Osteopathy in Central London

Causes of Muscle Pain

Muscle pain has many potential causes, ranging from everyday activities to medical conditions. The most common causes include:

Overuse or Strain:

Repetitive movements or intense physical activity can lead to muscle strain, mainly when muscles are not accustomed to the load. This is a frequent cause of muscle pain in athletes or individuals who engage in physical labour.

Injury:

Trauma from accidents, falls, or sports can lead to muscle tears, sprains, or contusions. Injuries like these cause immediate pain and can take weeks to heal, often requiring professional treatment at a clinic like MHV Clinic.

Poor Posture:

Holding the body in awkward or strained positions for long periods, such as sitting hunched over a desk or phone, can cause muscle tension and pain. Poor posture often leads to chronic pain, which can be managed with corrective exercises and posture training at MHV Clinic.

Infections:

Viral infections, like the flu, can cause widespread muscle aches. Certain bacterial infections may also result in muscle pain.

Medical Conditions:

Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lupus often lead to chronic muscle pain. These conditions typically require comprehensive management plans, which we provide at MHV Clinic.

Stress and Anxiety:

Emotional stress often causes physical tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Stress-induced muscle pain is joint and can become chronic if left unaddressed.

Everyday causes of muscle pain

Most muscle pain comes from overuse, a sudden strain, poor posture or tension built up through stress. Starting a new sport, a heavy day of lifting, long hours at a desk and poor sleep are common triggers. Some infections and medicines can also cause aching muscles.

See a GP if

  • Muscle pain comes with a rash, fever or a tick bite
  • Your muscles ache all over and you feel unwell
  • Pain started after starting a new medicine
  • A muscle is very swollen, or the area looks dark or feels cold

How we can help

For strains and tension, your osteopath will find which muscles are overworked and why, treat them with hands-on techniques and give you advice and exercises to help them recover and stop the problem returning.

Book an appointment or call 020 3305 6186.