Myalgia
Myalgia is pain, aching and stiffness affecting one or more groups of muscles. It is a feature of many viral infections such as those that cause flu or flu-like illness, where muscle aching maybe prolonged. It is a specific part of infection with a virus called coxsachie B which causes one-sided chest pain affecting young adults. This was first described in a town in Denmark called Bornholm, and is called Bornholm disease or epidemic myalgia. Usually the muscle pain associated with viral infection resolves as the infection resolves, though with flu symptoms may linger for many months.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is inflammation of a number of muscle groups - particularly those of the shoulder and thigh - causing aching and stiffness, usually in older women. It may be associated with inflammation of the arteries in the scalp and elsewhere (called giant cell arteritis - see heart and blood vessel section in the chest cavity) and may need to be treated with steroids in order to prevent the development of blindness (and also to make the patient feel better). Treatment may be necessary for a prolonged period.
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