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Suffering from Muscle pain

Myalgia is a symptom referring to pain/soreness and general muscle fatigue. Myalgia can often be localise to a specific muscle group or found diffusely in a number of muscles. It is a symptom that most adults will encounter at some point in their lives as muscle soreness is extremely common. Unusually excessive exertion, trauma, and viral infections are among the most common causes.

While many causes are benign and self-limited, muscle pain may be associated with significant disorders. It is essential to differentiate myalgia from myopathy (muscle disease) and myositis (muscle inflammation). Although myopathy and myositis may cause myalgia, most individuals with myalgia have neither.

Causes of Localised Muscle pain -Myalgia:

  • Overuse or strenuous exercise
  • Bursitis, trauma or infection
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Compartment syndrome

Causes of all over body muscle pain:

  • Systemic infection
  • Medications- statins or withdrawal from antidepressants
  • Non-inflammatory conditions- Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Liver/endocrine disorders
  • Depression
  • Rheumatic disease- Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder characterised by pain and stiffness, generally in older adults. The most common symptoms include moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness, in particular the neck, shoulder and hip. A common differential diagnosis is fibromyalgia which mustn’t be confused with PMR. Fibromyalgia has a similar presentation however, doesn’t involve inflammation.

Perth Joondalup Dr Linda Schiller Chiropractor

Other common symptoms of polymyalgia Rheumatica include:

Weight loss

  • An inability to lift arm above shoulder height
  • Slight fever
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue

Certain risk factors are associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and involve advancing age (patients over 50), gender (females are more likely to obtain the condition in comparison to men) and race (Caucasian’s are more susceptible than other races).

Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica generally includes low doses of the corticosteroid prednisone which show dramatic and very rapid improvements. If cause is unknown however symptoms appear similarly to those above, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, rest and heat should be prescribed to manage symptoms. In terms of chiropractic treatment available, symptoms can be managed with general advice in regards to rest and heat and some soft tissue modalities, however the most important aspect of treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica is the diagnosis of the condition which can be made almost entirely via a chiropractor. Chiropractors can also can send you off for necessary referral, either to a GP for blood tests or a rheumatologist.

At Lakeside Chiropractic we’ve managed patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, using massage, dry needling, low level laser, joint or soft tissue mobilisations, gentle adjusting techniques, exercise and nutritional advice. Diagnosis is key in terms of the management for PMR so if you have very similar symptoms to those mentioned above, book in a consult to see one of our knowledgeable chiropractors so we can help you reduce those symptoms as quickly as possible. Lakeside Chiropractic is located in the heart of Joondalup in one of Perth’s northern suburbs and treat many musculoskeletal conditions throughout Perth. We also have on site HICAPS Facilities for all major health insurance providers in addition to being a Medibank Preferred Practitioner and BUPA first provider. We also accept Medicare referrals from General Practitioners. If you are in need of any further information or wish to book an appointment please give us a call on 9300 0095 or check out our website at www.lakesidechiro.com.au. We look forward to seeing you!

June 04, 2020
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