Musculoskeletal pain

Musculoskeletal pain is pain or discomfort that affects muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

It can be acute (coming on immediately or very quickly) This could be due to fracture, sprains, and strains. Alternatively, it can be Chronic (lasting longer, usually over 3 months). It can be localised or widespread. It is not necessarily sinister but indicates that the specific tissues or structures involved are complaining.

It can be caused by an injury, repetitive movements, poor posture, sitting long periods/immobility, heavy lifting, or may be post-surgery. Whatever the cause it can have an enormous impact on function and quality of life.

Musculoskeletal pain affects 1 in 4

Musculoskeletal pain affects 1 in 4 of the adult population and accounts for 30% of GP consultations. An individual’s age, occupation, activity levels, lifestyle and family history can all impact on the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal pain.

Symptoms can be varied, with local or diffuse pain, redness, swelling, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, numbness and pins and needles, or loss of joint range of motion.
Any joints or muscles in the body can be affected. At Borders Physio we typically treat Lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine, Foot and ankle problems, Knee, Hip, Hand and wrist, elbow and Shoulder.

Diagnosis

A thorough assessment and physical examination by your GP, Consultant or Physiotherapist.

While many of the more commonly occurring, musculoskeletal problems can be easily diagnosed, through reviewing the patient’s past medical history and the possible mechanism of injury, it is sometimes necessary to resort to more in-depth investigations such as x-ray, CT or MRI scans, and blood tests.

Treatment can involve Physiotherapy, Exercise program, Analgesia, Anti-inflammatory medication, or injections.

Musculoskeletal
Treatments