After an auto mechanic spends hours under a car or a writer
spends all day in front of a computer, their muscles later
complain at this overextension. Everyone gets a muscle ache once
in a while, but chronic muscle pain can be a debilitating
condition that deteriorates the quality of life of sufferers.
Muscle pain may be the result of a specific injury, a spasm, or
a condition that affects ligaments and connective joint tissue,
or it may be only one symptom of a broader condition, usually
arthritis. It ranges in intensity, from infrequent aches to
chronic, disabling pain. Many therapies promise muscle pain
relief, and choosing between them depends on the cause of the
pain, it's severity and duration, as well as the preference of
the patient.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications, including
acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, help alleviate muscle pain.
Certain nutritional supplements may also provide muscle pain
relief. Emu oil, for example, which is sometimes used to treat
arthritis symptoms, may reduce muscle stiffness and tension.
Advocates of massage therapy claim that it can soothe aching
muscles by releasing tension and allowing muscles to relax. The
ancient tradition of acupuncture employs needles to achieve the
same ends. Chiropractic may help ease muscle pain by correcting
improper vertebral alignment that puts added pressure on back,
leg, and neck muscles.
At-home treatments such as ice packs relieve muscle aches, as do
physical aides such as back braces or wrist wraps, which reduce
muscle strain by helping to hold joints and bones in their
proper positions.
Specific exercises designed to increase muscle strength and
flexibility may be prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist.
A course of physical therapy will also educate patients on the
importance of employing ergonomic tools, such as padded chairs
and even sharper kitchen knives, in order to reduce muscle
strain. A therapist will also teach proper methods of walking,
sitting, lifting and performing repetitive movement that will
prevent future problems.
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