When Should I Seek Medical Treatment for Muscle Pain?
Most people will suffer from muscle pain at one point in their lives. Most muscle pain is minor and will lessen with time. However, severe or prolonged pain may require treatment from a doctor. Here are a few tips to help you know when to seek medical treatment for muscular pain.
Muscles help our bodies move. When muscles are stimulated, they contract then relax. Certain minor conditions can make muscles painful. Overuse syndrome can occur after strenuous exercise and does not typically require medical treatment. These minor aches and pains are usually relieved with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and rest. However, if muscle pain occurs with bruising underneath the skin, severe pain, swelling and limited mobility, a muscle tear may be to blame. This is the time to seek pain treatment from a medical professional. Illnesses such as the flu can cause widespread muscular pain and tenderness, especially if accompanied by fever. However, a sudden onset of pain in the muscles of the chest wall, may be indicative of a severe condition such as a heart attack and immediate treatment from a doctor is imperative to avoid serious illness or death. Other serious symptoms that require immediate medical treatment are muscular pain combined with an altered mental state, loss of vision, weakness, high fever, confusion, difficulty breathing, trouble urinating and seizures.
Certain diseases can also cause pain in the muscles of the body. Fibromyalgia is an inflammatory disease characterized by widespread muscle tenderness. This condition is most often found in women, but it can also appear in men. Because the pain associated with fibromyalgia is so widespread and severe, it often causes depression which makes everyday tasks difficult. Doctors can prescribe medications to help treat people who suffer from fibromyalgia. Pain management may be achieved by seeking chiropractic treatment, treatment from a medical doctor or seeing a physical or occupational therapist. Some other diseases known to cause muscular pain include arthritis, tetanus and lupus.
The doctors at La Clinica SC of Chicago and Cicero are highly experienced in pain treatment and pain management. We offer treatment plans designed to ease the muscular pain and discomfort associated with auto accidents, sports injuries and work related trauma. Our team of medical specialists are available for those seeking treatment in the Chicagoland area. Also offered are a full range of diagnostic tests such as X-rays and EMG’s. Surgeons are also on hand to perform a variety of medical services including orthopedic surgeries and repair of injuries to the spine.
To schedule your free consultation, you can call our toll-free line (773) 763-2800 or book an appointment online HERE.