Do you have muscle pain? Symptoms and treatments you need to know.

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is a very common condition that affects millions of people across Ontario every year. So what causes muscle pain? Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, can occur due to overuse, strain, injury, poor posture, stress, or underlying medical conditions. As a pharmacist, I frequently speak with patients experiencing muscle pain and can provide important information about symptom relief, prevention strategies, and treatment options available in Ontario.

Symptoms of Muscle Pain

The most common symptoms of muscle pain include:

• Aching, soreness, or stiffness in the muscles

• Muscle tenderness or sensitivity to touch

• Cramping or spasms

• Reduced range of motion

• Swelling or tightness in the affected area

• Muscle weakness (in more severe cases)

Muscle pain may be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic), depending on the cause.

Preventing Muscle Pain

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of muscle pain:

• Warm up and stretch: Stretching before and after physical activity can help prevent muscle strain.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps maintain muscle function and reduces cramping.

• Maintain good posture: Proper ergonomics at work and during daily activities can prevent muscle tension.

• Gradually increase activity levels: Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration.

• Get adequate rest: Muscles need time to recover, especially after physical activity.

• Manage stress: Stress can cause muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Treatment of Muscle Pain in Ontario

If you develop muscle pain that interferes with daily activities or does not improve with self-care, it’s important to seek treatment. If you’ve experienced muscle pain before and your symptoms are returning or worsening, you can contact a pharmacist through RxToday.ca to speak with a pharmacist for a virtual assessment in Ontario.

A pharmacist may recommend or prescribe muscle pain treatments you can use at home, such as over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, topical anti-inflammatory creams or gels, or muscle relaxants when appropriate. Your pharmacist can also advise on non-medication options such as heat or cold therapy and when further medical evaluation is needed.

Always remember: Pain medications should be used exactly as directed. Taking more than recommended or using medications for longer than advised can increase the risk of side effects. If muscle pain persists, worsens, or is associated with swelling, numbness, or weakness, seek further medical assessment.