Myalgia: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Myalgia which is otherwise more commonly known as muscle pain is the sign and symptom for many other kinds of related disorders. The most basic reason for it includes over-using or over-stretching one or more muscles. Conditions of myalgia that are existing for a long time are indicative of a larger metabolic myopathy or myalgic encephalomyelitis or due to nutritional deficiencies. Myalgia mostly occurs in athletes or people who are suffering from flu.

Other diseases that might cause polymyositis (a disease where there is swelling of the muscles), fibromyalgia (a condition that is related to emotions, genetics and infections), lupus (a disease where the body immune system attacks itself), rheumatoid arthritis (a disease where there is swelling in the feet or the hands), hypothyroidism (low production of the thyroid hormone in the body), lyme disease (disease that is transferred by the tick parasites)

Muscle strains and sprains are most commonly instrumental in causing myalgia. The pain of myalgia varies from very mild to extremely severe. The intensity of pain of myalgia depends on the diseases you are suffering from. Generally myalgia conditions that show symptoms of redness or muscle soreness are related to a much more serious disease. Often Myalgia is a side effect of some other disease.

The underlying cause of myalgia can be better understood with the help of an X-ray or an ultrasound. Another factor that helps to understand the real reason behind your muscle pain is medical history or anamnesis. Muscle swelling or myositis is the aggravated condition of myalgia that has spread over a larger area and affected numerous muscle groups.

Certain physical examinations are necessary to diagnose your condition. Firstly, it is getting a blood test done. With the help of blood tests and liver function tests one can determine whether you are suffering from alcohol abuse. Ultrasounds help to diagnose if there is swelling of the muscles. Techniques such as tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help to diagnose muscle conditions that are deep-lying, especially in people who are overweight. An electromyography study helps to diagnose if the muscle injury has been brought on about by the nervous system. A muscle biopsy test is only considered as a last resort. Sometimes the condition of myalgia is caused as a side effect of other medications.

Drugs that are prescribed for conditions of myalgia are generally non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as Geeignet. For people who are diagnosed with acute muscle pain or acute myalgia they are advised to dab the concerned area with an ice pack that is wrapped in a towel. When diagnosed with muscle pain, reduce your sporting or athletic activities and resume it in full speed only when you are free of your muscle pain once again. Like all treatments give your body sufficient time to heal itself.

People who are suffering from a pain that goes not get cured even after receiving treatment, whose muscle pains are without any reason, people who suffer from skin rashes or inflammations along with their muscle are eligible for treatment and should seek medical supervision right away.

People who are allergic to certain drugs or are suffering from cancer are generally not eligible for treatment as doing so may aggravate your pain. These people are advised to speak to their health care provider first and notify him/her of their complete medical history before undergoing treatment.

Post-treatment guidelines of managing myalgia include maintaining a pain dairy in order to keep track of your pain- the intensity of the pain and the triggers behind it. Take of your bowel movement- Constipation is a problem for people who are suffering from muscle pain. Such people tend to move about less in order to avoid muscle pain; they drink fewer amounts of fluids and have to take certain drugs that can further contribute to constipation. To avoid the added hassles of constipation try to have food items that are rich in fiber.

Few other pos-treatment guidelines include doing regular massages, acupuncture and spa therapies to reduce stress and relieve the body of pain that has become concentrated in certain areas. Hydration is very important and you should ensure to drink lots of coconut water, electrolyte solutions, juice from real fruits and regular water to keep your muscles relaxed.

Usually it takes about two- four weeks to recover from myalgia treatment.

Often with proper rest and medication myalgia conditions can be treated. However, there are possibilities of sustaining muscle injuries that may last a life time.

Certain alternative home treatment of myalgia include using a warm compress, taking hot baths, taking the right amount of rest so as not to over-exert your muscles, applying ice packs to the inflamed areas, applying topical medications in the form of creams or gels and doing muscle flexibility exercises.