OUCH… MY ACHING MUSCLES

Rheumatology

I have many individuals presenting to my office for symptoms of muscle aches and muscle pain.  Sometimes, the muscle ache can be localized to a certain area or be diffused throughout one’s body such as in the neck, low back, biceps, arms, legs and thighs. 

Some different causes of muscle pain include:

  • Fibromyalgia (see prior blog post for more information)
  • Lupus/Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
  • Muscle sprain or cramps from overuse activities or sports
  • Stress/Tension
  • Injury from sports, car accident
  • Medications – cholesterol medications called “statins”,colchicine (gout medication), diuretics, cocaine
  • Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis (Autoimmune diseases affecting the muscle fibers causing weakness)
  • Thyroid Disease (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism)
  • Electrolyte abnormalities (low potassium, low calcium, high magnesium)
  • Viral illness (influenza, Epstein-Barr) and bacterial infections (meningitis)
  • Lyme Disease

It is important to seek medical attention IF:

1. Muscle pain does not subside after a few days of treatment with ice, Acetaminophen or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications like Ibuprofen or Naproxen
2. If there is a rash or redness or swelling around the muscle area.
3. If a tick bite is suspected or seen.
4. Muscle pain develops after starting a new medication.
5. If fever, neck pain or other symptoms like breathing problems, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in urination accompanies muscle pai
6. Profound weakness or inability to mobilize a certain area

HELPFUL REMINDERS:

  • STAY HYDRATED especially if you are exercising vigorously or very
    active
  • STRETCH  muscles BEFORE and AFTER your workouts especially with running, weight lifting or cross circuit training.
  • AVOID or LIMIT intense exercise or activity after long periods
    of inactivity.
  • During your workday, GET UP and walk around or stretch every 1-2
    hours if you are sedentary at your job. Even though my job keeps me active, I often take a 5-10 minute walk during lunch and do chair yoga or stretch in my office.
  • RESTING the area for a few days is important when you initially
    experience muscle ache.
  • APPLYING ICE initially to reduce inflammation may help ease the pain.  HEAT can follow after a few days.

Disclaimer:  This blog contains my personal opinion based on personal and clinical experience, tips from trainers, health coaches and lastly research.  This blog does not endorse specific treatments, procedures, products.  You should always consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or other healthcare professional to discuss your own health and lifestyle goals and regimen based on your medical history.  Thank you for reading!