Muscle pain is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of symptomatic aches and pains in the muscles. Acute muscle pain is usually the result of strain or overuse of specific muscle groups, while chronic or non-specific muscle pain is often a sign of an underlying medical condition that will require separate diagnosis. Acute muscle pain can be treated in a variety of ways, including the use of over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, hot and/or cold compresses, and rest. In order to treat chronic muscle pain, a doctor must diagnose the root cause of the condition and treat it accordingly.
