Myalgia - causes and signs of myalgia

Types of disease

The disease is classified into three types:

• fibromyalgia is a muscle pain that is diffuse in nature and spreads throughout the body (most often, pain occurs in the collar zone, lower back, upper and lower limbs);
• myositis is a painful sensation in the skeletal muscles. In this case, the pain is localized and spreads to one muscle;
• polymyositis is a disease based on immune disorders. With polymyositis, striated muscles are most often affected, the progression of the disease can lead to complete atrophy of the affected muscles.

Causes

The main causes that can lead to myalgia are: muscle injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, inflammatory diseases, heavy physical exertion.

Regardless of the type of myalgia, the causes can also be:

• chronic stress, neuroses, neurotic disorders;
• insomnia and sleep disorders;
• weightlifting;
• prolonged hypothermia;
• reduced amount of somatotropic hormone;
• autoimmune diseases;
• acute infectious, viral or respiratory diseases;
• genetic predisposition;
• neurological diseases (mainly frequent convulsive states);
• increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the body;
• immediate-type allergic reactions;
• rheumatoid diseases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease depend primarily on the type of myalgia.

With fibromyalgia, patients experience:

• pain that spreads diffusely throughout the body and is most disturbing in the collar and lumbar region, as well as in the upper and lower extremities;
• stiffness of movement, especially in the morning and in the evening;
• decreased performance, physical endurance and fatigue;
• the intensity of pain may increase depending on weather changes;
• spasms, cramps, numbness in the muscles;
• a constant feeling of heaviness;
• psychoneurological disorders (depression, insomnia, mood swings);
• in severe cases, persistent muscle dysfunction and the inability to perform certain movements are possible.

With myositis, the symptoms are as follows:

• the pain spreads to one specific muscle;
• when trying to palpate or press on the muscle, it suddenly contracts and movement is limited;
• stiffness or severe limitation of movement;
• redness or swelling of the affected muscle;
• the pain may intensify both with muscle tension, and at rest;
• the intensity of pain may increase depending on the change in the weather;
• as the disease progresses, muscle atrophy develops or other muscles are drawn into the inflammatory process.

Poliomyositis has the following symptoms:

• acute or subacute onset of the disease;
• gradual involvement of the muscles of the shoulder and pelvic girdle in the inflammatory process;
• damage to the heart, joints, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract is observed;
• muscle pain both under tension and at rest;
• muscle weakness develops, the patient cannot perform basic actions (raise an arm, hold an object, stand up);
• swelling of the affected muscles;
• over time, atrophy and contractures of the affected muscles develop.

If any of the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist.

Diagnostics

Myalgia is diagnosed by a rheumatologist.

The main diagnostic methods for myalgia:

• medical examination, assessment of the patient's condition, analysis of complaints, palpation and percussion;
• general and biochemical blood tests;
• rheumatic tests;
• electromyography;
• radiography;
• CT and MRI;
• muscle tissue biopsy with subsequent histological research;
• consultation with a neurologist;
• consultation and further comprehensive examination by doctors of other specialties, depending on the presence of complications of the disease.

To conduct a complete and high-quality diagnosis of the disease, you need to make an appointment with a rheumatologist and undergo a comprehensive examination of the body.

Treatment

Treatment of myalgia is usually complex and includes the following points:

• taking glucocorticosteroids;
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics;
• eliminating the underlying cause of the disease;
• using external gels and ointments;
• taking muscle relaxants;
• injection of medications into the affected muscle;
• physiotherapy (massage, exercise therapy, yoga, aqua aerobics);
• acupuncture;
• spa treatment.

Only a specialist should treat the disease, self-medication can lead to serious consequences and patient disability.

Prevention

Prevention of myalgia can be primary and secondary.

Primary prevention includes measures that can prevent the onset of the disease, namely:

• avoidance of psycho-emotional stress;
• avoidance of heavy physical exertion and hypothermia;
• timely treatment of infectious and viral diseases;
• active lifestyle;
• giving up bad habits;
• exercise.

Secondary prevention is based on preventing relapse of the disease and includes:

• regular intake of medications;
• physiotherapy (exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy);
• limiting heavy physical activity;
• limiting time spent in the cold or sun;
• following a diet.