Shooting muscle aches can leave you in constant pain and dependent on others. This pain may result for many reasons, ranging from severe to superficial. Consult with your health-care provider to determine the source of your shooting muscle pain.
Description
More than one muscle may be involved when you experience shooting pain. Ligaments, fascia and tendons are possible contributors to muscle pain. This type of pain is most likely due to overuse, injury or muscle tension from physically demanding work or exercise. Muscle pain usually involves specific muscles and begins during or after activity. Certain infections and disorders that affect the body's connective tissues can cause your muscles to ache. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that leads to muscle tenderness, pain in your soft tissue, fatigue and headaches.
Causes
Injury, including sprains and strains, is the most common cause of shooting muscle ache. Tension, stress or over-use of a muscle may also be the source of pain in the muscle. Medication, such as inhibitors for lowering blood pressure, statins for cholesterol or street drugs, such cocaine, may cause muscle aches. Electrolyte imbalances, Lyme disease, muscle abscesses, roundworm, lupus, rhabdomyolysis and polymositis cause shooting muscle ache.
Back Pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, females are more likely to have back pain than men. Excess weight can cause your back muscles to strain. Other risk factors include smoking, aging, sedentary lifestyle, depression, anxiety and physically demanding work. Back pain often presents as shooting or stabbing, and the pain may seem to travel down your legs. This pain can limit your range of motion in your back or neck. Severe muscle ache in your back can make you unable to stand or walk. Serious medical problems often cause back aches. Seek medical help if your pain is intense, travels down your legs, if you experience numbness or weakness in either or both legs or if the pain is accompanied by bowel or bladder problems.
Treatment
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can assist in treating muscle aches that stem from overuse or injury. Pain and inflammation can be minimized by applying ice for the first 24 to 72 hours after a muscle injury. Heat can be used for a soothing effect after three days.You may benefit from a massage if your pain is from overuse of the muscles or fibromyalgia. Muscle tone can be restored with regular exercise, and a physical therapist can show you how to remain pain-free while stretching and participating in aerobic activity. If your shooting muscle aches are due to a disease, follow your health-care provider's instruction on treating the underlying condition.
