What is Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain refers to aches and pains in your bones, joints, muscles, and the tissues that surround them. This pain can occur in any part of the body. It can last for a short time (acute) or a long time (chronic).

A physical exam, lab tests, and imaging studies may be done to find the cause of your musculoskeletal pain.

Follow these instructions at home:

Lifestyle

• Try to control or lower your stress levels. Stress increases muscle tension and can worsen musculoskeletal pain. It is important to recognize when you are anxious or stressed and learn ways to manage it. This may include:
  • Meditation or yoga.
  • Cognitive or behavioral therapy.
  • Acupuncture or massage therapy.
• You may continue all activities unless the activities cause more pain. When the pain gets better, slowly resume your normal activities. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities or exercise.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• When your pain is severe, bed rest may be helpful. Lie or sit in any position that is comfortable, but get out of bed and walk around at least every couple of hours.
• If directed, apply heat to the affected area as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
• If directed, put ice on the painful area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

General instructions

• Your health care provider may recommend that you see a physical therapist. This person can help you come up with a safe exercise program. Do any exercises as told by your physical therapist.
• Keep all follow-up visits, including any physical therapy visits, as told by your health care providers. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your pain gets worse.
• Medicines do not help ease your pain.
• You cannot use the part of your body that hurts, such as your arm, leg, or neck.
• You have trouble sleeping.
• You have trouble doing your normal activities.

Get help right away if:

• You have a new injury and your pain is worse or different.
• You feel numb or you have tingling in the painful area.

Summary

• Musculoskeletal pain refers to aches and pains in your bones, joints, muscles, and the tissues that surround them.
• This pain can occur in any part of the body.
• Your health care provider may recommend that you see a physical therapist. This person can help you come up with a safe exercise program. Do any exercises as told by your physical therapist.
• Lower your stress level. Stress can worsen musculoskeletal pain. Ways to lower stress may include meditation, yoga, cognitive or behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.