Common Causes of Muscle Pain

Muscle pain strikes just about everyone at some point, no matter their overall health, age, or occupation. You can experience pain a day or two after a rigorous workout, for example, or you may feel it when you’re perfectly still. 

Since an extensive network of muscles runs throughout your body, no area is immune to muscle pain.

The MidJersey Orthopaedics team offers innovative and advanced treatments for muscle pain, and they’re dedicated to finding the root cause of your pain. Only then can they design a treatment plan for you — and you alone. 

The top causes of muscle pain

When we see patients with muscle pain, we’re able to identify a range of sources:

• Overdoing it with exercise
• Overuse injuries from sports
• Repetitive movements in the workplace
• Certain prescription medications
• Viral infections like colds and flu
• Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, thyroid issues, and a range of autoimmune conditions
• Stress-related muscle pain

You may not associate stress with muscle pain readily, but since stress leads to constricted blood vessels and lesser blood flow to your muscles, it can lead to pain. Also, if your muscles are constantly stressed and don’t get a chance to relax, they can start to hurt. 

Many also don’t know that muscle pain isn’t “one size fits all.” It can be dull, sharp, or even burn; it all depends on its origin, which is why a proper diagnosis is critical. 

Things you can do to help prevent muscle pain

Several preventive measures have to do with giving your body the TLC it deserves on a day-to-day basis. To keep muscle pain at bay, daily physical activity can go a long way. In addition, you can:

• Properly stretch before and after exercise
• Bookend five minutes of warming up and cooling down routinely when you work out
• Stay well-hydrated

In addition to staying active, if you work at a job that requires long periods of sitting, make sure your posture is good, and that you get up periodically and move around. 

Don’t delay seeking help for muscle pain

It’s best not to “tough it out” when it comes to prolonged or worsening muscle pain. Whether your pain goes on for a long stretch of time or comes on abruptly, it’s time to call us. Other red flags include pain that’s accompanied by a rash or fever, or if your muscles react negatively to a medication change. 

Of course, if muscle pain is affecting your mobility or quality of life significantly, it’s definitely time to seek treatment. 

When you’re in our care, we leave no stone unturned in terms of researching your muscle pain history. We study your personal medical history, including family health problems, your level of activity, your work, and other lifestyle factors. 

Then we perform an exam and order imaging tests — which are all done on-site — so we can see firsthand where you’re at with your muscle pain. 

Armed with a clear picture, we can then assess your condition and truly identify your treatment needs. 

How we treat your muscle pain

MidJersey Orthopaedics offers a treatment menu for muscle pain that’s second to none. We typically start with conservative treatments that include:

• Rest, elevation, and icing the painful area
• Acupuncture treatment
• A course of physical therapy
• Physician-approved stretches and exercises

If these treatments are unsuccessful, we offer other advanced options. A nerve block is a pain management tool that provides relief via an injection that contains a numbing agent combined with anesthetic. 

Laser therapy is another progressive, noninvasive, and painless treatment that relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes muscle relaxation. 

If your doctor recommends surgery, we’ve got you covered there, too. Our expert orthopedic surgeons can perform whatever procedure is determined to be best for you, and they’re versed in both traditional open surgery procedures and minimally invasive surgery, which is linked to less blood loss and a faster recovery. 

Get relief from your muscle pain today

Our well-rounded team of orthopedic surgeons, specialists, and pain management experts all have the same focus: you and your comfort. Call one of our offices in Bridgewater, Flemington, and North Flemington, New Jersey, or request an appointment online.