Muscle pain

Also known as myalgia, muscle pain can have several levels of intensity and a multitude of causes, for example overexertion during physical activity or certain medical conditions. Each person experiences muscle pain differently: the discomfort may be present in most areas of the body or only in specific areas. According to statistics, approximately 47% of the general population experiences musculoskeletal pain at some point in their life, regardless of age or sex. What are the causes and symptoms of muscle pain, what can we do to prevent and relieve it, and when should we see a doctor?

Causes of muscle pain

The most common causes of muscle pain are:

• Injuries or trauma, including sprains and dislocations
• Overexertion, including overuse of a muscle or not warming up properly before a workout

Muscle pain can also be caused by certain conditions, for example:

• Dermatomyositis
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fibromyalgia
• Infections, flu, Lyme disease
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Polymyositis

Prevention methods

The most effective methods for preventing muscle pain are:

• Do warm-up and stretching exercises before and after your workout. A physical therapist or a sports coach can teach you this type of exercise that contributes to muscle comfort.
• Gradually increase the difficulty level of your workouts
• Avoid overexerting your muscles
• Drink enough fluids before, during, and after your workout
• Avoid high-impact physical activities and weightlifting when you already have muscle pain, so that it does not intensify
• At the office, try to get up from your chair every hour and do brief stretching exercises
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, adequate rest, regular physical exercise

Treatments and remedies

In the case of muscle pain caused by overexertion or injury, the first measure you should take is rest. Here is what else you can do to relieve muscle pain:

• Muscle pain caused by overexertion and fibromyalgia can be relieved through massage
• Gentle stretching exercises after a long period of rest are also helpful
• Alternate ice packs to reduce inflammation with the application of heat, to improve blood flow
• Take a warm bath with salts or a warm shower
• Depending on the level of pain you feel, you can take pain medication containing paracetamol or ibuprofen

Do not forget that regular physical exercise helps restore proper muscle tone. Walking, cycling, and swimming are activities that maintain the good functioning of the muscular system. Also, make sure you get enough sleep and try to reduce stress.

When should you see a doctor?

See a specialist doctor if you feel:

• Chest pain
• Fever
• Loss of bladder control
• Worsening pain
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs

After the physical examination, the doctor may recommend imaging tests, which will accurately identify the causes of the muscle pain.

Conclusion

Muscle pain can have multiple causes, such as overexertion or trauma, but it can also be caused by certain conditions, such as infections, dermatomyositis, or fibromyalgia. To avoid the occurrence of muscle pain, keep in mind that it is important to include warm-up exercises in your workout routine – before and after training – and to gradually increase the intensity level of your physical exercises. Some of the remedies that can help you relieve muscle pain are rest and ice packs, warm baths, and pain relievers, but if the pain intensifies and you feel numbness, tingling in the limbs, or fever, then you need to see a specialist doctor. For the proper functioning of the muscular system, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes a proper diet, sufficient rest, and regular physical activities.

References

• Mount Sinai Clinic
• Mayo Clinic
• National Library of Medicine