Muscle pain is a frequent situation that can have several causes, and can be associated with work and/or sports activities, which can result in muscle contractures, for example. This symptom can appear during the practice of physical activity or immediately after, and can appear up to 48 hours after exercise. In addition, muscle pain can also be associated with diseases, such as fibromyalgia, for example.
To relieve and treat muscle pain, it is recommended that the person stay at rest and perform stretching and massage at the site of pain. However, when muscle pain is frequent or increases in intensity over time, the use of muscle relaxant medication may be indicated by the doctor.
The best way to avoid muscle pain is prevention and for this it is recommended that people perform physical activities regularly, as well as stretching, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages and reducing sugar consumption, for example. example.
1. Physical activity
Physical activity is the main cause of muscle pain, being mainly related to the intensity and type of exercise, as well as the time it is performed and the person’s level of training. Therefore, it is important that the person is guided by a physical education professional so that the type of exercise is guided according to the characteristics of each person.
In addition, depending on the type of exercise performed, it may be necessary to use protective equipment, such as a helmet, bands, belts and joint protection, as this is how it is possible to prevent the development of complications, such as hernias and fractures, for example.
2. Stress or anxiety
Muscle pain brought on by excess stress and anxiety often leads to tension in the muscles of the shoulders, neck and back, causing stiffness or muscle spasms that can make it difficult or impossible to carry out daily activities.
Other symptoms that may arise, in addition to muscle pain, are headache, muscle weakness and tingling sensation in the extremities.
Thus, if long periods of stress and anxiety are experienced, it is recommended that the psychologist and the general practitioner be consulted so that relaxation techniques are indicated and, if necessary, use of medication to reduce symptoms.
3. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a very common chronic pain disorder characterized by the onset of pain in various parts of the body, which can last for months, and may disable the person to perform daily activities. The main sites of fibromyalgia pain are the lower back, neck, hips and knees. Learn to recognize the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
In fibromyalgia, it is also common for the person to feel pain to the touch, because there is greater sensitivity. Therefore, the doctor may recommend the use of pain relievers or muscle relaxants, as well as exercises to relieve pain.
4. Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a disease characterized by greater fragility of bones, with an increased risk of fracture, due to a deficiency of vitamin D, which can cause deformity in bones and muscle problems, which can also cause pain in various parts of the body.
Thus, it is common for the treatment of osteomalacia to involve calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D supplementation.
5. Circulatory problems
Some circulatory problems, such as varicose veins, cause symptoms such as increased sensitivity at the site, swelling in the leg and a feeling of heaviness, in addition to pain, which can be perceived as muscle pain when walking or staying at rest.
Varicose veins can be caused by situations such as obesity, problems with circulation or pregnancy, and the doctor may indicate the use of medication to improve circulation and / or the use of compression stockings, for example.
6. Sciatic nerve inflammation
Compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve causes symptoms such as a stinging sensation, intense burning in the back, buttocks or legs, causing difficulty keeping the spine straight and pain when walking.
Therefore, the doctor may recommend some painkillers and anti-inflammatories, as well as exercises to help reduce inflammation in this nerve. Check out more details about sciatic nerve inflammation.
7. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can have symptoms of excessive tiredness and pain in the joints and muscles, especially in the shoulders and hips, which can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities, such as working or practicing physical activity.
8. Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a type of treatment that filters the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. Some of the symptoms that can happen as a result of this procedure are headache and cramps that can cause pain in the whole body due to the rapid extraction of fluid during the procedure.
9. Infection by bacteria, viruses and parasites
Bacterial, viral and parasitic infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, cytomegalovirus or toxoplasma gondii, can lead to the formation of an abscess in the muscle, causing weakening of the musculoskeletal system and electrolyte disturbances, resulting in pain in various parts of the body.
10. Medicines
The use of some medications, drugs or substances such as alcohol, cocaine, colchicine, antimalarials, labetalol, salbutamol, cyclosporine and zidovudine, for example, can cause muscle pain when used chronically or due to interaction with other medications. Therefore, it is important to contact the doctor if muscle pain is noticed after starting the use of any medication, so that the doctor can guide the suspension, exchange or change of the dose of the medication.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for muscle pain should be done according to the degree of pain and the possible cause, and it is recommended to go to the orthopedist if the pain is frequent and increases in intensity throughout the day, so that the diagnosis is made and, thus, the treatment can be started. treatment.
1. Medicines
Treatment with medication is usually indicated by the orthopedist when the pain is intense and frequent, and the use of muscle relaxants, such as Miosan, analgesic drugs, such as Paracetamol and Dipyrone, or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, may be indicated. Nimesulide and Naproxen.
2. ointments
In addition to the remedies that may be recommended to relieve muscle pain, the doctor may recommend the use of ointments, which should be passed over the painful area. The most suitable ointments for muscle pain are Calminex, Gelol and Diclofenac, also known as Voltaren or Cataflan, which are anti-inflammatory ointments.
The use of ointments must be guided by the doctor, but it is usually recommended that the ointment be applied 2 to 3 times a day in circular movements in the region where the pain is felt. If the pain does not go away even with the use of ointments, it is recommended to go back to the doctor so that further tests are carried out and, thus, the cause of the pain is identified and another type of treatment is started.
3. Natural treatment
The natural treatment for muscle pain consists of bathing with hot water, as it stimulates circulation, relieving pain, massaging with oils or vinegar, stretching the affected muscle and resting.
It is important to move the muscle to prevent scarring of the muscle and progressive stiffness. Immobilization should only be done when indicated by the doctor and is usually only done when the extent of the injury responsible for the muscle pain is large. Learn about other home treatments for muscle pain.
Alternating between cold and hot compresses at the site of pain is also an option to relieve muscle pain, because while ice is able to reduce pain and local swelling, the hot compress can relax the muscle. Know when to use the cold or hot compress.
In addition, muscle pain relief can be achieved through self-massage with a rigid foam roller, which can be found at sporting goods stores, rehab stores, or on the internet. To do the self-massage, just place the roller on the painful area and slide it using your own body weight. The effects promoted by the roller are quickly noticed and cumulative.
