MUSCLE, BONE, & JOINT PAIN
Chronic pain is characterized by numerous sensations including aching, throbbing, burning and stiffness. Some forms of chronic muscle, bone and joint pain are minor and will go away within a few days or weeks; others are more serious or long term and may require medical intervention. If you have chronic muscle, bone or joint pain that does not subside, it may indicate you have a disease or injury that needs to be treated.
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What causes bone and muscle pain?
Muscle, bone & joint pain usually occurs when there’s an injury that causes direct damage to tissue, such as a tear or sprain. Lack of proper shoes or attire when exercising or running puts unnecessary pressure on muscles, which can easily lead to chronic pain.
Bone pain can also be caused by diseases or complications, such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Leukemia
- An excess or lack of essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphate
- Compound fractures or breaks from accidents or injuries
How do you treat muscle, bone and joint pain?
Physical therapy or light exercise may be recommended for individuals with chronic bone or muscle pain. During therapy, techniques are utilized to prevent bone and muscle atrophy while causing minimal discomfort. These techniques may incorporate a therapist physically moving the legs, arms or neck of an individual or applying pressure to stimulate nerve endings. We may also recommend you spend time in a Whirlpool spa or pool, as it is an easy, buoyant environment in which to work injured bones or muscles.
Chiropractic care and/or massage may be used to repair or promote muscle growth. Techniques such as deep tissue and friction massage provide muscles with increased circulation.
Medication therapy may be recommended to alleviate chronic pain that does not respond to over the counter medications like ibuprofen. There are a variety of prescription painkillers that may be prescribed to aid in pain relief.
Injection therapy may be recommended for pain associated with trigger points. An injection filled with local anesthesia will be applied directly into the sensitive area to relieve pain.
Occasionally, as with fractures or dislocations caused by major injuries from sports or auto accidents, surgery or a cast may be required. If additional treatment is required, we can refer you to a specialist.
How do I prevent muscle, bone and joint pain?
Other than patients who suffer from a disease or are injured in an auto accident, athletes are the most common victims of muscle, bone and joint pain. People who run, bike, swim or play other sports on a regular basis should practice injury prevention strategies. There are several ways to prevent muscle, bone and joint injury and pain, including:
- Stretch before and after exercise to avoid straining muscles
- Wear proper attire at all times to prevent injury. Do not wear shoes that are too small or have insufficient padding.
- Do not physically exert or apply unnecessary pressure to a bone or joint if you are experiencing sharp pain or pain lasting longer than a few minutes.
- For pain associated with inflammation, apply ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables to the area to reduce swelling.