Cold Sensations After Muscle Strain: Causes and Solutions

The sensation of feeling cold?

Hello, doctor.
Two years ago, after trying a rather intense massage in Singapore, I returned to Taiwan the next day with muscle soreness all over and experienced fever and chills.
Yesterday, after participating in an event where I lifted heavy items, I felt significant soreness in my left shoulder and a slight tension headache near my temple.
Later, I felt a bit chilly and had a sensation of impending fever.
After resting for a while, I felt much better, but still quite fatigued.
Fortunately, after a good night's sleep, I felt fine (and did not have a fever).
A friend mentioned that she often experiences inflammation if she strains her muscles, and in severe cases, it can also lead to fever and chills.
Is this correct? Although my experience has only been twice, it has never felt like a cold; both instances occurred after my muscles were very fatigued, followed by chills or fever, and I felt better after resting for a night.
Additionally, I would like to ask about the changes in my neck and back after having a child.
I often feel that the muscles in my upper back have thickened, possibly due to the posture of carrying my child, which tends to cause a hunched back.
If I start to carry my child less and focus on improving my posture, will my back become less bulky? Thank you.

Wendy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/07

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

Muscle strains can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, and if the condition worsens, it may lead to systemic discomfort, such as fever and chills.
However, unless the condition is severe enough to cause complications like rhabdomyolysis, most cases can be managed with adequate rest and hydration.
The shoulder and neck areas are particularly susceptible to postural influences that can lead to changes in appearance.
Whether sitting or standing, it is important to maintain an upright posture with the head held high and the chin naturally tucked in.
This not only helps maintain body alignment but also prevents spinal degeneration and related disorders.

Reply Date: 2019/10/07

More Info

Experiencing cold sensations and muscle pain after physical exertion, such as heavy lifting or intense massage, can indeed be related. When you engage in strenuous activities, your muscles undergo stress and microtrauma, which can lead to inflammation. This inflammatory response can trigger various systemic symptoms, including fever and chills, as your body reacts to the perceived injury.

The phenomenon you described, where you felt muscle soreness, chills, and a sensation of impending fever after heavy lifting or intense massage, aligns with what is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS typically occurs after unusual or intense exercise, and it can manifest as muscle stiffness, tenderness, and sometimes systemic symptoms like mild fever or chills. This is due to the release of inflammatory mediators in response to muscle damage, which can affect your overall sense of well-being.

Your friend's observation that muscle strains can lead to inflammation, and in severe cases, fever and chills, is correct. While it's uncommon for mild muscle strains to cause significant systemic symptoms, the body’s inflammatory response can vary from person to person. If the inflammation is significant, it can lead to a condition known as rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown releases myoglobin into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney damage and other serious complications. However, this is typically associated with extreme exertion or injury.

In your case, it seems that your symptoms resolved with rest, which is a positive sign. Adequate rest, hydration, and gentle stretching can help alleviate muscle soreness and promote recovery. If symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Regarding your concern about the changes in your neck and back after having a child, it is common for new parents to experience postural changes due to the physical demands of carrying and holding a baby. Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over while holding a child, can lead to muscle imbalances and changes in muscle tone, making certain areas appear thicker or more developed.

To address this, focusing on improving your posture is essential. Engaging in exercises that strengthen the upper back and neck muscles while promoting proper alignment can help counteract the effects of poor posture. Activities such as yoga, Pilates, or specific strength training exercises targeting the back and shoulders can be beneficial. Additionally, being mindful of your posture while carrying your child—keeping your shoulders back and your chest open—can help reduce strain on your neck and upper back.

In summary, the cold sensations and muscle pain you experienced are likely related to the inflammatory response following muscle strain. Rest and hydration are key to recovery. For your postural concerns, incorporating exercises to strengthen your back and improve your posture can help alleviate the feeling of thickness in your neck and back. If you have ongoing concerns or if symptoms persist, seeking advice from a healthcare professional or physical therapist would be beneficial.

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