WHAT ARE MUSCLE ISSUES?
Ever had sore and aching muscles? Almost everyone experiences aching and sore muscles at some point in their life.
Musculoskeletal issues are pain/diseases/injuries that affect the muscles, ligaments and tendons, nerves, discs, blood vessels, bones etc. It can involve a small area or your whole body, ranging from mild to excruciating pain.
Musculoskeletal conditions comprise more than 150 diagnoses. They range from those that
1. Arise suddenly and are short-lived- fractures, sprains and strains
2. Lifelong conditions- associated with ongoing pain and disability
Typically characterized by pain and limitations in mobility, dexterity and functional ability, musculoskeletal disorders reduce a person’s ability to lead a healthy life, impacting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Musculoskeletal issues include conditions that affect:
- Joints- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis;
- Bones- osteoporosis, osteopenia and associated fragility fractures, traumatic fractures;
- Muscles- sarcopenia;
- The spine- back and neck pain;
- Multiple body areas or systems- regional and widespread pain disorders and inflammatory diseases
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF MUSCLE ISSUES?
Your risk of developing muscle issues increases with age. The causes of musculoskeletal pain vary as with the wear and tear of daily activities muscle tissue can be damaged or trauma to an area can also cause musculoskeletal pain.
Spinal alignment problems and muscle shortening can be caused by changes in posture or poor body mechanics. All this and more can cause muscles to be misused thus developing pain.
Stress, overuse and minor injuries are the most common causes of muscle pain. This type of pain affects a small part or only a few muscles of your body.
Pain throughout your whole body called systemic muscle pain is mostly due to an infection, an illness or a medication side effect.
Other causes of pain include
- Postural strain
- Repetitive movements
- Overuse
- Prolonged immobilization
What Are the Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Pain?
The entire body of people with musculoskeletal pain aches. They complain of their muscles being pulled, twitch or burn. Symptoms vary from one individual to another, but the common symptoms include:
- Recurrent pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Stiff joints
- Swelling
- Dull aches
Muscle pain can affect a major area of your musculoskeletal system including:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Wrists
- Back
- Hips
- Legs
- Knees
- Feet
CAN I TREAT MUSCLE ISSUES WITH HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE?
Always discuss your health concerns with a medical professional.
Musculoskeletal conditions share some similar risk factors
- Inadequate physical activity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
While management of some musculoskeletal conditions may require specialist care, many musculoskeletal conditions can be managed through a combination of exercise, weight management, psychological therapies and pharmacologic therapies.
Different types of therapy can be used to treat people with spinal alignment problems. Some of these techniques have helped many people with muscle issues:
- Muscle strengthening and stretching exercises
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Relaxation techniques
- Osteopathic manipulation
- Chiropractic care
- Therapeutic massage
It’s crucial to develop healthy lifestyle habits that include
- Regular strengthening exercises to keep your bones, joints and muscles strong
- Maintain a good posture
- Be careful when picking up heavy objects
- Try to keep repetitive motions to a minimum
Have a question about Muscle Issues? ASK A PRACTITIONER or FIND A PRACTITIONER today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
