Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain is a condition that many individuals experience at some point in their lives. It refers to discomfort or pain that affects the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, or other structures that support the body.

Types of Musculoskeletal Pain

Understanding the different types of musculoskeletal pain, along with their descriptions and treatment options, can help individuals seek appropriate care and find relief.

Muscle Pain: Muscle pain, or myalgia, refers to discomfort or soreness in the muscles. It can result from overexertion, muscle tension, or injury.

Treatment options may include:

• Resting the affected muscles and avoiding strenuous activities
• Applying heat or cold packs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
• Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs for temporary relief

Tendon and Ligament Pain: Tendonitis and ligament injuries can cause pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion. These conditions often result from repetitive motions, overuse, or sudden trauma.

Treatment options may include:

• Resting and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain
• Applying ice or cold therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
• Pain medications or topical creams for temporary relief
• In severe cases, surgical repair or reconstruction of the damaged tendon or ligament may be necessary

Joint Pain: Joint pain involves discomfort in the joints, which are the connections between bones. It can be caused by conditions such as arthritis, injury, or inflammation, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the two most common types.

Treatment options may include:

• Applying heat or cold therapy to alleviate pain and reduce swelling
• Engaging in low-impact exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints and improve joint flexibility
• Medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Physical therapy to improve joint mobility, strength, and function
• In severe cases, joint injections or surgical interventions may be necessary

Bone Pain: Bone pain is typically associated with fractures, bone infections, or bone cancer.

Treatment options may include:

• Immobilizing the affected area with casts, braces, or splints to promote healing
• Prescription pain medications for managing severe bone pain
• Addressing the underlying cause, such as treating infections or cancer-related bone pain
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and mobility after bone fractures or injuries

Nerve Pain: Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, occurs when nerves are damaged or irritated. It can manifest as sharp, shooting, or burning pain, often radiating along the affected nerve pathway.

Treatment options may include:

• Medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or pain relievers specifically designed for nerve pain
• Physical therapy or occupational therapy to improve nerve function and reduce pain
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, which uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain
• Nerve blocks or injections to target specific areas and provide temporary pain relief
• Complementary therapies like acupuncture or meditation to manage nerve pain

Treatment for musculoskeletal pain will depend on the underlying cause, severity of the pain, and your individual circumstances. Consulting with your healthcare professional at SMC Physicians is essential for an accurate diagnosis and the development of a customized treatment plan.

Take the first step towards finding relief from musculoskeletal pain by scheduling an appointment with the Rheumatology team at SMC Physicians. Our experts will provide an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, helping you regain comfort and improve your quality of life. Don’t let musculoskeletal pain hold you back—book your appointment today.

We provide ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis (joint injections) of both steroids and gel injections such as Orthovisc and Synvisc.

We offer a state-of-the art private infusion center at each location, offering the following medications and more:

235 East Jimmie Leeds Road Galloway, NJ 08205

Hours:
Tuesday: 8:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm

108 N. Main Street, Suite # 1, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm

51 Haddonfield Rd, Suite 160, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm
Friday: 8:30am-4pm

442 Commons Way, Unit D, Toms River, NJ 08755

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm
Friday: 8:30am-4pm