What Is Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Services is made up of the bones, muscles and other connective tissues that support your body, protect internal organs and provide the means for movement. Pain in this system may be caused by injury, overuse, aging, poor posture or illness and can range from mild to debilitating. It can be felt in a single area, such as your back or knee, or in the whole body if you have a widespread condition like fibromyalgia. Pain may last for a short time or be chronic (long-lasting) and can be triggered by certain activities or flare up spontaneously.

What is the meaning of ‘Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain’?

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is defined as the presence of ongoing pain for 3 to 6 months, which impacts quality of life and may have serious consequences on overall health. This type of pain is different from acute pain, which comes on suddenly and is caused by an injury or illness. It can also be called neuropathic pain, which is caused by damage to nerves or other parts of the nervous system.

There are many types of chronic musculoskeletal pain, including joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances and depression. In some cases, underlying conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis can cause musculoskeletal pain. Often, these conditions are difficult to diagnose and treat, but it is important to know how your pain is affecting you so that the correct treatment can be provided.

Whether you have mild or severe musculoskeletal pain, it is important to talk with your doctor. You will want to let them know how the pain affects your daily life and how it is triggered. You will also want to ask about treatment options, such as medications and physical therapy.

A large-scale telephone survey found that 19% of people in 15 European countries and Israel reported moderate to severe chronic musculoskeletal pain, significantly impacting their quality of life. The survey also found that these pains are associated with reduced physical activity, increased frailty and depression, and enormous economic costs for societies.

Symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain include swelling, redness and tenderness in the affected area. It is usually a sharp or dull pain that can be mild to debilitating. Affected joints will often make clicking or popping sounds. It is also common for the pain to feel worse after a long period of inactivity and to improve when you begin moving again.

You can help manage your musculoskeletal pain by taking good care of yourself, getting enough rest and staying physically active. You can also find support by talking with others, such as in a support group for those who are living with chronic pain or with a mental health professional. This can help reduce stress and improve your outlook on your pain, making it easier to cope with it. It is also a good idea to avoid stress-provoking activities, such as smoking or eating unhealthy foods. These can increase your sensitivity to pain and make the discomfort feel more intense.