How to Deal with Musculoskeletal Disorder?

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Care Health Insurance

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Approximately 1.71 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. Musculoskeletal disorder is characterised by acute or chronic pain that causes impairments in the functioning of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, nerves, discs, or tendons. It restricts the sufferer’s mobility and ability to do work and participate in society.

Out of several impaired health conditions associated with the disorder, low back pain disability is the leading one. However, the right treatment at the right time can provide patients with musculoskeletal disorders the utmost relief from their symptoms. Early detection can save you or your loved ones from becoming the victim of chronic pain.

This article maps out what musculoskeletal disorder is, their types, causes, symptoms, treatment, and home treatment in a simplified manner.

Scroll down to read the whole article. A clear understanding will help you watch out for red flags. By not ignoring the early symptoms, you can reclaim your functionality by getting on-time treatment.

What is a Musculoskeletal Disorder? 

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) affects the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system in the human body. The patients who suffer from this disorder generally complain about severe pain in their joints, bones, nerves, ligaments, discs, or tendons. It is either caused by ageing or injury, such as a fracture. This completely intervenes in the daily activities of the patients. They become less mobile and reduce their activities at the workplace as well as in society. Sometimes little activities enhance the stress levels in muscles, bones, and joints. It can be the cause of early retirement from work if the symptoms become severe.

What are the Types of Musculoskeletal Pain?

There are many types of musculoskeletal disorder. Check out the following types for early detection of the disease:

1. Bone pain

Most commonly, a bone fracture or other injuries caused by slips, falls, strain, etc., can cause bone pain in the musculoskeletal system. 

2. Muscle pain

Muscle injuries or unexpected cramps in muscles cause muscle pain and impair the musculoskeletal system of muscles. Sometimes, this can be a sign of a tumour.

3. Joint pain

Inflammation and stiffness cause joint pain or arthritis. The functioning of the musculoskeletal system gets worse with activities. 

4. Ligament and tendon pain  

Ligaments and tendons are strong bands of tissue. They connect tissues to bones and joints. Sometimes, sprains and strains cause a sudden impairment and acute or severe pain in ligaments or tendons. 

Based on the above  types of musculoskeletal impairment, a list of musculoskeletal disorders is given below:

• Bone fractures
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis 
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia 
• Low back pain
• Neck pain, etc.

What Causes Musculoskeletal?

Go over the following causes of the musculoskeletal disorder:

• Poor posture (for instance- working on the laptop with the wrong posture)
• Bone fractures or severe musculoskeletal injury
• Sudden sprains or strains in muscles
• Back injury due to lifting heavy weights
• Sport injury
• Engaged in repetitive movements
• Joint dislocation (when a joint displaces from its normal position.)

What are Common Musculoskeletal Condition Symptoms?

Usually, the severity of the musculoskeletal condition symptoms varies on account of the cause of the impairment in the musculoskeletal system. Check out the following pointers to know what are the common musculoskeletal conditions:

• Fatigue 
• Twitching in muscles
• Pain that goes bad despite getting treatment
• Difficulty in sleeping due to acute pain
• Inflammation and aching
• Stiffness
• Tingling sensations in the muscles
• Decreased motions
• Loss of strength

>> Also Read: Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment of Genetic Disorders?

How is Musculoskeletal Pain Treated?

 Before providing you with the right treatment, your healthcare provider may examine you. First of all, they will assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorder on the basis of the factors such as:

• Age
• Occupation
• Family history
• Health condition
• Lifestyle
• Activity level at home and in the workplace

Then, your doctor will do a physical examination of your body. They may ask you to show the area of pain, swelling, redness, and muscle or joint weakness and also check the area of your pain. They may test your nerve reflexes. If there are unusual reflexes, it means that nerves are damaged. In this way, they will recognise the type and cause of the musculoskeletal pain.

Thereafter, your doctor will suggest you some laboratory diagnostic tests. These diagnostic tests include:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• X-rays
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Blood tests.

The above-mentioned diagnostic tests will clarify which type of musculoskeletal disorder you have been suffering. Then, the doctor  will recommend a treatment plan that will improve your pain and the severity of other symptoms. They may call you for regular visits for physical treatments such as acupuncture, physical exercise, occupational therapy, and therapeutic massage. Consequently, you will start feeling relief from the discomfort and inflammation.

You may be prescribed some medications on the basis of the severity of your pain. Some common medications include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and steroid injections, which generally help relieve pain. For some people, this disease may never go away, but the intensity of pain can be managed.

Can I Treat Musculoskeletal Pain at Home?

If the early symptoms of musculoskeletal pain are recognised, they can be treated at home. However, you can even prevent the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by following the suggested measures for home care treatment if you are over sixty.  Go over the following home-care treatments to cure the musculoskeletal impairment right away. 

• Pain reliever medications, under your doctor’s supervision 
• Stretching exercises
• Hot and cold therapy
• Regular massage
• Improve the posture
• Limit physical activities
• Less stress on the affected area
• Sunbathing.

In a Nutshell

It is common to develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) signs with ageing. But its symptoms should not be overlooked if you or your loved one is facing them. Some early signs of the disease can become severe if they do not get proper attention and treatment. A good treatment can make you or your loved one recover from the disease. You might soon be able to enjoy an active life once again. 

Not to forget, sometimes musculoskeletal disorder related symptoms can be severe which may require immediate medical attention. Having a health insurance plan in place will ensure easy and immediate access to quality medical care without having to worry about the finances. So, plan your finances today to make your health better tomorrow.

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.