Understanding Musculoskeletal Pain and Treatment

Musculoskeletal pain relates to discomfort in the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, often requiring management and treatment.
Related products/activities
Application
Musculoskeletal System | Pain Management | Orthopedics | Pain Management Techniques
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Musculoskeletal Pain FAQ


Image credit: aminoco.com

What are the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain?

Your symptoms may vary depending on the cause of your musculoskeletal pain. Common symptoms include: Aching and stiffness. Burning sensations in the muscles. Fatigue. Muscle twitches. Pain that worsens with movement. Sleep disturbances. How is musculoskeletal pain diagnosed?

What is musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal pain is pain that affects: Bones. Joints. Ligaments. Muscles. Tendons. Musculoskeletal pain can be acute, meaning it is sudden and severe. Or the pain can be chronic (long-lasting). You may have localized pain (in one area of your body), or it may affect your entire body. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What causes musculoskeletal pain?

Muscle pain: Muscle spasms, cramps and injuries can all cause muscle pain. Some infections or tumors may also lead to muscle pain. Tendon and ligament pain: Ligaments and tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect your joints and bones. Sprains, strains and overuse injuries can lead to tendon or ligament pain.

Where does musculoskeletal pain come from?

Musculoskeletal pain can include pain felt anywhere in your bones, muscles, ligaments or tendons. The location of the pain, its severity, and how widespread it is depends on what condition or injury you have. The type of pain you experience is related to whether it comes from your bones, muscles or tendons:

How does musculoskeletal pain affect the body?

Musculoskeletal conditions can affect various body parts and systems, such as the nervous system. For example, if your spine is injured, it can put pressure on nerves that run from your spine to your arms and legs. When this happens, you might experience symptoms such as tingling or numbness. What Causes Musculoskeletal Pain?

How do doctors classify musculoskeletal pain?

Doctors have many different formulas for classifying musculoskeletal pain. For example, they might look at whether the pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or joints. A doctor will also consider the type of pain a person is experiencing. The main types of pain include:

Musculoskeletal Pain References

If you want to know more about Musculoskeletal Pain, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

Uncommon Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Explore the lesser-known and uncommon side effects that may arise from testosterone replacement therapy. Share your experiences or concerns about these rare risks.