Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the biggest contributors to disability worldwide, and are prevalent across the life course.
These disorders affect one in five people and can significantly reduce mobility, eventually causing impairment.
Musculoskeletal conditions, says research, are the source of the largest proportion of non-cancer pain disorders, and are commonly linked with multiple morbidities and depression.
Musculoskeletal Conditions: An Overview
Musculoskeletal disorders comprise more than 150 conditions that affect the loco motor network, or, in other words, bones, muscles and joints and the tissues around them, such as ligament and tendons.
These diagnoses range from fractures to lifelong disorders associated with chronic pain and impairment. Generally, they are characterized by persistent pain and limitations in dexterity, mobility and functionality.
The most common musculoskeletal disorders are:
- back and neck pain
- osteoarthritis
- inflammatory conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
Although the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions increases with age, we treat a full range of ages for musculoskeletal disorders in Ottawa at our clinic. Currently, around 20% – 33% of people across the world live with a painful musculoskeletal disorder.
That makes musculoskeletal conditions the world’s second-leading cause of disability.
Imagine the lives affected, the productivity lost, due to this condition!
MSDs can arise from sudden exertion, such as lifting a heavy object, or from repeated movement or exposure to vibration, force or unnatural postures, and can affect different parts of the body, such as neck, back, shoulders and extremities.
Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Pain
The symptoms depend on whether the pain is caused by an injury or overuse, or whether it is acute or chronic, and they can differ from person to person.
The most common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Aching of stiffness
- Feeling of burning in your muscles
- Localized or widespread pain
- Twitching muscles
If you are experiencing these symptoms, book an appointment with us to set up an assessment and consultation.
Musculoskeletal Pain Management
To address occasional musculoskeletal pain, doctors may suggest moderate physical activity and over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen.
However, people with more severe conditions could be better off with personalized treatments to help you manage pain and discomfort in the long run.
The best way to treat musculoskeletal pain is to focus on the cause or source. This will vary depending on the type of pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
Common treatments include therapeutic massage, acupuncture, occupational therapy, relaxation techniques, and injections with anti-inflammatory or anaesthetic medications.
Based on the findings from your examination and tests, your doctor will be able to create the treatment plant that suits you best.
If you already suffer from musculoskeletal pain, be sure to prevent your bones, muscles and bones from deteriorating more. Although regular exercise and stretches are likely to help you cope with pain, only adequate, tailor-made therapies can make a difference when it comes to musculoskeletal disorders.
Treating Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ottawa
At Broadview Spine and Health Centre, we provide a revolutionary, research – based approach to rehabilitation in Ottawa.
Our treatments range from laser therapy to decompression therapy, including Active Therapeutic Movement System® 2 and Custom Orthotics.
Contact us today (using the form right below or on the side) to get started on the journey to feeling better through assessing, managing and mitigating your symptoms of musculoskeletal disorder.