Understanding your pain
What muscle pain feels like
Muscle pain, also called myalgia, is aching, soreness, tightness or cramping in one or more muscles. It can come from using a muscle too much, from an injury, or from an illness. Muscles in the back, neck and shoulders are often affected.
Myofascial pain is a common type of muscle pain. It involves tight, tender spots in muscle called trigger points, which people often call “knots.” These spots can be sore to the touch and may cause pain in nearby areas.
Our team also sees patients with fibromyalgia.
What may be causing it
Common causes of muscle pain
Common causes of muscle pain include:
- Overusing or overstretching a group of muscles, which often happens in the back
- Injury or an accident
- Ongoing tension, such as from stress or long periods in the same position
- Illness, infection or conditions such as autoimmune disorders
Because the causes vary, knowing your medical history and overall health helps your provider choose the right approach.
Muscle pain in the lower back is covered on our back pain page
When to book a visit
When to see a pain specialist for muscle pain
Many people have muscle pain at some point, and most of it is short-lived. Pain that lingers or keeps coming back deserves a closer look.
Make an appointment if you have:
- muscle pain that keeps coming back or does not improve with rest and home care;
- pain that gets worse instead of better;
- sudden, severe muscle pain that does not ease;
- numbness or weakness along with the pain.
A fever with muscle pain is also a reason to get checked.
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care for severe muscle pain with a high fever, a stiff neck, trouble breathing, or sudden weakness.
Your evaluation
How we evaluate muscle pain
Your visit starts with a conversation and an examination.
We listen
Your provider begins with a conversation about where it hurts, when it started and what you have tried.
We examine
Your provider examines the painful area, including feeling for tight, tender spots, and may check strength and movement. Your provider also reviews your medical history and current health. Tests are used only when they will help find the cause.
We explain
You will hear what may be causing the pain and which options might fit. If a procedure is recommended, the team explains the steps, the possible risks and what recovery looks like before you decide.
Your care options
Treatment options for muscle pain
Treatment depends on what is causing your pain.
- Trigger point injections Aim to relax tight, irritated spots in muscle.
- Cortisone steroid injections Used when inflammation is part of the problem.
- Medication management May include anti-inflammatory medicines or acetaminophen, used carefully and with your provider’s guidance.
You will also get advice on everyday habits, such as how you sit, lift and stay active. Earlier evaluation can make it easier to find the cause, so you do not need to wait until pain is severe.
Common questions
Questions about muscle pain
Your provider can answer questions about your own care at your visit.
What can cause this pain to last for months?
Muscle pain can last when the cause is still there. Examples include ongoing tension, repeated overuse, a past injury that did not settle, or trigger points that stay tight. Sometimes an illness or another condition is involved. An exam helps sort out which one fits you.
What treatment options do you offer?
Options may include trigger point injections, cortisone steroid injections and medication management, along with advice on everyday habits. Your provider recommends a plan based on the cause of your pain and your health history.
When is an injection considered?
An injection may be considered when muscle pain or inflammation continues despite rest, home care or medicine, or when a tight, tender spot in a muscle seems to be the source. Not everyone needs an injection. Your provider decides with you after an exam.
Clinical references
This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.