Should You Be Concerned About Muscle Pain?
By Sara Butler
Muscle pain happens. After an intense workout, helping your friend move into a new apartment, or simply moving in a way that you're not used to, muscle pain can be quite uncomfortable. The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have helped many patients deal with muscle pain and stay on a path to good health, but there are a few signs they want you to be on the lookout for that may indicate your muscle pain goes a little deeper.
The Cause of Muscle Pain
Most people are aware that a rousing game of tennis or the completion of your first 5K can lead to soreness the next day. Muscle soreness is basically the result of pushing your body beyond what it is used to. When your muscles are called upon to produce more energy than they usually do, then a chemical is created called lactic acid and it's the build-up of this acid that leads to painful muscles. Lactic acid usually dissipates quickly, within an hour, but you can experience delayed onset muscle soreness too, which can last one to two days.
One of the important things to remember about muscle soreness, no matter the cause, is that it should go away and get a little better each day -- being completely gone in at least a couple of weeks. If it sticks around, then you need to dig a little deeper to find out what is going on.
Concerns About Muscle Pain
If you have muscle pain that's been lingering for more than two weeks, then it's time to take a closer look, especially if it's making it difficult to carry out the activities of your day to day life. If this is occurring, then make sure to talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic because prolonged muscle pain can be a sign of:
- Fibromyalgia - This is a condition that causes tenderness and pain all over the body
- Arthritis - Arthritis doesn't only impact joints because it can impact muscles as well
- Infection - An area that is painful, inflamed, and sore might mean that you have an infection that needs attention
- Lyme disease - A tick-borne illness, Lyme disease can cause stiff joints and muscles, aches, fever, and fatigue
No matter the reason behind your muscle pain, the chiropractor at The Joint can help you to determine the cause and begin treatment. If you're worried about prolonged muscle pain, then make sure to get into The Joint today!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Jose, Calif.