You should see your doctor for:

  • pain that does not go away after a few days of home treatment
  • severe muscle pain if you are unsure of the cause
  • muscle pain that occurs along with a rash
  • muscle pain that occurs after a tick bite
  • myalgia accompanied by redness or swelling
  • pain that occurs soon after a change in the medications you take

The following can be a sign of a medical emergency. Get to the hospital as soon as possible if you experience any of the following along with aching muscles:

  • a sudden onset of water retention and/or a reduction in urine volume
  • difficulty swallowing
  • vomiting and/or running a fever
  • trouble catching your breath
  • stiffness in your neck area
  • muscles that are weak
  • inability to move the affected area of the body