2 Major Signs that Muscle Pain Should Be Assessed by a Physician
If you are middle-aged, then you may realize that aches and pains are a part of life. Most of this pain is the result of tendons and ligaments losing their elasticity and flexibility. While muscles and soft tissue pains are normal, muscle soreness also may be a sign of a much more serious issue. Keep reading to learn when muscle pain is a sign that you need to see your primary care physician.
Muscle Pain Is Widespread
Most people understand that muscle pain is typically localized. Pain may be the result of a poor sleep posture or a hard workout the day before. Muscle pain is rarely widespread unless you have a specific ailment. If this pain is felt in the muscles, joints, and bones and involves tenderness to touch, then you may have fibromyalgia.
If you have fibromyalgia, then you are likely to have one or several seemingly unrelated symptoms. These include abdominal pain, a dry mouth, incontinence, diarrhea, and chronic headaches. Fatigue is also a common symptom, so consider whether or not you have been sleeping more than usual. Make sure to inform your doctor of any and all symptoms that accompany the pain and soreness. A physical examination is one of the most important tools your physician will use to figure out if you have fibromyalgia or not.
Pain Worsens Without Activity
If you have what seems like muscle pain in one region of your body, then it may be wise to rest so the tissues can heal. Muscle strains and sprains will commonly cause discomfort. However, if you notice tissue pain that seems to worsen, even after a period of rest, then this may be a sign that you have a cancerous tumor. This is something to be concerned about if you feel and aching and throbbing in one area of the body even if you are not moving.
Pain is a sign of cancer, because tumors will press on tissues, organs, and nerves as they grow. As the tumor gets bigger, then pain will worsen. While pain is obviously not always a sign of cancer, it is sometimes one of the only signs that you are ill. For example, one of the only symptoms of pancreatic cancer is pain across the lower back or the abdomen.
Since chronic pain without an immediate cause may be serious, it is always best to meet with a primary care physician for an assessment. Cancer, and other serious conditions, should always be treated early for the best chance of recovery.
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