Chronic muscle pain

Chronic Muscle Pain

Chronic muscle pain syndrome or myofascial pain syndrome is the pain and inflammation of the soft tissues of the body. It affects the connective tissue that covers and protects the muscles. The pain may be experienced in a single or multiple muscles. In some cases, the painful area is not where the pain derives from. Some studies say that the actual spot of the injury develops a trigger point and causes the pain in another area. This case is called the referred pain.Chronic muscle pain can be a consequence of a serious injury. The nature of the injury may be both internal and external. In the case of internal injuries that include the muscle damage or fatigue, muscle can recover in time and the pain disappears. Chronic muscle pain is when the pain endures even after recovery.If diagnosed thoroughly the muscle pain causes can be resolved.

Causes of Muscle Pain

Arthritis can occur in muscles and joints. There are three major types of arthritis.Juvenile arthritis manifests before the age of 18. It is a chronic pain condition accompanied by muscle pain.Rheumatoid arthritis inflames the lining of the joints and causes pain. Osteoarthritis causes stiffness and pain in the joints. It can decrease the mobility of joints or immobilise them completely.A severe muscle strain or injury may cause the nerves in the back, spine and other body areas to get pinched. Pinched nerve can result in muscle spasm in the area and cause pain.Improper posture or injury can cause the disk in the back to be bulged. In that case, bulging disk may compress local muscle groups causing spasms and can lead to the chronic muscle pain.A type of muscle inflammation that manifests as swelling is called myositis. The common causes are injury or infection. Myositis can lead to chronic pain and can affect muscle groups throughout the whole body. The muscle groups that may be affected are legs, arms, back, shoulders and neck.Peripheral neuropathy leads to total loss of sensation and inability to use whole muscle groups. This is a serious condition that can cause excruciating chronic muscle pain. It can be accompanied by extreme muscle pain along the joints.

Treatment for Chronic Muscle Pain

Keeping the posture straight and avoiding slouching while standing or sitting, decreases the chances of chronic muscle pain. By correct muscle stretching the unnecessary strain in the muscles is avoided and results in a relieved feeling in the muscles. Massage is also an effective way to relieve muscle pain. By massaging the affected area experienced physiotherapist can dissolve the knotted muscles and bring pain relief. Arthritis based muscle pain can be relieved by hot and cold therapy in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. Injecting the trigger points with a numbing agent can reduce sensitivity in affected areas reducing pain and inflammation. Local medical practitioner’s clinics conduct the injection therapy. Antidepressant medication can be used to relieve pain and assure a peaceful sleep.The suggested treatment methods in combination with resting and following doctor’s prescriptions can improve the state of chronic muscle pain considerably.