5 Reasons Your Muscles May Be Hurting

Everyone experiences muscle aches from time to time. There’s no single cause of muscular pain; while it’s often brought about by an acute injury, there can also be chronic explanations, such as underlying conditions. Depending on the cause, soreness can come and go, while other types of muscle pain can last for a long time.

Here are some reasons why your muscles may be aching: 

1. Workouts

After working out or undertaking another kind of strenuous physical activity, you may feel muscle soreness that lasts for one or two days. This pain is normal and will eventually fade as time goes by. However, if the pain affects your daily activities, you may want to apply some cannabidiol (CBD) on the painful area. If in doubt, you can always read an article that answers the question you have around CBD oil’s effectiveness on muscular pain.  

Don’t worry if you feel muscle pain after workouts because it’s a normal result of them working harder than usual. Muscle fibers are temporarily stretched and torn, leading to stiffness or soreness as they heal and become stronger. This means they’re adapting to your new workout – no pain, no gain! 

2. Stress 

Physical activities aren’t the only cause of muscular pain; stress can also cause your muscles to ache. If stress is left untreated, it can cause a range of symptoms, including anxiety, digestive issues, poor sleep, and muscle aches.

The body naturally produces cortisol, which is also known as the stress hormone. When there’s too much cortisol in the body, it can increase fat accumulation and cause loss of muscle mass. Stress and anxiety can also cause adrenaline rushes, which increase blood supply and heighten blood pressure. If the fight or flight reflex is triggered, muscles around the spine will tense and spasm, which can also cause pain.

3. Autoimmune Diseases 

If you’re experiencing severe muscle pain, it may be caused by an autoimmune disease such as myositis. This condition weakens and causes inflammation in the muscles. As a result, one may have difficulty arising from a sitting position, climbing stairs, or even lifting arms above the shoulders.  

Myositis usually weakens muscles in the hips and shoulders, but it can spread to symmetrical muscles throughout the body. Although rare, people suffering from this condition may eventually need to use a wheelchair; this is why it’s important to consult your doctor if you notice your muscle pain worsening.

4. Infections 

Other medical conditions like infections may also cause muscle pains. For instance, a respiratory infection like influenza can cause muscle pain alongside other symptoms. Other infections include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, trichinosis, and malaria.  

Although muscle pain is not the sole symptom of such infections, one who has any of the infections mentioned will feel muscle aches. Treatments vary depending on the infection, and muscle pains will fade once the infections have been treated. 

5. Injuries 

When your muscles are injured, you’re likely to feel cramps, swelling, bruising, weakness, and pain. Some even experience contractions and spasm as a result of the following injuries: 

• Repetitive Motion Injury: This injury is due to completing the same movements day after day, usually because of occupational reasons. For instance, manual laborers, data entry typists, and hairdressers are likely to experience soreness in the muscles they use often.  

• Blunt Force Trauma: When a strong impact hits the body, you feel various pains, including muscle aches.  

• Poor Posture: When your body experiences unnatural body positions, your muscles will become tense and strained. For instance, leaning on one leg or slouching in a chair will strain soft tissues and muscles, causing pain.  

• Overuse Injury: This type of injury usually occurs with athletes. Since the same activity or sport is performed over and over, the muscle fibers are predisposed to pain.

Conclusion 

The reasons above may explain your muscle soreness. Although autoimmune diseases are rare, they can significantly attack the muscles, causing substantial pain. If muscle aches continue for a long time, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor.

Although most muscle pains can be treated, it’s still important to avoid harming your muscles where possible. Stay safe out there!