Understanding Musculoskeletal Pain

Understanding Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain affects a person’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. There is a wide variety of causes of musculoskeletal pain and it can affect any part of the body. Pain may be caused due to injury, trauma, or normal wear and tear to the area. Because there is such a wide range of musculoskeletal pain, there are a variety of different symptoms a person could experience and thus a variety of different treatments used to help people suffering from musculoskeletal pain. Once musculoskeletal pain is properly diagnosed, it can then be treated to improve a patient’s quality of life.

           Many people who experience musculoskeletal pain express feelings of ache throughout the body. They may experience pain, fatigue, and chronic sleep disturbances. Some patients experience the symptoms very quickly, which others notice the symptoms develop over time. Pain may also be specific to one area of the body or widespread and felt throughout the entire body. 

           Musculoskeletal pain is not reserved for people of a certain age. In fact, everyone can experience musculoskeletal pain. Car accidents, falls, fractures, dislocations, or direct trauma to a muscle can be causes of musculoskeletal pain. Many people who suffer from this kind of pain will notice the pain worsens with activity, they may feel stiffness throughout the body, and they may even notice twitching muscles. Many patients experience fatigue because the pain takes such a heavy toll on the body. 

           Typically this kind of pain is diagnosed by a physician through taking a patient history and conducting a series of tests. Doctors may order blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. These tests can help a doctor determine whether or not musculoskeletal pain is present, and what parts of the body it is affecting. Once the pain has been accurately diagnosed, it is time to move on to treatment.

           Visiting a pain specialist can be very helpful for patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain. Treatment always depends on the location of the pain. Initially, conservative methods will be used. This may involve exercise, physical therapy, and medication. However, if these methods do not help, more invasive procedures may be done. Injections of anti-inflammatories can help bring down swelling and thus, reduce pain felt by the patient. Other minimally invasive procedures can also help depending on the underlying problem. Regardless of the treatment method, visiting a pain management specialist is key to ensuring you have the best treatment plan possible.

           Musculoskeletal pain is difficult to deal with and can be very frustrating. Many patients try a plethora of treatments without seeing any improvement. This can be very disheartening over time. For this reason, if you or a loved one is experiencing musculoskeletal pain, it is highly recommended you visit a pain medicine specialist. These specialists are able to accurately identify and diagnose the underlying cause of your pain. This allows these physicians to then create a successful treatment plan with unique methodologies. Musculoskeletal pain is a difficult diagnosis for the patient, but you do not have to live in pain forever.