition is preceded by physical overexertion, as well as prolonged monotonous activity.

The disease is accompanied by a burning sensation throughout the body or in certain areas against a background of muscle tension and spasms. Another characteristic symptom is pain in the chest, neck and face.

Neurosis of the genital organs . The main manifestations of this syndrome are itching and burning in the genital area, which occur after sexual intercourse, during the menstrual period and for a number of other reasons.

The culprits of the disease are:

• mental infantility;
• chronic fatigue;
• conflicts in the family.

Gynecologists in Kazan use the following methods of treating gynecological diseases:

• Drug treatment . Prescribed in accordance with test results.
• Local treatment . Sanitation of the vagina followed by application of a tampon with a medicinal drug, incl. Ultrasonic sanitation with the Gineton apparatus.
• Physiotherapy . Modern Androgyn and Mustang equipment is used, which are successfully used in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders, as well as recovery in the postoperative period.
• Pharmacopuncture . Introduction to acupuncture points of medicinal substances that are indicated for various diseases (inflammatory, hormonal disorders, etc.).
• Ozone therapy
  . Intravaginal and intravenous administration of drugs enriched with ozone contributes to the development of a powerful antioxidant effect, which can successfully cure inflammatory diseases, improve the immune system and reactive capabilities of the body.
• Hirudotherapy . Widely used in the treatment of diseases such as endometriosis of the uterus and ovaries, inflammatory diseases, hormonal dysfunctions, infertility, etc.

Other mental and nervous disorders

It is worth noting that these unpleasant sensations in the intimate area also appear with other types of neurosis.

Here is a case described in psychotherapeutic practice. A young woman aged 22 went to a psychiatric hospital. Because of this, their sexual and marital life is destroyed, the couple is on the verge of divorce.

During the survey, it was found that the girl got married at the insistence of relatives at the age of 19. And her husband is 18 years older than her. She developed normally, and at the time of coming to the center she was physically healthy, including gynecologically.

Conclusion: hysterical psychopathy , a symptom of hysterical genitalgia. This symptom developed due to the girl’s negative attitude towards her husband and sex life in general. Pain and burning in the vagina in this case act as an unconscious pathological adaptation mechanism for avoiding sexual intimacy with the husband. The symptom was eliminated with the help of hypnosis, but the dislike of sexual relations remained.

Thus, in this situation, a burning sensation in the intimate area became a manifestation of exclusively mental disorders, despite physical health.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can also be accompanied by sensations of heat and itching in the body. The reason for this is an imbalance in the functioning of the nervous system. This disorder leads to changes in cardiac activity, which is why the condition is often accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest. It is accompanied by other symptoms such as arrhythmia, shortness of breath, heart pain, pressure surges, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Diseases accompanied by pain in the abdomen on the left

The localization and nature of the pain syndrome make it possible to narrow the range of suspected diseases. A thorough interview with the patient will speed up the diagnosis.

Pain in the left hypochondrium

Burning or nagging pain under the left rib, closer to the midline of the abdomen, occurring before eating, is characteristic of gastritis. The patient reports heartburn and flatulence. Increased pain radiating to the sternum and neck makes it necessary to exclude erosions and ulcers of the gastric mucosa. Similar symptoms develop during myocardial infarction, only in this case antacids are not effective, and the patient complains of shortness of breath, palpitations and unreasonable fear.

Sharp pain in the left hypochondrium, which takes on a girdling character, occurs with acute pancreatitis. In 70% of cases, the disease is triggered by drinking alcohol in combination with fatty foods. Less commonly, pain in the pancreas is caused by taking medications (for example, furosemide, sulfonamides) and tumors. Pancreatitis often occurs in combination with cholecystitis. With chronic inflammation, the pain is less intense and longer lasting.

Acute pain just below the left ribs, pale skin, and increasing abdominal volume after injury indicate a ruptured spleen and internal bleeding. Blood pressure rapidly drops to critical values, an increased heart rate and superficial pulse are noted, and consciousness is confused. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Important! After removal of the spleen, a person continues to live his normal life.

Lower left pain

Stitching pain in the left iliac fossa (lower left) suggests sigmoid diverticulitis. The disease is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, fever and symptoms of bladder irritation.

Pain in the left abdomen is often caused by kidney disease. During inflammatory processes, the pain is nagging, the main focus is localized in the lumbar region. Kidney stone disease is often asymptomatic and is detected during a clinical examination. However, at any moment the movement of stones can provoke an attack of renal colic. The passage of even a small stone through the ureter causes severe pain, which subsides a little in a warm bath.

Important! Prolonged urinary retention is a dangerous sign of ureteral blockage. The patient is operated on urgently.

An inguinal hernia is most often diagnosed in men. A protrusion in the right inguinal fold causes discomfort when walking, unilateral pain intensifies when urinating and defecating. A small hernia is almost invisible in a lying position, but without surgical repair it gradually increases in size and is fraught with pinching.

Pain to the left of the navel

Spastic pain in the navel area on the right or left allows one to suspect an intestinal infection (salmonellosis), chronic enteritis, gluten intolerance, poisoning with poor quality food and chemicals. In this case, profuse, watery diarrhea and repeated vomiting occur. Loss of fluid in children quickly leads to dehydration.

Important! Abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea in a child are often caused by intestinal parasites.

Umbilical hernia occurs in childhood, in men engaged in heavy physical labor, and in women after childbirth. The hernial sac sometimes increases, sometimes it is almost invisible. However, over time, the risk of intestinal obstruction, necrosis of the pinched intestinal area, and peritonitis increases.

Pain in left side

With constipation, pain occurs along the large intestine (right side, epigastric area, left side). Moving forward, solid feces stretch the intestine, which leads to pain of varying intensity (from a feeling of fullness to cramping colic), bloating, belching and nausea. Pain is most intense in the ileal region due to severe overfilling of the sigmoid colon and its inflammation. Painful symptoms subside after defecation.

Pain in the left side is characteristic of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and dysentery (loose, greenish stools up to 20 times a day). Non-infectious inflammation is manifested by flatulence, nagging pain and constipation, alternating with diarrhea.

Malignant tumors localized in the abdominal cavity quickly increase in size and spread metastases. Patients initially complain of painless diarrhea, weight loss, and nausea. Within a few months, abdominal pain begins, vomiting develops after every meal, and intestinal obstruction develops.

What can itching and feeling of heat in the body lead to?

These symptoms are so uncomfortable that it is simply impossible to ignore them. All attention is concentrated on them, which is why a person becomes inattentive, absent-minded, disruptions appear in his professional activities, and his performance decreases.

Irritability and tension reach a peak state. Depression and nervous breakdowns are possible. Such overexertion leads to mental imbalance. The patient's sleep is disturbed and insomnia develops. As a result, during the day he feels exhausted and sleep-deprived.

Severe itching in the intimate area sometimes leads sufferers to the point that they use various objects that injure the mucous membrane and skin in this area.

Scratches on the skin and mucous membranes can become infected, inflamed and suppurate, spreading the process to larger areas.