Whether mild or intense, temporary or persistent, muscle pain can quickly disrupt your daily routine. Here are a few tips to help you recognize, prevent, and relieve it.
Everyone experiences muscle pain, be it after intense exertion, a bad night’s sleep, or even for no apparent reason. Muscle pain can be limited to the legs, arms, or back or more widespread. It can occur at any age and is not always related to physical activity.
Did you know? Muscle pain is different from arthritis pain. To find out more, read our article on this topic.
Also known as myalgia, muscle pain can appear without warning and have multiple causes:
Sometimes, hormones can also play a role. For example, hypothyroidism can cause muscle pain. To find out more, read our article on this topic.
Muscle pain is common... but it doesn’t have to be commonplace. Listen to your body and don’t ignore the following signs:
These signs may indicate an infection or other problem that requires medical attention.
Muscle pain is often related to movement or effort and diminishes with rest. It manifests as an aching sensation or tension. Joint pain, on the other hand, affects joints such as knees, wrists, or fingers. It may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, or cracking and sometimes persists even when resting.
Cardiac pain is more serious. Often manifesting as pressure or a vise-like sensation in the chest, it sometimes radiates into the left arm, neck, or jaw and may be accompanied by shortness of breath or nausea. If you experience chest pain with no explanation, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood but very real condition. While characterized by chronic pain diffused throughout the body, it is not caused by inflammation or injury.
Imagine amplified pain signals when there is no injury or apparent cause. Fibromyalgia causes the nervous system to overreact to certain messages. This very real physical reaction feels as though the body is permanently on edge.
Initial symptoms may vary from one person to another, but some recur frequently:
Important: If these symptoms persist and affect your quality of life, it’s important to talk to a health care professional. Putting words to what you’re going through is the first step in getting better.
It all depends on the pain’s origin and timing. In general, apply cold as soon as pain occurs, just after an injury or overexertion. For example, if you pull a muscle while exercising, apply a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes to help ease the pain.
Warmth is good for stiff or tense muscles, as it helps relax tissues and stimulate blood circulation.
Getting better doesn’t necessarily require complex treatments. Often, the simplest gestures provide the most effective relief. If pain persists, however, there are products, treatments, and professional support to help you resume daily activities with greater ease.
Balance is key, so don’t force yourself through a workout or forgo all activity.
You’ll find a number of different options at Brunet:
Tip: Still experiencing discomfort? Your pharmacist is there to listen and help you find solutions adapted to your situation.
Magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 play an essential role in your body, notably in muscle contraction, recovery, and nerve transmission. An imbalance can disrupt these processes. To learn more about strengthening your immune system and preventing muscular pain, read our article.
Did you know? A simple blood test, prescribed by a health professional, can check your levels. In cases of deficiency, supplements and dietary changes may be suggested.
Yes, daily exercise is the best way to keep your muscles healthy. Don’t overdo it, however. A daily walk, gentle cycling, swimming, or yoga is all you need to maintain flexibility and muscle strength.
A few minutes of stretching in the morning or after physical activity can reduce tension. Examples include reaching your arms up toward the ceiling, gently stretching your legs, and rotating your shoulders.
Yes! A varied, balanced diet, rich in proteins (meat, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes), vitamins (fruit, vegetables), and minerals (such as magnesium), promotes muscle repair and health.
Products containing magnesium, turmeric, or calming herbs can be a good complementary treatment. Always ask your pharmacist for advice on whether these products are right for you.
While common, muscle aches and pains should not be ignored. We advise listening to your body and adopting good daily habits, such as moving at your own pace, staying well hydrated, and stretching regularly.
If you experience persistent or unusual pain, talk to your pharmacist. Your health care professionals are there to listen and support you.
Arthritis pain: How to recognize and relieve it
Hypothyroidism: when the body’s metabolism slows down
5 tips to boost your immune system
How physical activity aids our immune system: Can exercise help prevent us from getting sick?
Last updated on May 27, 2025
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