Why sour muscles hurt more when having a cold

Muscle soreness can feel more intense when you have a cold due to overlapping factors of infection-induced inflammation and muscular strain.

1. Inflammatory Response: When you have a cold, your immune system releases pro-inflammatory cytokines to combat the virus. These same molecules are also involved in muscle repair and inflammation from regular physical activity, leading to an increased perception of soreness 1 2.

2. Fatigue and Recovery: Both the cold and muscle strain can cause generalized fatigue. The body's resources are stretched thin trying to recover from both muscle damage and the viral infection, making muscle soreness more pronounced 3.

   Cold Exposure and Muscle Growth

   Duncan French

   Andrew Huberman

   Duncan and Andrew discuss the influence of cold exposure on muscle growth and recovery. While cold exposure can have a negative impact on muscle hypertrophy, it can be beneficial during competition phases when technical execution is the focus. They also touch on the theme of periodization of cold exposure as a recovery modality.

   

   Huberman Lab

   Dr. Duncan French: How to Exercise for Strength Gains & Hormone Optimization | Huberman Lab #45

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3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: As seen in conditions like long COVID, compromised mitochondrial function can lead to muscle fatigue and pain. Although not directly linked to a common cold, the principle that less efficient energy production exacerbates muscle soreness holds 4.

Understanding these mechanisms can help manage symptoms better, focusing on ample rest and appropriate recovery methods to reduce overall discomfort.