Introduction: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common yet often misunderstood issue that affects millions of people. Whether it’s a result of injury or long-term stress on the body, understanding the root causes of this pain is essential to effective treatment and long-term relief. In this post, we’ll break down what musculoskeletal pain is, how it works, and why finding the source of the pain—rather than just treating symptoms—is key to a healthier body.
What is Musculoskeletal Pain?
The musculoskeletal (MSK) system includes all the anatomy involved in the muscles and skeletal system. This encompasses muscles, tendons, bones, joints, ligaments, fascia, and bursa. When something in this system isn’t functioning correctly, pain can occur.
Understanding How Pain Works
Pain is a fascinating and complex phenomenon. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have specific receptors dedicated solely to pain. Instead, we have nociceptors, which are nerve cells that gather information from chemical, pressure, and temperature receptors. This data is then sent to the brain, which decides whether or not to interpret the signals as pain.
Not everyone experiences pain in the same way. Pain tolerance can vary widely based on personal experience and other factors. For a deeper understanding of pain science, the book Explain Pain by Dr. David Butler simplifies this complicated concept effectively.
What Causes Musculoskeletal Pain?
One of the most common mistakes that therapists and physicians make is assuming that the site of the pain is also the source of the problem. This is only true in cases of traumatic injuries, such as a ligament or muscle tear, or if you’ve been hit by an object.
However, MSK pain often occurs without any structural damage at all. Many of my patients have no visible issues (on X-ray or MRI) but still suffer from significant pain. Conversely, some patients with considerable structural damage experience little to no pain. I personally have a structurally damaged shoulder, yet I am able to function without pain.
Why a Holistic Approach is Key
The key to resolving musculoskeletal pain often lies in a holistic approach. Pain is like a check engine light in your car—it’s a warning that something isn’t working correctly, but it doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong. In the same way, knee pain may not mean there’s an issue with the knee itself. Often, the problem stems from another area, like the hips, and the knee is simply signaling that stress has been placed on it.
At Health Shift, when patients come in with pain, I not only focus on the site of pain but also assess the entire body. Previous injuries can send stress to other areas, causing compensations that overwork joints and muscles in different regions.
Next Steps for Managing Musculoskeletal Pain
If you’re dealing with musculoskeletal pain, it’s crucial to ensure your therapist or healthcare provider is looking at the entire body, not just the area where the pain is occurring. If they aren't, you may only be managing symptoms instead of addressing the source of your pain.
At Health Shift, we take a holistic approach to musculoskeletal pain and injury rehabilitation. If you’re struggling with chronic pain or discomfort, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get on the path to long-term relief. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and be sure to check out our next blog post, where we’ll discuss common mistakes in injury recovery!
