Muscle Pain
Manage Your Muscle Pain
By Jarrett Kruse
Muscle pain is usually cause by strain—how many times have we complained of pain from a pulled muscle? Other problems, however, such as spinal misalignment or joint problems can throw us off and produce muscle pain. Back muscle pain is frequently related to disc or joint problems. There are many options for successful muscle pain management including physical therapy, acupuncture and mediation. It’s important to treat the underlying causes when muscle pain is a result of other problems, such as nerve pain or spinal problems that manifest as muscular left or right back pain. Proper diagnosis and treatment will prevent muscle pain from turning into chronic pain.
The key to managing muscle pain is to identify its source and treat the underlying cause. If muscle pain develops due to misalignment of the spine, a trip to the chiropractor may be in order. If the pain comes from injury or strain, ice, heat and rest might be appropriate. Whatever the cause of the pain, you’ll want to relieve even if it takes you a while to get at the cause. Here are a few guidelines:
- For injury or muscle strain: Rest and ice, followed by heat a few days later. Pain killers, muscle relaxers, or ant-inflammatory drugs may be appropriate.
- Overuse or spasms from sitting too long. Massage or acupuncture ease your pain speed your recovery
- Strains due to joint or skeletal problems, Acupuncture, physical therapy or chiropractic treatments may be helpful
When you first sustain an injury, rest is a good idea. But don’t rest too long. Gradually begin a program of gentle, stretching exercise to keep yourself limber. Slowly add exercises that will gradually guild up your strength and prepare you to use the affected muscle again. A doctor or physical therapist may recommend appropriate exercise.
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