By Dorthy Swanson


Pain in the muscle is usually referred to by the name myalgia or simply as muscle pain. It is a common kind of problem among people from all over the world. Since muscles appear in every almost every inch of the body, myalgia can occur in anywhere in the body. The kind of muscle pain symptoms one experiences are usually dictated by the part of the body where the aching is happening.

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.

Myalgia is also caused by certain infections. Major infections include bacterial infections, flu, and polio. Some of the autoimmune disorders that are associated with myalgia are polymyositis, lupus, and derematomyositis. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both cause myalgia too. The length of time the ache remains is dependent on the cause. In most cases, it will take a few days to disappear while in others, it may take months. It is highly advisable to see a doctor for pains that last more than just a few days.

In case this problem starts when one is at home, there are certain home remedies that can be used to ease the pain. The pains often respond well to these remedies in most cases. First, one should try to rest the area where the aching is being felt. This can be done by lying down or sitting. Secondly, one can take over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Inflammation and aching can also be reduced by applying ice on the affected area.

One can stretch the muscle that is aching to ease discomfort. Rubbing gently with an ointment may also help. As long as the problem persists, one should not engage in any high-impact activities such as lifting weights or similar objects. Yoga and meditation can also ease stress.

Medical help should be sought if home remedies fail to work within a few days. Persistence of myalgia may be caused by an underlying medical problem. This should be verified by a professional medical practitioner to be certain.

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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