If you have musculoskeletal pain, which refers to pain in your muscles, bones, nerves, tendons, or ligaments, that lasts for more than a few months, then it is considered chronic. This condition can range from mild and tolerable to excruciating and disabling. It can develop in people of all ages and can be caused by numerous health conditions. Before an effective treatment plan can be implemented, you will need to visit a healthcare clinic or your primary care physician for an examination. Here are some causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain and some effective treatment options.

Musculoskeletal Health Conditions

Musculoskeletal health disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic pain in your muscles, bones, nerves, and ligaments. In addition, fractures, scoliosis, and joint dislocations can also lead to chronic musculoskeletal pain. Some of these disorders, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, are more common as people age. In fact, osteoporosis is seen most often in menopausal and postmenopausal women when estrogen levels decline. Estrogen helps keep the bones healthy; however, when estrogen levels significantly decrease, it can cause loss of bone density and subsequent chronic pain.

Most of the aforementioned conditions are most commonly associated with localized pain and inflammation, however, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fevers, joint deformities, and inflammation of the eyes, muscles, and lungs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often effective in relieving pain associated with the aforementioned conditions. Physical therapy, massage, and heat and cold therapy can also help relieve your symptoms.

Non-Musculoskeletal Health Conditions

Some non-musculoskeletal health conditions that may be associated with chronic pain include osteomyelitis, a type of bone infection. Playing sports, poor posture, balance problems, and overuse can also cause chronic musculoskeletal pain. People who have mobility problems or people who are bedridden can also develop chronic musculoskeletal pain as a result of improper alignment and immobility.

Prolonged immobility and improper alignment when in bed can also cause pressure on a nerve, causing inflammation and subsequent pain to the nearby bones and muscles. Pain associated with osteomyelitis will often resolve after antibiotic therapy. Chronic musculoskeletal pain in bedridden patients can be relieved when the caregiver repositions the bedridden patient every couple of hours to relieve pressure on the bones, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. Maintaining good posture, wearing proper-fitting shoes, and wearing a back support brace when lifting heavy objects can also help treat chronic pain in your bones and muscles.

Contact a doctor to learn more about chronic musculoskeletal pain.