What Are Muscle Aches?

Muscle aches are also known as muscle pain, myalgia, or simply pain in the muscles. Muscle aches are extremely common. Almost everybody has likely experienced discomfort in his or her muscles at some point.
Because almost every part of the body has muscle tissue, this type of pain can be felt practically anywhere. According to the Mayo Clinic, it usually affects a small number of muscles at a time, although myalgia throughout the body is possible

When Muscle Aches Should Be Addressed at a Doctor’s Office or Hospital

Muscle aches are not always harmless, and in some instances, home treatment is not enough. Myalgia can also be a sign that something is seriously wrong in your body.
You should see your doctor for:

• pain that does not go away after a few days of home treatment
• severe muscle pain if you are unsure of the cause
• muscle pain that occurs along with a rash
• muscle pain that occurs after a tick bite
• myalgia accompanied by redness or swelling
• pain that occurs soon after a change in the medications you take

The following can be a sign of a medical emergency. Get to the hospital as soon as possible if you experience any of the following along with aching muscles:

• a sudden onset of water retention and/or a reduction in urine volume
• difficulty swallowing
• vomiting and/or running a fever
• trouble catching your breath
• stiffness in your neck area
• muscles that are weak
• inability to move the affected area of the body

Tips for Preventing Sore Muscles

If your muscle pain is caused by tension or physical activity, take these measures to lower your risk of developing muscle pain in the future:

• Stretch your muscles before engaging in physical activity and after workouts.
• Incorporate a warm-up and a cool-down into all of your exercise sessions.
• Stay hydrated, especially on the days when you are active.
• Engage in regular exercise to help promote optimal muscle tone.
• Get up and stretch regularly if you work at a desk or in an environment that puts you at risk for muscle strain or tension.

According to the NIH, people who work at a desk should make an effort to get up and stretch at least every 60 minutes (NIH, 2011).
Your sore muscles might be due to something other than tension and physical activity. In this case, your doctor will best be able to advise you on how to fully resolve your muscle pain. The first priority will probably be to treat the primary condition.