Myalgia - What is behind muscle pain

Myalgia – Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Myalgia, or more simply put, muscle pain, is a condition that affects many of us and can sometimes be a sign of serious health problems. Myalgia can be triggered by numerous factors, including muscle injuries, tension, cramps, and various muscle and other diseases. Read on to learn more about which muscles can be affected, as well as the symptoms, causes, diagnostic options, and treatments for myalgia.

Table of Contents

• Muscles – general

• Which muscles can be affected by myalgia?

• What are the symptoms of myalgia?

• What are the causes of myalgia?

• How is myalgia diagnosed?

• How is myalgia treated?

• Summary

Muscles – general

Muscles are soft tissue found in the human body. There are three main types of muscles: skeletal muscles, which are responsible for voluntary movements of the skeleton; smooth muscles, located in the walls of internal organs and responsible for involuntary movements such as bowel movement during digestion; and cardiac muscles, which are responsible for the powerful and rhythmic contractions of the heart. Although muscles are often associated only with movement and muscle contraction, they also play important roles in maintaining posture, joint stability, and body heat production (NCI, 2023).

Which muscles can be affected by myalgia?

In principle, any muscle in the human body can be affected. This depends on various factors such as physical activity, posture, health status, and individual health conditions. However, some muscles and muscle groups are more commonly affected by muscle pain than others. These are primarily the muscles we use most in everyday life. They include the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, and legs (O’Connell, 2023).

What are the symptoms of myalgia?

The typical symptoms of myalgia can vary depending on the affected muscle group and the underlying cause. The symptoms of myalgia can be categorized as follows: in general, muscle pain can be localized to a specific area or affect the whole body. It may occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic) and range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness: Affected individuals may experience limited mobility or stiffness in the affected muscles.

• Muscle weakness: A general weakness or feeling of fatigue in the muscles may occur.

• Muscle swelling or redness: In some cases, visible swelling or redness of the skin over the affected muscle may be observed.

• Cramps or muscle twitching: These can be abrupt and intense and cause sudden, sharp pain.

• Discomfort or pain with movement: Pain may worsen with certain movements or physical activities.

Sources: Cadman, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2023

What are the causes of myalgia?

There are a variety of causes that can lead to myalgia:

• Injuries or trauma: This is one of the most common causes of muscle pain. It can result from a blow, fall, sprain, or any type of physical injury. Muscles, tendons, or ligaments may tear or stretch, causing pain.

• Tension and overuse: This is particularly common in people who engage in intense physical activities, such as athletes or individuals performing strenuous physical work. Pain may also be exacerbated by stress or emotional tension.

• Muscle cramps: Cramps are involuntary and often painful muscle contractions. They can be caused by dehydration, mineral deficiencies (commonly magnesium deficiency), overexertion, or certain medications.

• Muscle diseases: These include a range of conditions that can cause muscle pain:

  • Myositis: This condition involves inflammation of the muscles, causing pain and weakness. Myositis can be triggered by infections, medications, or autoimmune diseases (MedlinePlus, 2016).

  • Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic predisposition, stress, and certain infections may play a role (NIAMS, 2021).

  • Polymyositis and dermatomyositis: In these autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the muscles, causing inflammation and pain. They may also cause difficulty swallowing and breathing problems (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

• Other conditions:

  • Infections and viruses: Many bacterial and viral infections such as flu or Lyme disease cause inflammation throughout the body, which can also affect the muscles.

  • Autoimmune diseases: In conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, including muscles, leading to inflammation, pain, and often muscle weakness.

  • Metabolic and endocrine disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, can affect muscle metabolism and function. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces too little, and in hyperthyroidism too many thyroid hormones, which can lead to pain and weakness. In diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves (neuropathy), causing muscle pain and numbness.

  • Medications: Certain medications, especially statins (used to lower cholesterol), may cause muscle pain and weakness as side effects.

  • Neurological disorders: Myalgia can also be caused by neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

  • Other causes: These include dehydration, poor posture, nerve injuries, and certain types of cancer.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2021

Due to the wide range of possible causes, it is important to seek medical attention for recurring or severe muscle pain to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How is myalgia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of myalgia typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The physician will aim to collect information about the type of pain, its location, onset, duration, and possible triggers. Depending on initial findings, the following tests and examinations may be used for further diagnosis:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify signs of inflammation in the body, confirm or rule out certain autoimmune diseases, and check thyroid function. These tests can also provide information about the body’s vitamin and mineral levels, as deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin D or magnesium may also cause muscle pain.

• Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to obtain detailed images of muscles and surrounding structures.

• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures electrical activity in the muscles and can assist in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders.

• Muscle biopsy: In some cases, a sample of muscle tissue may be taken for microscopic examination.

It is important to emphasize that the choice of diagnostic method depends on the individual clinical situation (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). 

Want to check for yourself?

Magnesium plays a critical role in muscle health and function, which is why a deficiency in this essential mineral can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, or even pain. The Homed-IQ blood test for athletes allows you to conveniently check your magnesium levels from home. You may also consider the Homed-IQ vitamin deficiency test, as a lack of essential vitamins can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness.

How is myalgia treated?

The treatment of myalgia or muscle pain primarily depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor will advise you on which strategies and treatments are appropriate for your specific situation. Below are the most common approaches to relieving muscle pain:

• Rest and recovery: For muscle pain caused by overexertion or minor injuries, rest and recovery are often the best treatment.

• Pain relievers: Common painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve muscle pain. It is important to take these medications according to the instructions on the package or as recommended by a physician (Geng, 2022).

• Heat and cold therapy: Heat can help relax muscles and reduce pain, while cold can reduce swelling and inflammation. A warm bath, heating pad, or ice pack may be helpful (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). 

• Physiotherapy: For chronic muscle pain or pain caused by injuries or conditions such as fibromyalgia, physiotherapy may help. A physical therapist can recommend exercises and techniques to improve muscle function and relieve pain.

• Massage: A professional massage can relieve tension and reduce muscle pain. Self-massage may also be helpful.

• Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and release muscle tension.

• Exercise and stretching: Regular exercise helps to strengthen and stretch the muscles, which can help prevent and relieve muscle pain.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Summary

Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is a common symptom that can range from mild, occasional discomfort to severe, chronic pain. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including muscle overuse or injury, systemic diseases, infections, or certain medications. It is important for people experiencing persistent or severe muscle pain to consult a physician in order to identify the underlying cause and receive an appropriate treatment plan.