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What are the most effective treatments for myalgia?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 19-year-old female. I experience pain in the upper left side of my back whenever I breathe. The pain persists even when I am not breathing. However, I do not feel any pain when I cough or sneeze.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You are experiencing back pain when you breathe, but not when you cough or sneeze. The pain seems localized to the upper back on one side. Based on your age and symptoms, this may be myalgia (muscle pain). I recommend taking a muscle relaxant such as Thiocolchicoside twice daily for a couple of days. If the pain is severe, you may take Paracetamol or Aceclofenac in addition to the muscle relaxant. Take Aceclofenac with food and take an antacid (such as Ranitidine or Pantoprazole) before meals.

Ensure you get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities. It is advisable to refrain from driving, sitting for long periods, or using smartphones while lying down. Perform hot fomentation, and apply a pain relief balm or gel (such as Diclofenac ointment) to the affected area. A hot bath can also help, especially if you pour hot water over the painful area. Avoid cold foods and drinks, and refrain from smoking. If these measures do not alleviate the pain or if it worsens, consider getting a chest X-ray and an ECG (electrocardiogram) to rule out pulmonary and heart-related conditions, respectively.

Please answer a few questions so I can guide you properly:

  1. Describe the nature of the pain. Is it shooting, pinching, or dull aching?
  2. Is the pain intermittent or continuous?
  3. Does the pain occur during a specific activity?
  4. Please provide details about your habits.
  5. Do you experience pain anywhere other than the upper back, such as in your throat, neck, or chest?
  6. Have you had a fever or a cold recently? If so, did you notice if phlegm came out when you coughed?
  7. Please describe your sleeping posture and let me know if you have recently changed your resting position or mattress.

Consult your doctor immediately if the pain worsens or if you experience associated symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, or weakness.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 11, 2015
Reviewed AtAugust 16, 2024

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