Working out can be a pain

You know the feeling - you’ve overdone it at the gym, and now you have pain in muscles you didn’t even know you had. You’re not alone. Muscle pain is common, and can affect almost any part of your body, from your neck and shoulders down to your legs and feet.

Muscle pain can develop almost anywhere in your body, including your back, neck, shoulders, legs and chest.

You don’t have to be a gym junkie to experience muscle pain. It can be caused by:

• overuse of a muscle
• any kind of physical activity you’re not used to
• an injury(strains and sprains)
• muscle tension.

Injuries such as sprains and strains may occur if you’ve been exercising or working beyond what your body is used to, or due to an accident like a fall or a collision.

If you have muscle pain throughout your whole body and you can’t think of a reason why, you may have an infection or other illness. So it’s a good idea to see your doctor.

Here are some things you can do to help relieve muscle pain caused by injury or overuse:

• Rest the affected area
• Apply ice to the area for the first few days after an injury, followed by heat for any pain that’s still there after three days
• You could try a pain relief option such as Nurofen.

To help relieve muscle pain caused by exercise or stress:

• Perform gentle stretching
• Avoid very strenuous or high-impact activities for a while
• Use relaxation techniques, such as meditation, to reduce tension
• Try a medicated gel for pain relief such as Nurofen Gel.

There are some simple things you can do to help reduce muscle pain:

• Warm up before exercise, and cool down after exercise
• Exercise regularly to keep your muscles in good condition
• Avoid exercising when you are very tired
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid accidents by keeping your home and work environment free of clutter
• Have a good stretch every now and then, especially if you work at a desk.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health related matters please contact your doctor.

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References:

• MayoClinic.org. Muscle pain. Available at:http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/muscle-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050866 Accessed 03 September 2014.
• O’Connell K. Muscle aches. Available at: http://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches#Medical Care5 Accessed 03 September 2014.
• Watson S. Managing sore muscles and joint pain. Available at: http://beta.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/sore-muscles-keep-exercisingAccessed 03 September 2014.
• NHS.uk. Sprains and strains. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains/pages/introduction.aspx Accessed 03 September 2014.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.