Muscle Pain

Overview

Everyone experiences muscle pain every now and then. It can happen anywhere in the body and the severity of the pain varies greatly. Muscle pain can be caused by a number of reasons. It is most commonly caused by overuse of the muscle, strain injuries, stress, and tension. Other common causes of muscle pain are myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), compartment syndrome, respiratory tract infections, electrolyte imbalance, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatic, chronic fatigue syndrome and hypothyroidism. Muscle pain normally can be alleviated with rest, ice pack, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling. Medications that may be taken to relieve muscle pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. However, these medications should not be used for an extended amount of time. Some muscle pain resolves on its own within a short period of time, while others can last for a long time and may require medical help.