Musculoskeletal pain is pain in the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. It can affect your whole body or one part of your body.
Musculoskeletal pain can be caused by an injury or other damage that affects the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or other body parts. Musculoskeletal pain can be acute, meaning it is sudden and severe, or it can be chronic or long-lasting. Conditions like arthritis can cause chronic musculoskeletal pain. You may have localized pain (in one area of your body), or it may affect your entire body.
If musculoskeletal pain affects the way you do your daily activities, consult with a healthcare provider. The proper treatment can help ease the pain.
In this post, your trusted primary care physician in Tyrone, GA, shares what you need to know about musculoskeletal pain:
Different Types of Musculoskeletal Pain
Joint Pain
Joint pain affects your joints, including your knees, elbows, ankles, and hips. Joint pain can be caused by an injury or overuse of the joint. You may notice that you feel pain in or around your joint when moving your body in certain ways.
Muscle Pain
Your muscles can become strained or injured when you overuse them. Muscle pain can cause your muscles to tense up. You may feel pain when you move your muscles, or you may feel pain when your muscles are at rest.
Tendon Pain
Tendon pain can occur in any tendon, which connects muscle to bone. Tendons are the tough cords that connect muscles to your bones or other muscles. Tiny, fluid-filled sacs surround tendons. When you overuse your tendon, the fluid-filled sacs can burst, causing pain.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve — the large nerve in your lower back — is pinched in your hip or buttock. The pain from sciatica usually passes from the lower back down one leg.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain can occur when a nerve in your body is pinched, bruised, or injured. Injury to a nerve can occur in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.
Repetitive Stress Injury
Repetitive stress injuries can occur when you overuse a muscle or tendon for a long time.
Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain can be mild or severe. You may have pain that lasts for a short time or pain that lasts a long time and interferes with your daily activities.
Symptoms of acute musculoskeletal pain include:
- Sudden and severe pain
- Pain that increases with movement
- Symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain include:
- Pain that is present for a long time
- Pain that interferes with your daily activities
Tests and Diagnosis
Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider will ask you about your health history and do a physical exam. During the physical exam, your healthcare provider may use the following tests to help diagnose your problem:
- Imaging tests. These tests use X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging devices to help your healthcare provider see your muscles, tendons, and bones.
- Electromyography (EMG). This test checks the electrical activity in your muscles when they contract and when they are at rest. An EMG is used to help diagnose muscle, nerve, and muscle and nerve root problems.
- Bone scan. This test is used to measure the amount of radioactive tracer (a special dye) in the bones of your body. This test is used to check for bone infections and tumors in your bones.
- Blood tests. These tests measure the amount of certain substances in your blood, such as inflammation in your body and your joints.
Conclusion
Musculoskeletal pain can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or as the result of age-related changes. But, no matter the cause, it can be debilitating and interfere with your ability to complete daily activities. That is why it is essential to see your trusted primary care physician in Tyrone, GA, to determine the cause and best treatment for your musculoskeletal pain.
HealthSprings Direct offers you the services of a trusted direct care physician in Tyrone, GA. Schedule a consultation today and get relief from your musculoskeletal pain!