Muscle pain (myalgia) can result from overuse, injury (strains, contusions), tension, inflammation (myositis), infections, medications, or systemic conditions like fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica. Travelers frequently experience muscle pain from increased physical activity, unfamiliar activities like surfing or hiking, poor sleeping conditions, or long periods of sitting during travel. While most muscle pain is self-limiting, medical attention is warranted for severe pain, pain following trauma, weakness accompanying pain, redness/swelling, or fever. Diagnosis involves physical examination, movement assessment, and sometimes blood tests or imaging for underlying conditions. Treatment approaches include the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for acute injuries, NSAIDs or acetaminophen for pain and inflammation, muscle relaxants for spasms, physical therapy techniques, massage therapy, heat therapy for chronic pain, and addressing underlying causes. Mexican healthcare providers often offer more comprehensive physical treatments than typically covered by US insurance, including therapeutic massage, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy at affordable rates. For travelers with recurrent muscle problems, specialists can provide management strategies to prevent pain from disrupting travel plans.

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