Pain in the bones and muscles can be caused by injury, overuse or disease. It can be localized in one area, such as your back or it may spread throughout the body with a condition like fibromyalgia. It can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and is short-lived or chronic, lasting more than 3 to 6 months.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Services is unpleasant. It is a sensation that lets us know that something in our body is wrong, and usually that means we’ve been injured or are sick. But sometimes the pain is so bad, it prevents us from living our lives as we should and can lead to depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping and a host of other issues. When this happens, it is called chronic musculoskeletal pain and can be debilitating.
The 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) defined musculoskeletal pain as “chronic pain arising from musculoskeletal structures such as bone and joint” [2]. In addition to describing how this type of pain is diagnosed, it also notes that this kind of pain is associated with significant emotional distress and disability.
This is the only type of pain that is both classified as a physical problem and a mental health disorder. The pain can be a symptom of a range of other problems, including digestive disorders like acid reflux and inflammation; heart conditions such as coronary artery disease and high blood pressure; and lung problems such as chest pain from costochondritis.
A doctor can diagnose this type of pain by performing a complete physical exam and taking a medical history. They will evaluate your child’s level of pain, checking for swelling and tender points; asking about past injuries and activities that could have triggered the pain; looking at x-rays or scans of the affected area; and noticing coexisting symptoms that may suggest the presence of a systemic illness that is causing the musculoskeletal pain.
If the underlying cause is an injury or overuse, the doctor might prescribe rest, ice packs and exercise under the guidance of a physical therapist. If the underlying cause is due to an arthritis or other disease, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed, along with injections into the area for pain relief.
Stress can make pain worse and contribute to its chronicity. Talking to a counselor or psychologist can help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of chronic pain. Support groups can also be helpful for people who struggle with this condition and can provide a sense of community as well as practical tips for managing pain. In addition, eating well and getting plenty of sleep can help reduce the effects of stress and improve your ability to manage your pain. A primary care doctor is usually the main provider of musculoskeletal pain treatments. But other specialists, such as rheumatologists and osteopaths, can also be involved in your care. In addition, there are many self-care options that you can try, such as learning to relax and doing regular enjoyable exercise.
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