Bodybuilding & Severe Muscle Soreness

Some muscle soreness after or during a workout is normal, but if it continues after the workout is over, it can be cause for concern. The most common cause of muscle soreness is delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. DOMS doesn't permanently damage the muscles, but it can be painful. In rare cases, an underlying medical disorder can be the cause of the soreness. If the soreness lasts more than seven days, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Soreness that results from DOMS usually peaks 24 to 48 hours after a workout is done and typically dissipates after 72 hours. The soreness from DOMS can last up to seven days in some cases. In addition to soreness, other symptoms can be present, including loss of strength, stiffness, swelling and muscle tenderness. These symptoms don't always show up at the same time as the soreness or each other, and may not present at all.

Causes

Beginning bodybuilders who over-exert themselves are the most common sufferers of DOMS. More seasoned bodybuilders who push past their normal limits or try a new routine working out muscles they don't normally use can also cause DOMS to occur. Although no one is exactly sure what causes DOMS, it is thought to be triggered by micro tears in the muscle that occur as the result of overexertion, according to Julia Valentour of the American Council on Exercise. Eccentric movements --- resistance against lengthening of the muscle --- seem to contribute to DOMS more than concentric movement, which is resistance against muscle contraction. With regards to bodybuilding, this means lowering a weight contributes more to DOMS than lifting it.

Treatment

No treatment has been found to be consistently effective in reducing the soreness from DOMS, but you may find some relief with some of the tested remedies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen may relieve some of the soreness. Lightly massaging the muscles and gently stretching may also help. Soaking in a hot tub can offer temporary relief as well.

Prevention

Unlike treatments for DOMS, precautions taken before working out have been found to consistently reduce the symptoms of DOMS, according to researchers at the University of New Mexico. Warming up the muscles, both generally and specifically, has been found to offer the most benefit. A general warm-up consists of increasing the core temperature of the body by warming up the entire body with exercises such as running, jogging or biking. Specific warm-ups include taking the muscles through the motions of whatever exercise you will be doing, such as imitating the motion of a bicep curl without the weights.

Considerations

DOMS is a common cause of muscle soreness in bodybuilders, but it is not always the source of the problem. Injury can occur, but it is usually isolated to one specific area of the body. Muscle soreness accompanied by other symptoms such as joint pain or fatigue could be the result of an underlying disorder such as fibromyalgia. If you suspect injury or have other symptoms along with the soreness, consult a doctor. If you have a fever, redness and swelling along with the soreness, seek immediate medical attention.