How to Treat Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain, whether it’s caused by injury, overuse or chronic conditions like arthritis, can significantly impact your quality of life and mobility. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help alleviate musculoskeletal pain.
The first step in treating musculoskeletal pain is to seek a thorough evaluation at your doctor’s office. They’ll review your symptoms, medical history and any underlying conditions that may be related. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, assess your range of motion and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests to determine the cause and severity of your pain. From there, treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Medication to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, corticosteroids or pain relievers may be recommended to manage pain and improve mobility.
- Physical therapy that focuses on exercises, stretches and manual techniques to improve strength, flexibility and function. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist who will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals.
- Injections to provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation. Common types of injections for musculoskeletal pain include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections for joint pain and trigger point injections for muscle pain.
- Bracing or splinting,depending on the location and severity of your musculoskeletal pain. Braces, splints or orthotic devices can support and stabilize affected joints or muscles while preventing further damage.
- Other minimally invasive procedures for when conservative treatments were ineffective. These procedures, such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation or platelet-rich plasma therapy, target specific areas of pain and promote healing and regeneration.
- Surgery may be necessary to address underlying structural problems or recurrent injuries. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery in order to help you make an informed decision about whether surgery is the right option for you.
- Lifestyle modifications can prevent future flare-ups. Strategies such as weight management, ergonomic adjustments, activity modification and stress management techniques can help improve your overall health and well-being.
By working closely with your doctor and following their recommendations, you can find relief from musculoskeletal pain and get back to enjoying life to the fullest. Don’t let musculoskeletal pain hold you back; call Westgate Family Physicians at (864) 574-0070 and take the first step toward a pain-free future!