Types of Myalgia

Myalgia is characterized by pain commonly originating in the muscles. Pain can be either localized or widespread, affecting one or both sides of the body. It has several causes ranging from injury to viral infections. There are several types of myalgia including polymyalgia, epidemic myalgia and fibromyalgia.

Causes

• Myalgia is caused by several factors. The most common factors are overuse, stress and injury to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. Other factors include diseases, viral infections and responses to vaccination. Acute rejection after a heart transplant may also cause myalgia.

Polymyalgia

• Polymyalgia refers to pain in several muscles. An example of polymyalgia is polymyaliga rheumatica or PMR. It is characterized by stiffness and pain in both sides of the body, spreading to the neck, shoulders, arms and buttocks. Pain is typically coupled with inflammation. Therefore, anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are generally prescribed to patients suffering from PMR. Prescription corticosteroids like prednisone may also be suggested. Corticosteroids are generally prescribed in small doses but may be increased or decreased depending on the severity of PMR and any recurring episodes.

Epidemic Myalgia

• Epidemic myaligia, also known as Bornholm Disease, is a viral form of myalgia occurring in the lower chest and upper abdomen. Pain is sometimes spasmodic and may occur suddenly. Pain is also aggravated by deep breathing or movement and may be severe enough to cause shortness of breath. Once contracted, Bornholm Disease does not typically last more than a few days. However, symptoms may relapse over time. Complications associated with Bornholm Disease include fever, headache and localized tenderness at the sight of infection.

Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in the joints, muscles and ligaments of the body. Pain usually comes in the form of a constant, dull ache on both sides of the body. Pain typically increases when pressure is applied to certain areas of the body, such as between the shoulder blades, on the back of the head and on the sides of the hips. Fibromyalgia is commonly associated with insomnia and other complications like irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, lupus, depression and headaches.

Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

• Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome or EMS is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease that affects the skin, muscles, nerves, lungs, heart and blood vessels. It is a rare disease that only affects individuals taking the amino acid L-tryptophan. Symptoms include severe muscle pain and high levels of eosinophils (white blood cells that protect the body from parasites and infection).