Musculoskeletal pain and its types
in Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
Apr 19, 2022
Bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons can all be affected by musculoskeletal pain. It may be acute (i.e. could have a fast onset along with severe symptoms) or chronic (i.e. long lasting). Musculoskeletal pain could be localized in 1 area or get widespread.
The most common type of musculoskeletal pain is a lower back pain. Other types are myalgia or muscle pain, tendonitis & stress fractures.
Types of musculoskeletal pain
Musculoskeletal pain comprises varying causes and symptoms. Some very common types of the pain are:
- Bone pain– Usually this is penetrating, deep or dull. It most commonly is a result of the injury. It is important to ensure that a pain isn’t linked with a fracture or a tumor.
- Muscle pain– It is usually not as intense as bone pain, however, it may debilitate. Muscle pain could be a result of an injury, infection, an autoimmune reaction, loss of blood flow to muscle or This pain may also include cramps and muscle spasms
- Ligament and tendon pain– Pain in ligaments or tendons are usually a result of injuries including sprains. This kind of musculoskeletal pain usually gets worse if the affected part is moved or stretched.
- Fibromyalgia– This condition can lead to pain in muscles, ligaments or tendons. The pain is generally in several locations & could be tough to describe. Fibromyalgia is generally accompanied by some other symptoms also.
- Joint pain– Joint injuries & diseases generally make an aching, stiff arthritic pain. The pain can vary from mild to severe & could worsen during joint movement. The joints could get swollen too. Arthritis or joint inflammation is a common reason of pain.
- Tunnel syndromes– This refers to the musculoskeletal disorders which result in pain because of nerve compression. The disorders comprise of cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome & tarsal tunnel syndrome. The pain inclines to spread across the path supplied by nerve & may give a burning sensation. These disorders are usually a result of overuse.