Anyone who has worked out with weights has felt pain to some degree, but pain that lasts after the workout ends, especially for more than several days, can be cause for concern. Knowing about the different causes of muscle pain can help determine if its just a matter of overwork or something more serious.
Basics
Muscle pain was long thought to be the result of the buildup of waste products, mostly lactic acid, that results from straining muscles. According to the Columbia Health Center, this theory is no longer valid because it has been learned that lactic acid is long gone after exercise ends. The pain after working out is now considered to be the result of several factors, the most prevalent of which is that muscles tear on a microscopic level when working out. Other causes are muscle spasms, overstretching of muscle and micro-tears in the tissue. Once the muscle or tissue is repaired, the pain usually goes away.
DOMS
Most pain that is experienced during or just after exercise dissipates quickly. Sometimes, however, the pain does not arrive until 24 to 48 hours after lifting weights. This type of pain is known as delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. DOMS has symptoms of soreness, loss of muscle strength, tenderness, swelling and stiffness. If the pain disappears after 72 hours, DOMS was most likely the cause. The cause of DOMS is unclear, but it has been noted that the movement involved in lowering a weight, eccentric movement, largely precipitates DOMS. Concentric exercise, lifting weights, although it produces much more lactic acid, was not found to contribute to DOMS, according to Johndavid Maes and Len Kravitz of the University of New Mexico. Unlike injury due to muscle strain, the pain associated with DOMS still will allow you to continue working out without causing damage.
Considerations
If the pain or soreness lasts more than 72 hours, results in swelling and redness around the affected muscle, or is worse with movement, injury might be involved. Another common cause of muscle pain is the side effect of certain medications. In addition, some autoimmune diseases, such as fibromylagia, have muscles soreness as a symptom, although the pain is accompanied by other symptoms. If there is fever, nausea or vomiting, an infection might be the cause. If you have any of these symptoms, are taking a medication or suspect an underlying disorder, contact a doctor immediately.
Treatments
DOMS can be treated by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain. Massage and soaking in a hot tub also can offer relief to strained muscles. If you are injured, the "RICE" protocol is recommended: Rest, ice, compress and elevate the injured area.. Compression can be done with a bandage or towel to reduce swelling. If possible, see a doctor as soon as you can. For pain that lasts more than 72 hours or has other symptoms, such as fever or nausea, contact a doctor. If you are taking medication of any kind, consult a physician to see if muscle pain is a side effect. They might be able to lower the dosage or prescribe another medication.
Prevention
Most injuries and the pain that results from DOMS occur in those who overextend themselves in a workout, as is the case with a lot of beginners, or in more conditioned athletes working muscles they don't normally exercise, according to the American Council on Exercise. The best way to prevent this is to keep an even pace and proper movement when lifting, avoiding rapid or jerking movements. Stretching before lifting will help keep blood flowing to the muscles and keep them flexible. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise to avoid dehydration.
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