What is Muscle Pain
Muscle pain is known medically as myalgia. Myalgia can be a chronic or acute condition. It can be felt in one general area or it can be widespread. It is often a sign of injury, but can also be the result of any number of underlying health conditions. The level of pain is unique depending upon the person.
Common Causes
Perhaps the most common cause of muscle pain is overuse of the muscle. In this
case, the pain will most likely be felt in a single location. This helps distinguish it
from widespread muscle pain, which is commonly associated with more serious
conditions. Other common causes include injury, trauma, tension, or even stress. A change in physical activity or your exercise routine often causes muscle soreness, especially depending on your age and the previous level of physical activity.
Treatment
Treatment for myalgia is dependent on a number of factors, including whether it’s
acute or chronic in nature. At-home treatment can provide pain relief, and there are various medications which can help too. Physical therapy may also be
recommended by a doctor. For acute myalgia, rest is often the best medicine.
Additionally, gentle stretching of the muscles along with alternating between ice
and heat are great for reducing swelling. Chronic myalgia is often grounds for physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you work out a plan so that you can manage the pain and discomfort from home. They can also give you tips to help you manage while on-the-job as well.
