Because of the way that your skeletomuscular system works, it can be hard to ascertain whether the pain you sometimes feel is coming from your skeleton or your muscles. After all, your muscles are intricately wrapped around your bones, and your joints are held together with soft tissues like tendons and ligaments. Discerning the cause of the pain can seem impossible. Fortunately, there are a few specific ways in which muscle and bone pain differ. Knowing the origin of your pain can go a long way toward helping your doctor come to a diagnosis.
Bone Pain vs. Muscle Pain
When experiencing pain, it’s important to identify where it’s coming from so you can get the appropriate treatment and alleviate your discomfort effectively. Two common sources of pain are bones and muscles, each with distinct characteristics and underlying causes. Understanding the difference between bone vs. muscle pain can help in diagnosing the problem accurately and ensuring proper care.
Bone Pain Characteristics
Bone pain is often described as a deep, penetrating, or dull discomfort within a bone. While this is largely a set of subjective terms, in general, bone pain is reported as being “deeper” or more intense than muscle pain. Bone pain can also feel much more debilitating: consider the differences between a strained ankle versus a broken ankle. The broken ankle will feel sharper, and the associated pain will be much more difficult to mute with over-the-counter painkillers. Bone pain will also be apparent even at rest, unlike muscle pain.
Common Causes of Bone Pain
Bone pain can occur because of various conditions and situations, each with distinct symptoms. Below is an overview of some common causes of bone pain and their associated symptoms.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by increasing porousness of the bones throughout the body. As your bones lose density and mass and thus become more porous, they are less able to support the rest of your body, and you will experience pain. Research states that half of all white women over the age of 50 will break a bone for reasons related to osteoporosis. This disease is difficult to spot because there are no symptoms. Many people do not realize they have osteoporosis until they experience a fracture. However, there are some early signs to look out for, including stooped posture, height loss, severe back pain, and a tendency to fall. A fall can be particularly dangerous for a person with osteoporosis, and many people end up needing surgery for hip, knee, and other replacements.
Bone Fractures
A fracture is when your bones break or crack. This can happen to any of the bones in your body, from the very smallest to the largest and strongest. There are different kinds of fractures depending on what they look like and their impact on the body.
- Stress fracture: Caused by repetition, overuse, or undue stress.
- Non-displaced: Partially broken or cracked bone, does not separate
- Displaced: The bone breaks or cracks and the bones separate either partially or completely
- Open: The broken bone causes protrusion and breaks the skin
- Closed: The broken bone remains contained by the skin
- Avulsion fracture: Chips in the bone, caused by tendon pulling away
Most people notice bruising or swelling in the area of their injury. They may have heard a sound like a snap during the incident that caused the break, and the area may be very tender or painful. However, sometimes people break bones and do not realize it for several days. If you recently experienced any form of fall or other physical trauma, it’s a good idea to contact a doctor in order to rule out the possibility of a fracture by completing an exam and probably an x-ray.
Bone Bruising
A bone bruise, or bone contusion, occurs when there is an injury to the bone without a full fracture. Bone bruising is typically the result of a direct impact or trauma that causes the blood vessels within the bone to rupture, leading to bleeding and swelling inside the bone. This internal bleeding can create a hematoma, which puts pressure on the bone’s outer layer, causing pain.
Bone bruises are common in high-impact sports, accidents, and falls. The severity of a bone bruise can vary, and it can take weeks to months to heal, depending on the extent of the injury and the bone involved. Athletes involved in contact sports such as football, basketball, or hockey are at a higher risk of sustaining bone bruises due to collisions and falls. Accidental falls, especially from a height, can lead to bone bruises. The impact of hitting a hard surface can also compress the bone, causing internal bleeding and bone bruising.
Bone Cancer
There are multiple forms of bone cancer, or cancer that begins in the cells of the bone, that can cause undue pain. Some of the most common are leukemia, osteosarcoma, multiple myeloma, chondrosarcoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These cancers rarely appear in older adults, and cancers like osteosarcoma are most common in people aged ten to thirty. Some symptoms to look out for include:
- A dull, deep, achy pain that appears in any area where there are bones
- Unexplained swelling or inflammation
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue that gets gradually worse, as it tends to do when cancer begins to spread to other parts of your body
The treatment for bone cancer depends on the nature of your cancer and the extent to which it has advanced within your body. Many times, it can be removed through surgery, but you may also need to combine several other therapies, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and other targeted interventions.
Common Causes of Muscle Pain
You are more likely to experience muscle pain than bone pain, and muscle injuries account for up to 55% of all sports injuries every year. Another word for muscle pain is myalgia, and it is an umbrella term for all the other tissues along with muscles, including tendons and ligaments. Muscle pain can occur for a number of reasons.
Muscle Strain
One of the most common reasons for muscle pain is a strain. Strains refer to damage to the soft tissue around the bone, including the muscle and the tendon, and differ from sprains in that sprains usually involve the ligament. Strains are common for athletes and those whose work includes frequent repetitive movements, like people who lift very heavy boxes all day. They can occur very quickly, like in the case of an injury, or they may appear gradually. When muscle strains do reveal themselves, you may also experience swelling, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness. The best treatment for muscle strain is the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Muscle Tears
A muscle tear is a more severe form of muscle injury than a strained muscle, where the muscle fibers are partially or completely torn. Muscle tears are categorized into three grades based on the severity.
- Grade I (Mild): A small number of muscle fibers are torn.
- Grade II (Moderate): A significant number of muscle fibers are torn, but the muscle is not completely ruptured.
- Grade III (Severe): The muscle is completely torn or ruptured.
Muscle tears can occur due to high-impact activities, such as those involving excessive force or impact. Accidents, such as direct blows, falls, or collisions, can also cause severe muscle tears. Overexertion, where excessive force is exerted beyond the muscle’s capacity, is another common cause.
The symptoms of muscle tears are often immediate and severe. The pain is sharp and intense, and the affected area may swell rapidly and extensively. Bruising is common if there is internal bleeding involved. Muscle strength is significantly reduced, and you experience an inability to use the muscle. In the case of a complete muscle tear, a palpable gap in the muscle may be felt.
Fibromyalgia
This misunderstood disorder causes pain – myalgia, or muscle pain – all over the body. It is most often diagnosed in women–so much so that some research shows that 90% of fibromyalgia patients are women. The pain is usually unexplained. Chronic fatigue and headaches are another frequent symptom of this disorder. Although there is no cure for this disorder, pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications as well as other therapies, like chiropractic treatment for headaches.
Autoimmune Diseases
This group of conditions manifests in different ways, but all are the results of an individual’s overactive immune system, which generates immunity cells that attack their own bodies, including their organs and muscles. Muscle pain, sensitivity to touch, chronic fatigue or increased fatigue with exertion, and muscle weakness are some of the many possible symptoms.
Key Differences Between Bone and Muscle Pain
- Nature of the Pain: Bone pain is often deep and penetrating, whereas muscle pain tends to be more localized and achier.
- Duration and Persistence: Bone pain is typically constant and can persist without relief, while muscle pain may come and go, often relieved with rest and proper care.
- Associated Symptoms: Bone pain may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and a limited range of motion. In contrast, muscle pain might include muscle stiffness, cramps, and weakness.
- Response to Treatment: Bone pain may require more intensive treatments, including medications, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Muscle pain often responds well to rest, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications.
Treating Bone Pain vs. Muscle Pain
Effectively treating bone pain and muscle pain requires a clear understanding of their distinct characteristics and causes. While both types of pain can significantly impact daily life, the approach to treatment varies based on the source of the pain. Let’s explore the different strategies for managing and alleviating bone pain versus muscle pain.
Bone Pain Treatment
Bone pain can be severe and persistent, often requiring a multifaceted approach for effective management. Treatment strategies for bone pain depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe bone pain, doctors may prescribe stronger medications.
Physical therapy can help restore mobility and strength from the cause of your bone pain, like after fractures or surgeries. Exercises tailored to your specific condition will enhance your recovery and reduce pain. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat bone pain. Surgical procedures help to stabilize and repair fractured bones using methods such as internal fixation with plates, screws, or rods. In cases of severe joint damage, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and improve function.
In addition to treatment, your doctor may also recommend lifestyle modifications to help reduce your pain and discomfort while you heal and beyond. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related pain. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on bones and joints, particularly in weight-bearing areas like the hips and knees.
Muscle Pain Treatment
Muscle pain, or myalgia, is typically less severe than bone pain and often responds well to conservative treatments. The approach to managing muscle pain includes several key strategies, including rest and recovery. Allowing the affected muscles to rest and recover is crucial. Avoid activities that can exacerbate the pain. Gradually resuming physical activities helps prevent re-injury and promotes healing with strains and tears. Applying ice packs to the affected area can also reduce inflammation and numb pain, especially in the first 48 hours after an injury. After the initial inflammation has subsided, applying heat can help relax muscles and improve blood flow, providing muscle pain relief.
When dealing with muscle pain, your doctor may also recommend certain pain medications or topical analgesics while you go through treatment. OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage muscle pain and reduce inflammation. There are also creams and gels containing menthol or capsaicin that can provide localized pain relief.
Additional treatment options and techniques can include chiropractic care, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Your Atlanta chiropractor or physical therapist may recommend specific stretching exercises that can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises can also help prevent future muscle injuries and improve overall muscle health.
Therapeutic massage can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and alleviate pain, and staying well-hydrated helps maintain muscle function and prevent cramps. Plus, a diet rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, supports muscle health and recovery.
Learn More About the Difference Between Bone and Muscle Pain at AICA Atlanta
While bone pain and muscle pain can both be debilitating, their treatments differ significantly based on the underlying causes and type of pain and other symptoms you experience. Bone pain often requires more intensive medical interventions, including medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, whereas muscle pain typically responds well to rest, conservative treatments, and lifestyle modifications. Understanding these differences between bone and muscle pain is crucial for effective pain management and recovery. If you experience persistent or severe pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Our team at AICA Atlanta is available to help you get to the root cause of bone pain vs. muscle pain and plan your next steps for optimal healing.