Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It is usually a sign that you have an injury or illness. But it can also signal a more serious problem, like heart disease or a blood clot in your lungs. Some pain is normal, but if you are experiencing pain that lasts a long time or keeps you from doing your daily activities, it’s important to see your doctor. This type of pain is called chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Services refers to pain in the muscles, bones, joints, and tendons that support your limbs and back. This type of pain can result from sudden trauma, repetitive strain, or poor posture. Some common musculoskeletal disorders are osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and tennis elbow [1]. Pain is an unpleasant sensory experience that can be felt in the skin, bones, nerves, or joints. It may feel sharp, throbbing, or burning. It is often described as being “achy,” or “throbbing” [1]. Pain can affect your mood, and it can also cause physical problems.
Symptoms of musculoskeletal pain can include stiffness or lack of movement in your arms and legs; headaches; stomach upset; tingling or numbness in your arm, hand, or leg; fatigue; and sleep disturbance. Some people with musculoskeletal pain have other symptoms that may point to an underlying health problem, such as fever and fatigue; weight loss; a limp; extreme stiffness or immobility in the joints; rashes; and difficulty breathing or swallowing [1].
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor about them. He or she will ask you questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Your provider will check your muscle strength, range of motion, and flexibility; look for swelling or tender points; and ask about your past injuries and activities that might have led to the pain. Your doctor may also want to take a blood sample to check your white blood cell count, which can help identify some causes of musculoskeletal pain.
You can reduce your risk of developing musculoskeletal pain by staying active, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and not smoking. Avoiding stress and depression is also important, as these can make you more sensitive to pain. You should also try to socialize with friends and family as much as possible, since isolation can increase your sensitivity to pain and decrease your overall quality of life.
Depending on the cause of your musculoskeletal pain, treatment options might include medicine, exercise, physical therapy, acupuncture, or lifestyle changes. Primary care doctors treat most musculoskeletal pain, but rheumatologists, orthopedic specialists, and physiotherapists can also be involved in your care. Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, tramadol, and opioids are commonly used to manage musculoskeletal pain. Other pharmacological options include alpha 2 agonists, topical analgesics, NMDA receptor antagonists, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.
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