Identifying Muscle Pain
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Exercise improves muscle firmness (Image: proactivate) |
Generally, women afflicted with muscle pain will face various health issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, jaw pain or weakness, insomnia, severe fatigue, premenstrual syndrome, experiencing fever or chills without an increase in body temperature, and even chest pain. Because muscle pain resembles many other disorders, accurately diagnosing the condition can be quite challenging.
Recently, the American College of Rheumatology proposed a method to distinguish between true muscle pain and pain caused by other diseases. In cases of genuine muscle pain, patients must experience widespread pain in at least 11 of the 18 standard tender points, which are located in the hips, ankles, knees, upper chest, jaw, neck, upper back and lower back, elbows, and wrists.
Despite identifying painful points and patients reporting severe pain, medical tests often fail to reveal any underlying physical causes. Consequently, healthcare providers must conduct a series of additional tests to rule out other pain-inducing conditions such as arthritis, connective tissue diseases, or even hypothyroidism (which can cause fatigue…), before considering a diagnosis of muscle pain.
Some researchers suggest that muscle pain may be triggered by an undetected viral infection. However, practical examinations have shown that individuals with muscle pain exhibit certain immune system components functioning abnormally, along with signs of changes in immune function, indicating that the immune system is waging a low-level battle against an inflammatory agent. Thus, strengthening the immune system is a factor that can alleviate symptoms.
According to researchers, muscle pain may also result from sleep disorders. Brain imaging studies have revealed that patients who experience poor sleep exhibit many symptoms associated with muscle pain. The studies also indicate that women suffering from muscle pain have lower than normal levels of essential chemicals that aid in muscle recovery.
Since depressed patients also exhibit immune issues similar to those with muscle pain, there may be a connection between depression, the immune system, and this perplexing disorder. Unfortunately, to date, there is no effective cure for this condition, so the solution for most patients often involves finding ways to manage the symptoms of the disease.
What to Do When Experiencing Muscle Pain
Exercise is absolutely crucial for those experiencing symptoms of muscle pain. Engaging in physical activity will help enhance cardiovascular health and improve muscle firmness. You should participate in low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, stretching, walking, and aerobics. You may experience increased pain during the initial weeks of exercise, but as your muscles adjust, the pain will subside.
Individuals with muscle pain need to pay particular attention to stress management, as pain episodes can intensify during periods of mental strain. The condition often flares up during significant stress events such as divorce, job changes, moving houses, or losing a family member. Managing stress plays a crucial role in recovery for muscle pain patients. Additionally, yoga, acupressure, and other stress-relief therapies may be beneficial, helping to relax both the mind and muscles.
Make sure to get a general health check to rule out other conditions.
It is advisable to use some anti-inflammatory pain relief medications as directed by your treating physician. Furthermore, you may consider using topical creams derived from herbal extracts, such as evening primrose oil. This herb is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis or soft tissue inflammation in joints. It can help soothe some of the pain associated with muscle pain.
