Chronic Conditions
Musculoskeletal Pain
Pain of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints throughout the body.
What musculoskeletal pain is
Musculoskeletal pain covers the broad set of problems affecting the moving parts of the body: joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle. It may follow injury, overuse or degeneration.
Because several structures often contribute at once, we work systematically — examining, using diagnostic injections when useful, and treating the confirmed source rather than the general area.
Common symptoms
- Aching or sharp pain localized to a joint or muscle group
- Pain with specific movements or loading
- Stiffness and reduced strength
- Symptoms that migrate as you compensate
Common causes
- Overuse or repetitive strain of a tendon, ligament or muscle
- Degenerative changes in a joint or tendon that develop over time
- A specific injury, such as a sprain, strain or tear
- Poor movement mechanics that overload one structure to compensate for another
- Prior injury that healed with altered mechanics, predisposing to further problems
How it is diagnosed
Because musculoskeletal pain can come from muscle, tendon, ligament or joint, the evaluation systematically examines each structure near the area of pain rather than assuming a single cause.
Imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound can be useful for specific joints or tendons when the exam suggests a structural injury, while MRI may be used for more detailed evaluation of soft tissue.
When more than one structure could be responsible, a diagnostic injection into the specific joint or around the specific tendon can confirm which one is actually generating your symptoms before treatment is planned.
Treatment options we offer
Which of these applies depends on your examination and, where appropriate, a diagnostic block confirming the source of your musculoskeletal pain.
- Joint InjectionsCorticosteroid or viscosupplement placed into a painful shoulder, hip, knee or other joint under image guidance.
- Trigger Point InjectionsSmall injections into taut, tender muscle bands that release the knot and reduce referred pain.
- Regenerative TherapiesBiologic injections intended to support healing in tendon, ligament and joint tissue, discussed with candid evidence.
- Medication ManagementCareful, monitored use of the right medication class for your pain type, with clear goals and safety oversight.
When to see a specialist
- Aching or sharp pain localized to a specific joint or muscle group for more than a couple of weeks
- Pain reproducible with specific movements or loading
- Stiffness or reduced strength affecting daily tasks
- Pain that seems to migrate as you compensate for the original area
- Sudden inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or deformity, which needs prompt evaluation
Common questions
How is musculoskeletal pain different from arthritis?
Do I need an MRI for musculoskeletal pain?
Can musculoskeletal pain spread to other areas?
What treatments are typically used first?
Related conditions
- ArthritisDegenerative and inflammatory joint disease of the spine, hips, knees and shoulders.
- NeuropathyNerve damage causing burning, numbness and tingling, most often in the feet, legs and hands.
- Complex Regional Pain SyndromeA disproportionate pain response after injury, with skin, temperature and swelling changes in a limb.
- FibromyalgiaWidespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, sleep disturbance and heightened pain sensitivity.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.