Muscle pain is usually the result of strenuous physical activity. Most of the time, you know exactly what caused your issue, but in some cases, the cause isn’t so easy to pinpoint because your muscle tissue is interconnected and pain in one area may be the result of an injury to another area.

Common causes of muscle pain include:

• Overuse of muscles during physical activity
• Muscle tension in one or more areas of the body
• Muscle injuries resulting from exercise, physical labor, or trauma

Muscle pain can also develop from other disorders or illnesses such as fibromyalgia, lupus, and thyroid problems.

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder that causes muscle pain and inflammation in the soft tissue that covers muscles.

Accurately diagnosing MPS can be complicated because you may feel pain in a different area than the point of origin of the injury. With MPS, you may develop sensitive areas called “trigger points” and experience pain when these places are pressed or stressed.

Myofascial pain syndrome can affect a single muscle, muscle group, tendon, or ligament and is often caused by excessive strain. Other possible causes of MPS include:

• Repetitive actions or motions
• Damage to muscle fibers
• Muscle inactivity, such as when you immobilize a broken arm in a cast or sling

Dr. Reilly typically treats MPS with medication, injections, and/or physical therapy.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that results in musculoskeletal pain throughout your body. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, researchers believe that the disorder increases pain by interfering with the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms can accumulate over time or be brought on by an accident or physical trauma, as well as surgery, infection, or psychological stress.

Although both men and women can develop fibromyalgia, it is more common in women. Fibromyalgia sufferers may also be more likely to develop tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and anxiety.

Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Treatments to control the symptoms include:

• Medication

• Physical therapy
• Injections
• Activities to reduce stress
• Nerve blocks to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain

If you’re suffering from muscle pain, call or book an appointment online with Restore Brain Sport and Spine today.