Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a group of disorders resulting from injuries or pain in the body’s joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support the limbs, neck, and back.
MSDs are degenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions that cause pain and impair normal activities. They can affect many different parts of the body including upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and extremities (arms, legs, feet, and hands).
MSDs can arise from a sudden exertion (e.g. lifting a heavy object), or they can arise from making the same motions repeatedly repetitive strain, or from repeated exposure to force, vibration, or awkward posture.
It is important not to ignore musculoskeletal disorders as they can have far reaching effects in other parts of the body or other internal organs as a result of reactive muscle spasm and inflammation. This can often obstruct the natural flow of circulation, lymphatic and nerve supply to body parts and organs. Hence the importance of restoring function of the effected body part.
What are the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but the common symptoms are:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Twitching
- Burning sensation
- Body ache is several regions
How can musculoskeletal pain be treated?
Different types of manual therapy, or mobilization, can be used to treat people with spinal alignment problems. For some acute musculoskeletal pain, these techniques have been shown to speed recovery.
Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or opioids may be used to treat inflammation or pain.
In patients with musculoskeletal disorders such as fibromyalgia, medications to increase the body’s level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) may be prescribed in low doses.
Dr Jaimini Raniga currently offers:
- Therapeutic massage
- Exercise that includes muscle strengthening and stretching
- Yoga therapy
- Relaxation techniques and breathing techniques
- The Bowen therapeutic technique as a gentle manual therapy