Muscle pain

Omphile Mogole; Ralph Kandiwa; Oyetola Babarinde; Halima Ismail; Nokuthula Dlamini; Letlhogonolo Maluleke; Quinten Labuschagne; Lucille Malan; Natalie Schellack

Omphile Mogole Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Ralph Kandiwa Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Oyetola Babarinde Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Halima Ismail Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Nokuthula Dlamini Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Letlhogonolo Maluleke Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Quinten Labuschagne Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Lucille Malan Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Natalie Schellack Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Keywords: muscle pain, myalgia, sprains, strains, analgesics, opioids, nsaids

Abstract

Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is most commonly associated with sprains or strains. It frequently presents as redness at the site of injury, tenderness, swelling and fever. Muscle pain may occur as a result of excitation of the muscle nociceptor due to overuse of the muscle, viral infections or trauma. The most important endogenous substance released in response to the damaged tissues or nociceptor nerve endings in regards with muscle pain is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Optimal pain management involves a combination of non-opioid, opioid analgesics, adjuvants, as well as non-pharmacologic strategies. Non-opiod analgesics include paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which are indicated for mild to moderate pain. Whereas moderate to severe pain acquires opiod analgesics. This article provides an overview of muscle pain, the management and treatment thereof.