Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain is any pain that affects the muscles, bones, joints or connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments. Musculoskeletal pain can be very debilitating, affecting daily function and can even interfere with activities of daily living such as getting dressed and eating.

What is musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal pain can range from minor, short-lived pain to constant and severe pain. Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can develop into a chronic condition; this may require the expertise of our multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Clinic to effectively treat the pain.

What causes musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal pain usually occurs after an injury or trauma to the area. Musculoskeletal pain can also occur from being inactive for long periods of time or after a period of deconditioning. It can also be related to poor posture, as this puts extra strain on the muscles leading to pain.

Who gets musculoskeletal pain?

Anyone can develop musculoskeletal pain, and it does not affect people of a specific gender or age more than others.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Musculoskeletal pain can cause a variety of sensations:

It can feel like a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache.

Sometimes musculoskeletal pain can cause a burning feeling.

Injured muscles can twitch and spasm causing significant discomfort.

In children unable to verbalize their pain, musculoskeletal pain can cause avoidance of using a body part (for example, a child who started walking and then won't walk anymore may be a sign of pain).

Sometimes, musculoskeletal pain can feel like "all over" body pain.

Other symptoms include fatigue and trouble sleeping.

Signs such as swelling or bruising may result from a trauma like a fall or other impact.

If your child has suffered a known or suspected trauma recently and has physical signs of injury, see your athletic training or a doctor immediately to make sure there are no fractures or other internal injuries.