Diagnosis for Muscle Aches

Muscle aches are quite common in people of all ages and usually indicate overuse or injury from physical activity. According to the National Institutes of Health [NIH], body aches and pains are also associated with particular medical conditions and can be a side effect of some medicines. Tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons is generally relieved with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, resting the muscles, or applying ice to the affected areas. If these remedies do not help alleviate pain, doctors can prescribe medication or refer patients to a physical therapy center.

Types

• Muscle aches and soreness are most often due to overuse or physical trauma. A person may experience aches and pains during or after physical exertion and will usually notice the pain is isolated to a particular area of the body or even a specific muscle. The NIH reports that the influenza virus is also associated with muscle aches, as are other medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, malaria, lupus, and arthritis. Certain medications can result in muscle aches, including statins for lowering cholesterol, ACE inhibitors for lowering blood pressure, cocaine, and other drugs. An electrolyte imbalance caused by potassium or calcium deficiencies can also be responsible for aches.

Considerations

• Muscle aches which persist and do not respond to home therapies such as rest and anti-inflammatory drugs will need to be examined by a medical professional. The NIH advises that doctors will pay close attention to factors such as location of the pain, severity, current medications, and accompanying symptoms when diagnosing possible causes of the pain. Blood tests may also be performed to test for other diseases and disorders.

Prevention

• Tylenol advises stretching before and after exercise and drinking plenty of fluids to help reduce the chance of having muscle aches. In addition, consuming water and sports drinks during physical activities ensures the body receives plenty of potassium and calcium, preventing an electrolyte imbalance which often leads to aches. Many prescription medications that cause muscle aches can be administered in a smaller dose to help lessen this unwanted side effect. Chronic muscle aches caused by medical conditions can be managed through the use of prescription drugs, physical therapy, and natural methods. The Mayo Clinic suggests massage therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture to help with muscle aches caused by fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause continual pain.

Treatment

• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen usually suffice in relieving muscle pain. Occasionally, doctors prescribe stronger pain medication or refer patients to physical therapists or pain clinics if muscle aches are persistent or particularly severe. Most muscle aches respond well to massage therapy, ice, and heat. The NIH warns that ignoring pain and continuing with high-impact exercises can cause further injury and increase healing time. It is important to stay well hydrated and rested to allow muscles to heal; potassium and calcium supplements also help encourage the healing process.

Warning

• The NIH cautions that muscle aches which persist longer than three days, or are accompanied by any of these symptoms, should not be ignored: sudden weight gain or water retention, vomiting, high fever, poor circulation, or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur along with muscle aches, they may be an indication of a more serious condition.