What Are the Causes of Severe Muscle Aches?
Severe muscle aches can make it difficult to go about normal daily activities. While some may go away on their own with rest or thanks to a home remedy, others may be long-term problems that require medical treatment. Consider the following information from the Mayo Clinic, National Library of Medicine, and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases about the causes of severe muscle aches.
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Drugs
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Using certain drugs and medications may cause severe muscle aches, according to the NLM, including those used to lower cholesterol, such as Lipitor, and those to control blood pressure, as well as illegal drugs such as cocaine.
Fibromyalgia
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According to the NIAMSD, fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that can cause severe muscle aches, body fatigue and areas of extreme tenderness. The disorder is more common among women and can be triggered by stress, illness and heredity.
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Infections
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Infections caused by viruses, bacteria and parasitic worms can also cause severe muscle aches, according to the NLM. Lyme disease, influenza and polio are viral infections that can bring on pain in babies, children and adults, although vaccinations are available for polio and influenza. In addition, roundworms and muscular abscesses caused by bacteria can result in severe muscle aches.
Injuries
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Injuries from a fall and extreme indirect forces from trauma such as auto accidents can be causes of severe muscle aches, according to the NLM.
Muscle Disorders
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Additionally, the NLM says, disorders of the muscles can be the culprit. Rhabdomyolysis involves abnormal breakdown of the muscles, which can cause severe muscle aches and is a medical emergency. Abnormal inflammation of the muscles, such as from dermatomyositis and polymyositis, also causes severe muscle aches and weakness.
Overuse
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According to the Mayo Clinic, overuse can cause severe muscle aches, as can dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes in the muscles as a result of strenuous or prolonged physical activity. Straining a muscle, not stretching before a workout or holding the same position for too long can also be a cause of severe muscle aches.
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