In today’s Vital Signs, KERA’s Sam Baker gets some answers from Dr. Salman Bhai, a neurologist and faculty member at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas’ Institute of Exercise and Environmental Medicine.
Concerning muscular pain:
Muscle discomfort, often known as myalgia, is quite prevalent. Whether you went for a longer stroll than usual or you’re training for a marathon, anything out of the ordinary might cause muscular discomfort, which is a typical adaptive reaction.
Excessive exertion is one of the most typical reasons. We want to push ourselves and it doesn’t always mean that you’re an athlete pushing yourself. It might simply be that you walked for a long walk, carried something heavy, or are transferring numerous boxes to a new location. This might result in muscular soreness.
Does excessive effort depend on the individual? What is excessive for one individual may not be for another.
Some people are more used to physical activity than others. So when I say I don’t undertake severe sports, it may mean something different for a marathon or ultra-marathon runner against someone who doesn’t often exercise. As a result, the essential lesson here is to listen to your body in order to assist prevent such problems.
What is the difference between an ache and a pain?
Ache is a type of discomfort. But, when we speak about how to tell the difference between good and bad pain, I like to think about it in terms of what’s likely to create harm versus discomfort.
Soreness occurs within a few hours after exercise and can last for a day or two. You may experience delayed onset muscle soreness or be sore for many days after a very strenuous activity. All of this occurs because when we exercise, our muscles are harmed on a microscopic level, and recovery takes time. That is both normal and healthy.
The type of pain we dislike is one which occurs suddenly and abruptly. Ouch. Something hurts, something sharp happened and you feel it. It can nag. It has the potential to become a chronic problem. That piercing acute pain, the one that spreads to other locations, the one that throbs, the one that changes the way you operate, go about your day, or walk. We don’t want that type of agony. And there is no evident distinction here. However, an unresolved issue might lead to a catastrophic injury.
What is the most effective approach to manage muscular discomfort at home?
There’s a simple mnemonic that gets around that we call “rice”: Rest, cool, compress, and elevate as needed. And the crucial word here is rest. Take it easy if your body tells you anything is hurting. Take a day or two off and it will help. You can also take mild pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen if your doctor hasn’t informed you otherwise.
At what stage should you seek medical attention?
Say it isn’t getting any better. It’s simply excruciatingly painful. It will not go away no matter what you do. At that time, I believe it is worthwhile to consult with your doctor. You want to know whether there is something fundamentally wrong or if there is a systemic ailment going on that we aren’t aware of. And if you start to get symptoms like fever or weakness, or if you see anything else diminishing other from the pain, it’s essential to contact your doctor so you can figure out why.
What precautions can you take to reduce your chances of experiencing a muscular soreness or pain?
The most straightforward approach is to perform a steady progressive workout depending on what your body is telling you. Rest is your friend, and fitness objectives should be approached in the same way that a home is built over time. It is done brick by brick.
So, to experience those advantages over time, the greatest thing you can do is to stay up with exercise on a regular basis. Maintaining proper form and recognizing your limitations when lifting or participating in an activity are the greatest strategies to avoid discomfort and injury.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.