Muscle and nerve pain (musculoskeletal pain)

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Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

It can be acute (having a rapid onset with severe symptoms) or chronic (long-lasting). Musculoskeletal pain can be localized in one area, or widespread.

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Lower back pain is the most common type of musculoskeletal pain.

Other common types include tendonitis, myalgia (muscle pain), and stress fractures.

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What are the causes of musculoskeletal pain?

Anyone can experience musculoskeletal pain.

It is most often caused by an injury to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.

This can be caused by jerking movements, car accidents, falls, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and direct blows to the muscle.

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Musculoskeletal pain can also be caused by overuse.

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Pain from overuse affects 33% of adults. Lower back pain from overuse is the most common work-related diagnosis in Western society.

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Poor posture or prolonged immobilization can also cause musculoskeletal pain.

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What are the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain?

Symptoms of musculoskeletal pain depend on whether the pain is caused by an injury or overuse and whether it is chronic or acute. The symptoms can also differ from person to person.

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Common symptoms include:

Localized or widespread pain can worsen with movement.

Aching or stiffness of the entire body.

The feeling that your muscles have been pulled or overworked