Myalgia (synonyms: chronic myalgia; intercostal myalgia; muscle pain; musculoskeletal pain syndrome; myalgia; thoracic myalgia; cervical myalgia; lumbar myalgia; myalgic neck pain; myofascial pain syndrome; uncharacteristic muscle pain; ICD-10 M79.19: Myalgia) is the medical term for muscle pain. It can occur as a nonspecific symptom in a variety of neurologic and other conditions.
In many cases, myalgias are not caused by primary damage to the skeletal muscle itself.
Muscle pain after exertion is referred to as muscle soreness. This strain causes microlesions in the sarcolemma (cell membrane of the muscle cell), which are accompanied by an inflammatory reaction.
Myalgia can be caused by local symptoms as well as systemic diseases. In many cases, myalgias are not caused by primary damage to the skeletal muscle itself.
Myalgias may be localized or diffuse throughout the muscles, i.e., generalized. The shoulders and neck are very frequently affected. Myalgia is one of the most common reasons to consult a general practitioner.
Myalgia can be a symptom of many diseases (see “Differential diagnoses”).
No figures are available on the prevalence of myalgia.The prevalence of statin-associated myalgia varies from about 5% in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to nearly 30% in observational studies or registries.
Course and prognosis: Myalgias can be acute or chronic. Persistent muscle pain must always be taken seriously and requires a comprehensive history, physical examination, and often further diagnostics to find the cause and thus initiate adequate therapy. Often, myalgia disappears with treatment of the underlying condition. Note: In the case of myalgia, also consider statin-associated muscle pain (SAMS). These are favored by certain gene variants. For further diagnosis, creatinine kinase (CK) determination is required in such cases (see Laboratory Diagnostics below).
