[45M] Experiencing intense muscle pain and nausea

Patient Description

A 45-year-old male is reporting intense, sharp muscle pain primarily in the chest and lower back, which has been present for 2 days and limits his mobility. The pain is exacerbated by movements such as sitting up, walking, and moving side to side, and there is no relief reported. The muscle pain is mostly localized to the chest, upper ribs, and lower back, but it is also felt throughout the body except for the feet. Accompanying the muscle pain, the patient experiences nausea, which he rates as a 3 out of 10 in severity, and describes it as a response to the muscle soreness. The nausea has been present for approximately 10 hours. Additionally, the patient has experienced fever and chills. There is no history of recent injury, accidents, or recreational drug or alcohol use that could explain the symptoms. The patient denies any chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, confusion, headache, or neck stiffness.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Viral Myositis: This is an infection caused by a virus that leads to inflammation and damage in the muscles. It often presents with muscle pain, weakness, and sometimes fever. The pain can be widespread and affect almost any muscle in the body.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people recover fully, but it can take time.
  • Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, and nausea. The muscle aches can be severe and affect any part of the body.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in the muscles and bones, areas of tenderness, and general fatigue. Symptoms can be triggered or worsened by stress, lack of sleep, and physical activity.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress management techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also explain your symptoms.

What you can do

  1. Rest: Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid physical exertion as much as possible. This can help your body recover if the cause of your symptoms is a viral infection.

  2. Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you've had a fever.

  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve muscle pain.

  4. Seek medical attention: Given the severity and widespread nature of your muscle pain, it would be a good idea to see a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Severe weakness or difficulty moving any part of your body
  • Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of viral myositis?

Common symptoms of viral myositis include muscle pain, weakness, fever, and sometimes swelling. The pain can be widespread and affect various muscles in the body.


How can I differentiate between flu and other viral infections?

The flu typically presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes respiratory symptoms like a cough or sore throat. Other viral infections may have similar symptoms but can vary in severity and specific manifestations.


What lifestyle changes can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms?

Managing fibromyalgia often involves regular exercise, stress management techniques, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, and sometimes dietary changes. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage pain and other symptoms.


When should I seek medical attention for muscle pain?

You should seek medical attention for muscle pain if it is severe and does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, if you experience difficulty breathing or chest pain, severe weakness, or if you have symptoms like confusion or dizziness.


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