What Activities Can Cause Musculoskeletal Pain?

Most people experience a little pain from time to time. This is normal and usually resolves itself over time or through over-the-counter solutions. However, some kinds of pain won't go away so easily. Musculoskeletal pain refers to distress in the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, and tendons.

It's always better to treat pain in its earliest stages. Board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Dr. Asare Christian and the team at Aether Medicine specialize in the management and treatment of musculoskeletal pain in Wayne, PA. Read on to find out which activities could be causing your discomfort and how our treatment plans help you find relief.

What is a musculoskeletal disorder?

There are countless conditions that can be categorized as musculoskeletal disorders. The most common ones include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and bone fractures. Pain may also result from an overuse injury or work-related accident. While the severity of your condition varies, early diagnosis and treatment are important in easing pain and discomfort in everyday situations.

What kinds of activities cause musculoskeletal injuries?

It's important to be aware of the underlying causes of your discomfort so you know how to avoid it in the future. For example, fractures, sprains, and soft tissue damage are the most obvious causes of musculoskeletal pain, but there can be other sources as well. Patients should be on the lookout for any activities that may have contributed to their injury, such as:

• Working with your hands for a long period of time (e.g., typing, sewing)

• Repetitive motions when playing sports (e.g., swinging a golf club)

• Overuse of your muscles (e.g., sports, exercising)

• Engaging in activities beyond your capability (e.g., reaching for something too high)

• Using improper form when playing a sport or exercising

What are the symptoms of a musculoskeletal disorder?

There are different kinds of musculoskeletal disorders, which means there are also varying symptoms. Pain is the most obvious sign, while others may experience weakness and decreased range of motion in the affected area. Stiffness and decreased range of motion after a sprain or overuse injury are also common. You may have trouble with tasks like climbing the stairs, tying your shoes, and even opening jars.

If you have these symptoms, seek immediate care. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have complications that require more invasive treatments later on.

How can musculoskeletal pain be treated?

Dr. Christian and the specialists at Aether Medicine will review your medical history and perform an examination before making recommendations for musculoskeletal treatment in Wayne, PA. We may offer anti-inflammatory medications and supplements in addition to physical therapy or pain injections. Our team may also suggest special relaxation techniques for fractures, sprains, and overuse injuries.

It's never too late to make minor lifestyle modifications to prevent the recurrence of symptoms. For example, opting for a standing desk can help you avoid excessive strain on your body during the workday. It's also important to get plenty of rest and engage in physical activity within your abilities to maintain healthy muscles and joints.

Learn about physical therapy and more

Now that you know more about musculoskeletal disorders, it's important to be proactive in preventing and treating any discomfort you may have moving forward. Aether Medicine is a leading provider of musculoskeletal pain management. We treat conditions like pain, weakness, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and more through a variety of noninvasive methods like physical therapy. Call Dr. Asare Christian to find out about our innovative approach to pain relief in Wayne, PA.