Muscle aches are common among individuals irrespective of their age and lifestyle. The discomfort and soreness that comes with muscle aches can affect the daily activities of a person including their work, hobbies and overall quality of life. If you’re struggling with this issue it’s important to understand how long general muscle aches can last and what you can do to address them. In this blog, we’ll provide insights from physiotherapists and chiropractors on the duration of general muscle aches. This information will help you manage the pain and discomfort associated with muscle aches and ensure that you stay healthy!
Types of Muscle Aches
To understand the duration of general muscle aches, it’s important to know that muscle aches come in different forms. Some common muscle aches include acute muscle strains, chronic muscle pain, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and tension headaches. Acute muscle strains can last from a few days to a few weeks. Chronic muscle pain may be persistent and could last for months. DOMS is the discomfort and soreness you feel after undertaking intense physical exercise, and it could last between 24-72 hours. Tension headaches stem from tense muscles in the neck and head and can last for hours or days. Understanding the type of muscle ache you’re experiencing can help you manage it effectively.
Causes of Muscle Aches
Several factors can cause muscle aches, including physical injury, dehydration, lack of exercise, poor posture, and stress. In some cases, underlying health conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus can also cause muscle aches. The cause of the muscle ache will determine how long the discomfort will last. For instance, if the muscle ache is due to an injury or overuse, it may take a few days to several weeks to heal. On the other hand, chronic health conditions may require long-term management.
Treatment Options
The duration of general muscle aches can also be influenced by the treatment options available. Physiotherapists and chiropractors are specialists in musculoskeletal pain and can provide advice and treatment options for managing muscle aches. Treatment options may include physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and pain medication. Rest and gentle stretching exercises can also be useful in managing muscle aches. The treatment options will depend on the type and cause of the muscle ache.
Prevention
Preventing muscle aches is an essential part of managing the discomfort that comes with them. Simple lifestyle changes such as maintaining good posture, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise can help prevent muscle aches. Stretching and warm-up exercises before undertaking intense physical activities can also prevent DOMS. Additionally, avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the muscles, such as sitting in one position for extended periods, can minimize the risk of muscle aches.
Muscle aches and pains can be challenging to manage, and their duration depends on several factors. Understanding the type of muscle ache, the cause, treatment options, and prevention measures can help manage discomfort and pain better. It is also recommended that you seek professional advice from physiotherapists and chiropractors, who can help provide crucial insights into managing and preventing muscle aches. With this knowledge, you can take charge of your muscular health and live a pain-free life!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
