Pain in the muscles and joints affects everybody at times. If pain keeps returning, it is starting to become permanent or chronic. Here is how to spot the signs and what to do about it.
The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, tendons, ligaments as well as muscles and joints. These are the mechanics of movement – and inevitably, in the course of a lifetime, they’ll get stressed or strained.
Repeated minor injuries cause a build up of damage. It’s like hitting your thumb again and again with a hammer. Eventually, a light tap causes a lot of pain. There can even be ongoing pain without hitting your thumb!
So if you are getting minor aches and pains again and again, especially if they are coming on with little or no injury, then you need to take action to stop ongoing pain from affecting you.
Why Timely Intervention is Crucial for Chronic Pain Management
Pain which lasts longer than 12 weeks, or beyond the natural healing time, becomes ‘chronic’ and can cause complications. When pain is chronic it can start to be amplified by the nervous system, leading to changes in how the brain perceives pain. This increases stress and can cause alterations in our psychological or behavioural responses to pain. So you can see it’s important to get pain sorted out as soon as possible. Here’s how Sundial chiropractors and physiotherapists can help you manage musculoskeletal pain.
Mild musculoskeletal pain can often be managed at home with rest, over-the-counter pain relief and cold or ice pack therapy. But it is important to get a diagnosis, advice and ongoing treatment from an expert. Studies confirm that physiotherapy and chiropractic adjustments produce statistically better results than medical treatment alone. As pain impacts your mobility and quality of life, it will also impact your mental health.
How Chiropractors in Brighton Address Bone and Joint Dysfunction
Chiropractors specialise in bone or joint dysfunction, with a special focus on the back. Using their hands or instruments, they make adjustments to locked or stiff joints. As locked joints improve in mobility, the tense surrounding muscles supporting the problem area can begin to get back to normal. Inflammation can then reduce, range of movement can increase and pain can improve. Alongside a programme of home exercises, sticking to your planned chiropractic treatment will get you back to normal as quickly as possible. Sudden back pain (because of muscular spasms, for example) can feel very disabling so read our blog on what to do when an acute episode puts you out of action.
The Role of Physiotherapists in Strengthening Muscles and Enhancing Mobility
Physiotherapists work to strengthen muscles to support joints and improve mobility and range of movement. Our physios can assess exactly what will help you get better in the long term, providing you with rehabilitative exercise programmes, alongside soft tissue manipulation and massage therapy. They can also offer acupuncture and laser treatment to help with pain and healing.
Sundial practitioners are always happy to discuss your treatment with a phone call if you can’t get into the clinic. They can also advise you on pain management at home, explaining options such as compression, cold or heat treatments. Just give us a ring or use the online booking system here.