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PhrasesDescribing SymptomsHo dolori muscolari ovunque.
A2

Ho dolori muscolari ovunque.

I have muscle pain everywhere.

Pronunciation

mu-sko-LA-ri — four syllables, stress on third. 'Muscolari' = muscular.

When to use it

Report generalised muscle pain to a doctor. Classic symptom of influenza, fibromyalgia, or viral illness.

What it means

'Dolori muscolari' = muscle pains (plural). 'Ovunque' = everywhere. 'Dolori diffusi' = widespread pain. Italian doctors call this 'mialgia' (medical term) or 'dolori muscoloscheletrici'. Common causes: influenza, overexertion, fibromyalgia, rheumatic conditions, vitamin D deficiency.

Variations

Ho i muscoli che fanno male anche senza muovermi.

My muscles hurt even without moving.

Pain at rest suggests inflammatory process rather than overuse

Ho dolori alle articolazioni e ai muscoli.

I have pain in my joints and muscles.

Combined joint and muscle pain — suggests rheumatic or viral cause

Ho la schiena che mi fa male da stamattina.

My back has been hurting since this morning.

Localised back pain — different from generalised myalgia

Mini Dialogue

— Ho dolori muscolari ovunque. È da ieri sera. — Ha anche febbre? — Sì, trentotto e tre. — Ha mal di testa? Gli occhi che bruciano? — Sì a tutti e due. — È un'influenza classica. Riposo, tachipirina, molta acqua. Niente antibiotico — è virale.

— I have muscle pain everywhere. It started last night. — Do you also have a fever? — Yes, thirty-eight point three. — Do you have a headache? Eyes that burn? — Yes to both. — It is classic influenza. Rest, paracetamol, lots of water. No antibiotic — it is viral.

Cultural Note

Italian doctors frequently resist antibiotic prescriptions for viral illnesses ('malattie virali'), which is medically correct but can frustrate patients expecting a prescription. The Italian Ministry of Health runs 'antibiotici — usali bene' (antibiotics — use them well) campaigns to reduce overuse. Italy has among the highest antibiotic resistance rates in Europe, partly due to historical overprescribing.