Muscle Pain
Muscle pain or myalgia is more of a symptom rather than a condition. It can range from mild to excruciating, and can be caused by a number of different factors. Muscle pain can involve more than one muscle, as well as ligaments, tendons, and fascia.
Naturopathic Assessment
Causal Factors
In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. With muscle pain, the causes are variable and include lifestyle and environmental factors. A detailed assessment is required to determine which factors are contributing to muscle pain.
Lifestyle
- Prolonged consumption of alcohol and smoking can cause muscle weakness, leading to muscle pain.
Social
- Mental Emotional Health
- Tension or stress has been known to cause muscle pain.[1]
Environmental
- Infections such as Influenza, Lyme disease, Malaria, and the common cold or flu can cause muscle pains.
External
- Trauma and overuse
- Muscle pain can be caused by trauma such as sporting injuries or from overuse.
Medical Interventions
- Prescription Medications
- Muscle pain can be triggered by ACE inhibitors used for lowering blood pressure, as well as Statins used for lowering cholesterol.
Physiology
- Ageing
- The physiological process of ageing can cause muscle pain
Diagnostic Testing
- Testing can include special orthopedic testing which may be performed by the physician
- Other tests can include ultrasound imaging, CT scan, discography
- Blood tests for CBC, ESR, ANA, Creatine kinase, and Lactate dehydrogenase may be ordered to determine if there are any possible underlying conditions causing muscle pain.
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Conditions associated with RA or that may predispose a person to the disease include:
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Myocardial infarction (Heart attack)
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Insomnia
- Bone fracture
- Sprains & strains
- Polio
Characteristics
Common Symptoms
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. Myalgia can occur both acutely and chronically.
It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.
Home Care
Home Care strategies include:
- Rest and avoiding overuse of the muscles in pain.
- Regular exercise to help restore muscle tone.
- Applying ice to the affected area to ease pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle recommendations include:
- Dietary recommendations
- Increase protein intake.
- Water. Ensure you drink adequate water.
- ExerciseEnsure regular movement and exercise in order to maintain regular muscle tone.
- Posture Maintain proper posture as poor posture can lead to muscular imbalances, causing pain and discomfort.
- Breathing
- Sleep
- Rest and Relaxation Ensure adequate rest and avoid overuse of muscles.
Naturopathic Therapies
The prescribing of naturopathic therapies requires the guidance of a naturopathic doctor as it depends on a number of factors including the causal factors, a person's age, prescription medications, other conditions and symptoms and overall health. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor prior to taking any natural therapies.
Naturopathic Therapies for muscle pain include:
- Clinical Nutritional Supplementation includes
- Vitamins such as Vitamin C,
- Minerals such as Magnesium
- Amino Acids such as
- Other supplements such as Fatty acids
- Herbs such as Curcuma longa
Specialized Naturopathic Therapies
Specialized therapies that are used to treat ________ include:
References
- ↑ Westgaard, Rolf H.(1999)Effects of physical and mental stressors on muscle pain,Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health;25(4):19-24
