Myalgia is the term commonly used to characterize muscle pain. The latter can be the consequence of a flu-like state, lumbago, or muscle aches linked to a sporting effort.
Definition of myalgia
Myalgia is a term commonly used to characterize pain felt in the muscles.
Several origins can be associated with this kind of disorder of the muscular system: muscular hypertonia (stiffness), or even a sudden trauma to the muscles (aches, lumbago, torticollis, etc.). These muscle pains can also be felt in the context of ailments and other diseases: flu, hepatitis, poliomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
In some cases, the development of myalgia may be the underlying explanation for the development of a much more serious pathology: tetanus for example, or even peritonitis.
The causes of myalgia
There can be many causes for the development of myalgia.
These may be consequences linked to the development of certain pathologies: influenza, hepatitis, poliomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
But more generally, muscle pain is the result of excessive stress on the muscular system (intense physical effort causing lumbago, body aches following a sporting activity, etc.).
In rarer cases, it may also be a link with the development of a more serious pathology: tetanus or even peritonitis.
Who is affected by myalgia?
Since myalgia is the term commonly used in the context of muscle pain, each individual can be confronted with this type of attack.
Athletes, whose muscular efforts can be significant, are more concerned by the development of myalgia.
Finally, patients with arthritis, low back pain, and other rheumatoid disorders are more prone to myalgia.
The symptoms of myalgia.
Myalgia is synonymous with muscle pain. In this sense, the symptoms associated with this impairment of the musculoskeletal system are pain, stiffness, tingling, discomfort in the execution of muscular movements, etc.
Risk factors for myalgia
The sources of myalgia are diverse and varied. In this sense, the risk factors are just as important.
Potential risk factors for myalgia are:
- flu virus infection
- too sudden and/or intense physical exertion causing lumbago
- the presence of an underlying pathology: peritonitis, tetanus, etc.
- an intense and/or long-term sporting activity generating aches.
How to treat myalgia?
The management of muscle pain first and foremost requires the management of its cause. In order to reduce myalgia, the prescription of local and general analgesics (painkillers), as well as muscle relaxants, can be combined.
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