The Main Muscle Pain Symptoms

By Dorthy Swanson


Another name given to muscle pain is myalgia. This is pain that is occurring in the muscles. These kinds of pains are very common and almost everybody experiences them a few times in their lives. Almost every part of the body is composed of muscles, which makes these pains to be capable of appearing in almost everywhere. Muscle pain symptoms vary depending on where n the body they are occurring.

In most cases, people who are having myalgia can always pinpoint its cause. The reason for this is that myalgia is almost always caused by three factors, that is, excessive physical activity, stress, or tension. Muscle tension may occur in one or multiple places in the body. Overuse of muscles during physical activity may lead to aching later. Another common cause is injury.

Stress, tension, and physical activity are not responsible for all cases of myalgia. Myalgia may sometimes be caused by medical reasons. Some of these medical causes include infections, use of given drugs and/or medications, hypokalemia, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorder, and thyroid problems. Low body potassium content results in hypokalemia. Cocaine, statins, and ACE inhibitors are among the major drugs and medications that may cause this problem.

Certain infections also cause myalgia in patients. Some of these infections include bacterial infections, polio, and flu. Examples of autoimmune disorders associated with myalgia include polymyositis, derematomyositis, and lupus. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are examples of thyroid problems that may cause myalgia. Depending on the cause, the aching may go away after a few days or may last for several months. In some cases, one may need to seek medical attention from a doctor for the condition to get better.

During the first days of myalgia, one may apply home remedies to control the aching. Some of these remedies are quite effective and will cause the pains to go away after being applied. To start with, one should take time to rest the affected area. This can be done while sitting or lying down. Painkillers may help with easing the pain where necessary. Placing an ice pack on the painful region can also be useful.

The problem can be eased by stretching the aching muscle gently. One can also rub it gently using an ointment. While the muscles still ache, it is advisable to stay away from high-impact activities such as weightlifting. One may engage in stress-relieving exercises like meditation to see if the problem gets better.

One should seek medical help if home remedies do not work after a few days. Persistent myalgia is often an indication of an underlying health condition. If the strategies applied above remain ineffective after some days, it is time to seek medical help.

Additionally, one should consult a doctor if there does not seem to be any apparent cause for the aching. If myalgia comes with a rash, elevated body temperature, redness, or swelling of the area, one should seek professional help. Myalgia becomes a medical emergency if results in difficulty swallowing or breathing, immobility in the affected area, or weakness.




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