OVERVIEW OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
Musculoskeletal pain simply means pain in the muscles, ligaments, bones, nerves, and tendons. Musculoskeletal pain is felt in just an area of the body, like the back for example. You can also experience musculoskeletal pain throughout your body if you’re suffering a widespread condition like fibromyalgia.
Musculoskeletal pain ranges from mild to severe. In some cases, it may be so severe that it interferes with your daily life. Musculoskeletal pain may be acute (starts suddenly and doesn’t last for long), in which case it is known as acute pain. On the other hand, the pain may last for quite some time, in some cases 3-6 months. This is referred to as chronic pain.
CAUSES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
Most cases of musculoskeletal pain are due to musculoskeletal disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders affect the ligaments, joints, muscles, and bones directly. The major cause of musculoskeletal pain is an injury.
There are at least 150 musculoskeletal disorders. The common ones include:
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis.
- Sarcopenia (muscle loss)
- Dislocations and fractures
- Scoliosis
SYMPTOMS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
The major symptom is pain in the affected muscle. The pain may be sharp, dull, deep, or stabbing. The intensity of the pain varies, depending on its location. Other symptoms include:
- Soreness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Difficulty sleeping, etc.
TREATMENT FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
Treatment for musculoskeletal pain is offered by primary care doctors and physical therapists at Enchantment Physical Therapy in Gallup, NM.
Treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Types of treatment that may be given include:
- Medications such as acetaminophen, opioids, corticosteroid injections in the pained area, and NSAIDs.
- Hands-on-therapy
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, mineral, vitamin, and herbal supplements.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
Physical therapy at Enchantment Physical Therapy in Gallup, NM helps greatly with relief from musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapists in Gallup, NM are well-trained in body mechanics, and so can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal pain conditions. They help with recovery from strokes or sports injuries. It also covers patients suffering from craniosacral conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic back, and neck pain, among others. Physical therapy encourages physical activity and promotes natural healing.
Visit us today at Enchantment Physical Therapy in Gallup, NM to get quick relief from your musculoskeletal pain.