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Most people at some point in their lives will experience muscle pain. It can involve a small area or be more widespread and can range from mild to very painful!
What causes muscle pain?
Muscle pain can be caused by a number of things. The most common causes of muscle pain are tension, stress, overuse and minor injuries. This type of pain is usually localized, affecting just a few muscles or a small part of your body.1
Although these are the most common causes, some conditions can cause muscle aches including2:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Infections like the flu
Who can get muscle pain?
Everyone of all ages can experience muscle pain. When you try a new activity or change your exercise routine you may experience ‘delayed-onset muscle soreness’ (DOMS).3
How to treat muscle pain
Muscle pain can usually be treated at home with some home remedies.
- Rest the area of your body that is hurting
- Take over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen
- Apply ice to the affected area (You should use ice for 1 to 3 days following a strain or sprain, and apply heat for any pain that remains after 3 days.)2
How long does muscle pain last?
The NHS says that muscle pain caused by DOMS should only last for 3 to 5 days, with the worst of the pain being in the first 1 to 2 days after exercise.4
How can I avoid muscle pain?
When starting a new exercise routine begin gently and gradually. This will allow your muscles time to adapt to new movements and minimize soreness.
Source
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/muscle-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050866
- https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches#home-remedies
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17669-muscle-pain
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/pain-after-exercise/
