Muscle Pain

What is Muscle Pain?

Muscle pain tends to be a common complaint among all age groups. Muscle pain refers to discomfort in some of the muscles in the body. Some people experience muscle pain throughout their bodies, while others experience it only in certain areas such as the back and neck. One may experience a deep, steady ache or a series of sharp pains. It is also known as myalgia, it may be a symptom of an injury, infection, disease, or other health issue.

Who is prone to Muscle Pain?

Sportspersons and those involved in heavy physical activity are at more risk of muscle pain. Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to strains during participation in physical activities. Examples include, legs and ankles, hands and elbows. Sometimes, muscle pain can be due to sedentary lifestyle and bad posture.

What causes Muscle Pain?

Most instances of muscle pain result from too much stress, tension, or physical activity. Some common causes include:

Muscle tension in one or more areas of the body

Overusing the muscle during physical activity

Fibromyalgia- muscular or musculoskeletal pain with stiffness and localized tenderness at specific points on the body.

Neuromuscular disorders.

Thyroid problems

Injuring the muscle while engaging in physically demanding work or exercise

Autoimmune disorders

Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is an illness that causes chronic pain in muscles and ligaments. It is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder characterized by widespread pain and hypersensitivity of muscles and joints. The associated fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues can affect the ordinary activities. It differs from arthritis because it does not cause inflammation and damage to the joints.

What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:

Pain throughout the body that has lasted for at least three months

Overworked or pulled muscle sensation, despite not having worked out

Chronic fatigue

Painful “trigger points” (places on the body that hurt despite medication)

Memory and mood issues

Sleep disruption

Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”)

Muscle twitching

Chronic headaches

Nervousness

Numbness

Dizziness

Intestinal disturbances, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Who is prone to Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Women are twice more likely than men to have fibromyalgia. Several other factors increase the risk of fibromyalgia which may include the following:

Age - 20 to 50 years old are vulnerable

Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Family History

Obesity

What causes Fibromyalgia?

While there is no known cause of fibromyalgia, however, research suggests that fibromyalgia pain is caused by a glitch in the way the body processes pain. This malfunction results in a hypersensitivity to stimuli that normally are not painful. People with fibromyalgia process pain differently. Some of the cause may include:

Genes

Other disease

Emotional or physical abuse

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety and depression

Not moving enough