Myalgia is the medical term for muscle pain. Myalgia refers to muscle aches and pain that can affect one or multiple muscles in the body.

The symptoms of myalgia vary depending on the underlying cause, but generally include:

1. Dull or sharp aching in the muscles
2. Soreness or tenderness
3. Muscle Stiffness
4. Sometimes swelling or weakness

Here’s a comprehensive list of causes of myalgia (muscle pain), grouped by category:
1. Physical Causes
Muscle overuse (e.g, after exercise or manual labor)
Muscle strain or injury
Poor posture
Repetitive motion 2. Infections
Viral infections (e.g. influenza, COVID-19, dengue, Epstein-Barr virus)
Bacterial infections (e.g. Lyme disease, strep throat)
Parasitic infections (e.g. trichinosis, malaria)
Medications and Substances
Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
ACE inhibitors (for blood pressure)
Corticosteroids withdrawal
Cocaine or alcohol abuse
4. Chronic and Autoimmune Diseases
Fibromyalgia
Polymyositis / Dermatomyositis
Lupus (SLE)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Multiple sclerosis
5. Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Diabetes
Electrolyte imbalances (e.g. low potassium, calcium, magnesium)
Vitamin D deficiency
Adrenal insufficiency
6. Neurological Disorders
Peripheral neuropathy
Multiple sclerosis
Myasthenia gravis
7. Other Cause
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Dehydration
Depression or anxiety

Here is a list of risk factors for myalgia (muscle pain) — these are conditions or habits that make a person more likely to develop muscle pain:
1. Physical Activity and Strain:
Intense or unfamiliar exercise
Improper lifting techniques
Repetitive motions
Poor posture or ergonomics
Lack of warm-up/stretching
2. Infections:
Exposure to viral (e.g., flu, COVID-19) or bacterial infections
Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy)
3. Medications and Substances:
Use of statins (cholesterol drugs)
Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors)
Withdrawal from corticosteroids
Substance use (alcohol, cocaine)
4. Chronic Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism)
Diabetes and related complications
Kidney or liver disease
5. Nutritional & Metabolic FactorsVitamin D deficiency
Low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium
Dehydration
6. Psychological Factors
Stress or anxiety
Depression
Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea)
7. Age and GenderOlder adults (due to muscle loss, chronic illness)
Females (higher risk for conditions like fibromyalgia)
8. Environmental or Occupational FactorsCold environments (may cause muscle tightness)
Sedentary lifestyle
Physically demanding jobs

Here are preventive measures to help reduce the risk of developing myalgia (muscle pain):
1. Exercise Wisely

• arm up before and cool down after physical activity
• Avoid overexertion — increase intensity gradually
• Stretch regularly to maintain flexibility
• Include strength training to support muscle health

2. Practice Good Posture

• Use ergonomic chairs and desks
• Avoid slouching or sitting for long periods
• Take breaks and stretch during long work sessions

3. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water, especially during exercise or in hot weather
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

• Ensure adequate intake of:
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Protein
• Include anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., leafy greens, berries, omega-3s)

5. Manage Stress

• Practice relaxation techniques: meditation, yoga, deep breathing
• Get regular physical activity to reduce tension
• Consider counseling or therapy if needed

6. Get Enough Sleep

• Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night
• Treat sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea

7. Avoid Drug and Alcohol Misuse

• Use medications only as prescribed
• Avoid recreational drug use
• Limit alcohol intake

8. Monitor Medications

• Be aware of side effects of medications (like statins or blood pressure drugs)
• Consult your doctor if you experience muscle pain after starting a new medication

9. Prevent Infections

• Get vaccinated (e.g., flu, COVID-19)
• Practice good hygiene
• Treat infections early to avoid complications

10. Regular Health Checkups

• Monitor for conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases
• Early diagnosis and management reduce the risk of muscle complications.

You should seek medical help for myalgia (muscle pain) if you experience any of the following:
1. Severe or Persistent Pain

• Muscle pain that is very intense or worsening
• Pain that lasts more than a few days without improvement

2. Muscle Weakness

• Noticeable weakness or loss of muscle function
• Difficulty moving the affected area

3. Associated Symptoms

• Fever or chills along with muscle pain
• Swelling, redness, or warmth over the painful muscles (possible infection)
• Rash or skin changes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or malaise

4. After Injury or Trauma

• Pain following a significant injury or accident
• Suspected muscle tear or fracture

5. Medication-related

• Muscle pain that starts after beginning a new medication (e.g., statins)
• Muscle pain accompanied by dark urine or unusual symptoms (could indicate rhabdomyolysis)

6. Other Concerning Signs

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain with muscle pain
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Symptoms of neurological problems: numbness, tingling, or paralysis

If any of these occur, it’s essential to undergo evaluation promptly to identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Treatment options for Myalgia (Muscle Pain) are diverse, depending largely on the underlying cause. They can be categorized into medical treatments and lifestyle changes.Treatment may involve:

• Rest
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
Note:Medication should not be taken without the doctor’s prescription.
• Physiotherapy

Here’s a rundown of common physiotherapy treatments for myalgia (muscle pain):
Physiotherapy Treatment for Myalgia
1. Assessment & Diagnosis
Thorough evaluation of muscle pain location, severity, and cause
Assessment of posture, muscle strength, flexibility, and movement patterns
2. Pain Relief Techniques
Heat therapy (hot packs, warm baths) to relax muscles and improve blood flow
Cold therapy (ice packs) to reduce inflammation and numb pain
Ultrasound therapy to promote tissue healing and reduce pain
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to block pain signals
Laser therapy to enhance ATP production
CRET therapy to promote circulation and relaxation 3. Manual Therapy
Massage to ease muscle tension and improve circulation
Trigger point therapy to release tight muscle knots
Myofascial release to loosen connective tissue restrictions
4. Exercise Therapy
Stretching exercises to improve muscle flexibility and reduce stiffness
Strengthening exercises to support weak muscles and prevent future injury
Range of motion exercises to maintain or restore joint mobility
Aerobic conditioning for overall fitness and muscle endurance
5. Relaxation Techniques
Breathing exercises or guided relaxation to reduce muscle tension related to stress
Typical Duration and Frequency
Depends on the severity and cause, but often involves multiple sessions over weeks
Gradual progression of exercises and activities
6. Posture and Ergonomics Training
Advice on proper posture during daily activities and work
Recommendations for ergonomic adjustments at work or home to prevent strain
7. Education and Self-Management Teaching correct movement patterns and body mechanics
Guidance on activity modification to avoid aggravating pain
Advice on home exercises and stretches to maintain progress