Learn how to identify and differentiate each type of pain

Migraine, muscle tension, chest pain, heart attack, back and spine pain. All these and many other pains can be easily confused by those who feel them. Therefore, it is possible that the similarity causes the person to neglect or minimize the problem. Soon, you end up not looking at issues that are much easier to resolve. This is the case with muscle pain, which may have signs similar to the pain of a heart attack, for example.

Clinical physiotherapist Cadu Ramos, specialist in Physiotherapy and Traumatology at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), teaches how to identify whether the pain is of muscular or if it could indicate something more serious. “The body is an interconnected muscular chain that easily radiates pain from one place to another; and that’s why you have pain that you just need to stretch and loosen the muscles and, in a matter of a few hours, you already have the pain, and others that deserve longer treatment, ”he says.

Check out some practical examples indicated by the specialist and how to differentiate the types of pain:

Headache or muscle tension

The constant headache can feel like a migraine. However, in fact, it may just be a contraction of the muscles, which forms the tension nodules in the cervical region, in the neck, radiating to the head.

Chest pain or heart attack

Chest pain caused by muscle injuries that appear as a result of the practice of some physical activity, most of the time, can appear after simple activities, such as coughing a lot or picking up heavy objects. However, if it causes a feeling of grippressure, burning and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sweating, pallor and dizziness, then, yes, it can be a sign of a heart attack.

Back pain or spine pain

the pain in back It is caused by tension or muscle injuries that may have been caused by repetitive work or that required very intense physical effort. Symptoms can involve spasms, feeling tired, fatigue and painful reactions that can disrupt some activities throughout the day.

the pain in column, in turn, is related to bone problems, such as degenerative changes in intervertebral discs or joints, problems in the vertebrae, deviations from the normal axes of the spine, disc herniation, arthrosis, among other diseases. These symptoms are even stronger, as the pain can radiate to other areas of the body, such as legs, arms, buttocks, etc.

In some cases, back pain can be considered disabling, causing loss of sensitivity and a burning/tingling sensation in the region. “Muscle pain can be recognized by the great irritation in the place where it is occurring. This results in the limitation of the movements made by the person, since, when moving, it gets worse”, warns the specialist.

Some signs that can help identify muscle pain:

• Pain with a stinging, tingling, itching, stabbing or burning sensation;
• Rigidity, which causes discomfort and/or difficulty when performing certain movements;
• Numbness or tingling sensation;
• Spasms;
• Swelling.

Even with so many differences, Cadu Ramos also states that muscle pain can be a sign of some other disease. So it’s important to stay tuned and see a doctor.

By Mayra Barreto Cinel