Myalgia refers to muscle pain, a common complaint experienced by people of all ages. It can affect a single muscle or a group of muscles and may range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Myalgia is not a specific disease but rather a symptom that may be associated with various underlying conditions, including infections, injuries, autoimmune diseases, or medication side effects.

Most people experience temporary muscle aches due to overuse, strenuous exercise, or minor injuries. However, when the pain is persistent, widespread, or occurs without a clear cause, it may indicate a more serious issue such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or inflammatory disorders like polymyositis.

Myalgia can be localized (affecting a particular region) or systemic (involving multiple muscle groups across the body). While it often resolves with rest and home care, some cases require a deeper investigation to identify and treat the underlying cause.

If your muscle pain persists for more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied by fever, weakness, or rash, it’s important to consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and management.

The primary symptom of myalgia is muscle pain, but the nature and severity of this pain can vary widely depending on the cause. Patients may describe the pain as:

• Aching
   
• Throbbing
   
• Cramping
   
• Burning
   
• Tightness or stiffness
   

In addition to pain, you may experience:

• Muscle tenderness to touch
   
• Fatigue or low energy
   
• Swelling or inflammation
   
• Limited range of motion
   
• Sleep disturbances, especially in chronic myalgia
   

For some individuals, especially those with conditions like fibromyalgia, pain may be accompanied by cognitive issues ("fibro fog"), depression, or anxiety. In infectious causes such as viral illnesses, symptoms like fever, chills, and joint pain may occur alongside myalgia.

Symptoms can come and go, remain constant, or worsen with physical activity or stress. It’s important to note whether the pain is acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than three months), as that distinction helps in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Recognizing these associated symptoms early can lead to faster diagnosis and relief. Our clinic provides comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs.

Myalgia can stem from a wide range of causes, from simple overexertion to complex medical conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for proper treatment. Common causes include:

Lifestyle-Related Causes:

• Overuse of muscles during exercise or physical labor
   
• Poor posture or body mechanics
   
• Muscle strain or injury
   

Infectious Causes:

• Viral infections (like flu, dengue, or COVID-19)
   
• Bacterial infections (such as Lyme disease)
   
• Post-viral fatigue syndromes
   

Medical Conditions:

• Fibromyalgia
   
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
   
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
   
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, myositis)
   
• Hypothyroidism
   

Medications and Toxins:

• Statins and some antibiotics
   
• Withdrawal from certain drugs
   
• Exposure to toxins or poisons
   

Psychological Factors:

• Stress, anxiety, and depression can amplify pain perception

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a detailed evaluation, especially if myalgia is persistent, recurrent, or associated with systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, or numbness. At our clinic, we assess both physical and lifestyle factors to identify the root cause and recommend personalized treatment plans.

Diagnosing myalgia begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask detailed questions about:

• Duration, intensity, and location of your muscle pain
   
• Associated symptoms (e.g., fatigue, fever, weakness)
   
• Recent physical activity, travel, or infections
   
• Medication use or exposure to toxins
   

Depending on your symptoms, your physician may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

• Blood tests to check for inflammation markers, muscle enzymes (like creatine kinase), thyroid function, and infection
   
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle activity
   
• MRI or ultrasound for detailed muscle imaging
   
• Nerve conduction studies to rule out neuropathic pain
   

In many cases, no obvious cause is found, and the condition may be diagnosed as non-specific myalgia or fibromyalgia, which has its own clinical criteria.

Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing chronic muscle pain and disability. A multidisciplinary approach—combining medical treatment, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modification—is often the most effective way to manage myalgia and restore quality of life.