Muscle Aches

The human body is made up of more than 600 muscles. Now that's an enormous number, considering the size of the body. Basically, muscles are elastic tissues located in different parts of the body, that ensure proper movement of the bones or organs attached to them. Usually the term muscle aches (muscle soreness), refers to pain in more than one muscle. Aches or muscle pain from daily routine are not a cause for worry and go away with sufficient rest.

Causes

Exertion
In today's super fast paced lifestyle, feeling exhausted after coming home is obvious. With age, our body reduces its ability to follow the demands of modern lifestyles and therefore it responds in the form of muscle aches and fatigue. Experiencing muscle pains is the manifestation of the body's intolerance to busy lifestyle. Laborers working in manufacturing sector and at construction sites commonly experience muscle soreness all over body after a hard day's work. However, this is normal and the pain vanishes after having a good night's sleep.

Injury
Sports injuries such as hamstring, cause partial or complete tearing of muscles, located in the back area of the leg. Hamstring injuries cause consistent pain and normal activities like walking is troublesome.

Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps, also referred to as spasms are painful sensations that occur when certain muscle groups contract involuntarily. This happens when the muscles are subjected to intense physical activity for an extended period of time. Following a rigorous exercise routine is certainly good for health, but when it is done for more than an hour, it can cause muscle aches in legs and arms in the form of muscle cramp. Generally the pain associated with muscle cramps lasts for a few seconds but sometimes the discomfort can stay for several minutes.

Medications
Drugs prescribed to lower elevated cholesterol levels as well those used to bring down high blood pressure can also cause muscle aches. Statins and ACE inhibitors are the class of drugs that produce side effects such as muscle contractions, which eventually causes muscle pain.

Fibromyalgia
People complaining about muscle soreness all over the body may be suffering from fibromyalgia. In this condition, the muscles, tendons and the ligaments from head to toe are a cause of discomfort. The muscle pain does not remain confined to a specific area, but affects the entire body. Unfortunately, this condition does not go away within a day or two but is long-lasting. It is typically accompanied by intense feeling of tiredness, sleep disturbances and morning stiffness.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Dehydration resulting from insufficient water intake can also cause muscle aches. A dip in body fluid levels can make the muscles weak and cause pain. The major electrolytes that flow with the bloodstream are calcium, potassium and sodium. All these minerals are present in our body in appropriate proportions. However, when normal range of any of these minerals decreases, it can trigger electrolyte imbalance, eventually causing muscle pain.

Myositis
Myositis is a term used to describe a group of inflammatory diseases that cause swelling of the skeletal muscles. These are the muscles that are connected to the bones and allow free movement of arms and legs.

Muscle Abscess
Muscle abscess occurs when bacteria or parasites invade a specific muscle tissue. This causes inflammation and build up of pus in the affected area. In such cases, timely treatment is important, otherwise, it may lead to gangrene, a condition that deprives the affected body tissue of blood circulation.

Viral Infections
Viral infection that cause influenza can also be the culprits behind sudden onset of muscle soreness. Although it is a respiratory disease, influenza causes muscle aches in arms, back and legs.

Lyme Disease
This is a bacterial infection that causes a number of symptoms including skin rash, fever, headache and muscle soreness. Lyme disease occurs when a small insect known as deer tick, bites. These insects are carriers of the bacterium causing lyme disease and so once they bite symptoms appear within a month.

Poor Diet
In order to have healthy and strong muscles, one must have a healthy diet. Diet lacking in essential nutrients like vitamins ( C and B1) and minerals (calcium and potassium), can have a negative impact on the muscles.

Treating the underlying cause is the key to get rid of muscle pain. In case of bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, standard treatment involves intake of antibiotics. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation associated with myositis. On the whole, taking adequate rest is regarded as a natural cure for muscle aches. Avoiding too much exercise, having a proper diet, keeping the body well hydrated and sleeping for 7-8 hours daily, can go a long way in keeping muscle pain at bay.