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Myalgia
Definition
Myalgia is muscle pain. The term is derived from the Greek words "myos" (muscle) and "algos" (pain).
Myalgia can occur in an isolated muscle or in multiple muscles across the body. The condition can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). There are a number of possible causes (see below).
Myalgic is the adjective form of myalgia.
Additional Info
Myalgia may be the result of overuse or injury of muscles or as a symptom of the following conditions:
- Stress.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g. Polymyositis, dermatomyositis, lupus, etc).
- Viral infections.
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g. too much potassium or too little calcium). See also diuretic.
- Drugs (e.g. amphotericin B, carbinoxolone, chloroquine, clofibrate, corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, cocaine, statins for lowering cholesterol, ACE inhibitors for lowering blood pressure, etc.).
- Generalized infections (e.g. influenza, malaria, polio, measles, etc)
Treatment for myalgia may be available and varies depending on its cause. Rest, ibuprofen, stretching and massage may be helpful. If the pain is severe or persists for more than 36 hours, see a doctor. Also call a doctor if the pain is associated with a change in medicine, tick bite, or visible sign of infection or rash. Seek immediate medical care or go to the emergency room if you have the following conditions associated with myalgia:
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- Sudden weight gain.
- Water retention.
- Less urination than usual.
- Shortness of breath.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Muscle weakness or paralysis of any muscle.
- Vomiting.
- Very stiff neck.
- High fever.
Myalgia due to muscle overuse or injury may be prevented by:
- Warming up before exercise.
- Cooling down after exercise
- Drinking lots of fluids
- Frequent stretching, especially before and after exercise
Fibromyalgia is a little-understood condition involving chronic widespread pain and a heightened and painful response to gentle touch. As diagnosis is usually made by ruling out all other causes, and there has been some debate as to whether this is a "real" disorder. However, the National Institutes of Health and other medical organizations have classified this as a true medical disorder. The specific cause or causes are still unclear, but appear to be a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. We have never seen this term used on a Safety Data Sheet, but see Further Reading below for more information.
SDS Relevance
Myalgia and associated conditions may be caused by exposure to certain chemicals. For example, ingestion of L-tryptophan (5-HTP), which can be found in some foods and dietary supplements, is thought to cause Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome (see Further Reading below).
Always read your Safety Data Sheet before working with a new chemical so you will be aware of any possible symptoms of exposure. You'll find these conveniently listed in Section 11 (toxicological information) and you can find ways to protect yourself in Section 8 (exposure controls/personal protection) of the SDS.
Further Reading
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- Muscle Aches at the NIH/NLM's MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia.
- Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome and L-Tryptophan-Containing Products, a report in the US CDC's Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report.
- Fibromyalgia at the NIH/NLM's MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia.
- Fibromyalgia at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Fibromyalgia at the Mayo Clinic.
- Definition of Myalgia along with some common causes at MedicineNet.com.
- Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics at the US CDC.
- Multiple chemical sensitivity caused by exposure to ignition coal fumes: a case report.
See also: atrophy, paresthesias.