Myalgia symptoms are pain or stiffness in muscles and the soft tissues that connect them, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia. The aches and pains can come from a variety of factors, including stress, injury, overuse, or a medical condition.
Some people have myalgia that is localized and not related to any other underlying illness. This type of myalgia is usually short-lived and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
Other myalgia symptoms are more serious, and may be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed. A physician can diagnose myalgia by performing a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. They can also use blood tests and imaging to confirm or rule out certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), that can cause muscle pain.
The most common symptoms of myalgia are muscle pain and stiffness. This can make it difficult to do many everyday activities and even sleep well.
Often, the pain is dull or sharp, and it lasts for a short time. In other cases, it can be so intense that the person cannot do anything.
If the pain is not from injury or overuse, it can be managed by resting and taking over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain is due to an underlying condition or infection, it can be cured by treating the underlying condition.
Myalgia can be caused by many things, including infection, viruses, allergies, diseases, toxins, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It can also be a side effect of some medications, such as steroids or antihistamines.
It is important to seek diagnosis and treatment for myalgia early, as it can lead to serious complications. A timely diagnosis will increase your chances of a full recovery regardless of the underlying cause of the pain.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your daily activities and your pain. They may also check your pulse or temperature and look at your posture.
The doctor might want to know whether you experience any other symptoms, such as headaches or dizziness, and how the pain affects your quality of life. He might also ask about other medical conditions or medications that you are taking.
Some symptoms of myalgia can be similar to other problems, such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis. These conditions can cause pain in specific areas of the body, but fibromyalgia is more widespread and more severe.
Pain and stiffness in the muscles of the arms, legs, and back are a frequent symptom of fibromyalgia. These symptoms may be more noticeable when you get up in the morning or move around during the day.
You might also notice numbness, tingling, and burning in the muscles or the joints. These sensations can be felt randomly or on a regular basis.
Numbness and tingling can also be caused by nerve damage in the spinal cord, a condition called pinched nerves. These symptoms can happen during a fibromyalgia flare-up or for no apparent reason at all.
