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Musculoskeletal pain is common in people of all ages but is more common in older adults. It impacts your bones, ligaments, nerves, muscles, and tendons. This condition can be both acute and/or long-lasting. Some people have musculoskeletal pain in one area, while others have widespread pain.
The good news is that several treatment options are available, including compounding medication for musculoskeletal pain.
Types of Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain comes in varying forms. The most common ones are:
Muscle Pain
Muscle pain has a number of potential causes, but it is mainly caused due to injuries. It can also include cramps and muscle spasms.
Tendon and Ligament Pain
Ligament and tendon pain is also caused due to injury, mainly sprains. The pain usually becomes worse when the area is moved or stretched. This type of pain is localized in multiple locations and is very difficult to describe.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is stiff, aching, and arthritic. The severity can vary from mild to worse, especially when you are moving your joint. Sometimes, it can lead to swollen joints, which worsens the pain.
“Tunnel” Syndromes
The term refers to musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by nerve compression. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome are a part of it. The pain typically spreads along the nerve path and might lead to a burning sensation.
Causes Of Musculoskeletal Pain
Let’s look at the common causes of musculoskeletal pain:
- Fractures
- Dislocation of joints
- Direct blows to muscles, bones, and/or joints
- Overuse injuries
- Poor posture
- Sprains
Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Pain
The symptoms can vary drastically based on what caused your musculoskeletal pain. The common symptoms include:
- Aching
- Stiffness
- Burning sensations
- Fatigue
- Muscle twitches
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain related to movement
How is the Condition Diagnosed?
The doctor will diagnose the condition by going through your detailed medical history. You might be asked the following questions:
- Do you have a rash or fever?
- Is your pain chronic or acute?
- What are some of the elements/factors that lead to an increase in pain?
- Which are some of the factors that make your pain better or worse?
The doctor will also do a hands-on exam to determine the source of the pain. It might involve touching or moving the impacted area.
Tests for Musculoskeletal Pain
Sometimes the doctor will ask you to undergo a series of tests to determine the underlying cause of the pain, such as blood tests, CT scans, MRI, X-rays, and more.
Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment
Whether you are dealing with acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain, there is a treatment for you. Some of the medications that your medical provider might prescribe include:
Analgesics
These medications are designed to relieve pain and discomfort. Some common examples are acetaminophen, lidocaine, and aspirin.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs, aka Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are designed to relieve pain and inflammation. Some great examples are ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac.
Muscle Relaxants
Relaxants are a diverse group of medications that are mainly used to treat muscle spasms. Some of the examples include baclofen and cyclobenzaprine.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants are one of the highly effective types of antidepressants that are used to treat pain. Some of the examples include amitriptyline and clomipramine.
Medications mentioned above are normally dispensed in the oral form, which can create undesirable side effects throughout the body. As per the American College of Gastroenterology’s website, NSAIDs are the second major cause of stomach ulcers. Most patients will need to consume these medications in large quantities to see a difference, as these are not administered directly to the pain site. For some patients, oral medications are out of the question due to underlying health causes, which makes the treatment very difficult.
Musculoskeletal Pain – How We Can Help You?
To counter the side effects, compounding medication can be of great help. Compounding pharmacists can transform oral medication into topical gels and creams which are targeted at the pain site without the need to pass through your digestive system.
Topical medication administration has been used for decades owing to its advantages: ease of application, efficacy with a lower dose, site-specific delivery of drugs, improved patient compliance and adherence, and avoidance of risks linked with oral meds.
Other Treatment Options
The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain. Common options include but aren’t limited to acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, occupational therapy, pain relievers, physical therapy, splints, steroid injections, and therapeutic massage.
Musculoskeletal Pain Management at Home
Your healthcare provider will guide you to manage musculoskeletal pain at home using the following techniques: hot and cold therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, strengthening and conditioning exercises, stretching exercises, and stress reduction techniques.
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Pain
Having strong bones and joints is essential for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain. You can prevent the pain by limiting repetitive movements, maintaining a good posture, practicing lift techniques, and stretching regularly.
However, it is important to note that certain medical conditions can put you at a higher risk for musculoskeletal pain:
- Arthritis can lead to chronic joint inflammation. A lot of individuals who experience arthritis experience joint pain and stiffness.
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that can lead to all-over musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Typically, individuals suffering from this condition experience muscle, tendon, or ligament pain.
- “Tunnel” syndromes are caused by nerve compression or pinched nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome are a few examples. Repetitive movements can lead to this condition.
Compounded Prescription or a Topical Medication – Which is The Better Choice?
There is no medication that will work for all people universally. It is important to visit a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Typically, a compounding pharmacist will work with your GP to formulate a perfect plan for you.
We hope you found this post informative and helpful! We encourage you to get a proper diagnosis if you are dealing with musculoskeletal pain. If you have any questions, leave them down in the comments section below, and we will get back to you.
Disclaimer: Please note that this article is meant for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be treated as a piece of medical advice.
