Chronic Joint Pain

Chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting your ability to move freely, perform everyday tasks, and enjoy activities you love. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and its intensity can range from mild to severe. Whether it’s due to inflammation, injury, or underlying conditions, managing chronic pain is essential for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

At our clinic, we specialize in treating a wide variety of chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain conditions. Our comprehensive approach includes a combination of medical treatments, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and innovative therapies tailored to your specific needs.

Let’s take a closer look at some common causes of chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain.

Arthritis (Shoulder, Knee, Foot)

What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints and can affect any joint in the body. It is most commonly seen in the shoulders, knees, and feet, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. There are various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Symptoms

• Persistent joint pain that worsens with activity or after long periods of inactivity.
• Swelling, tenderness, and warmth around the affected joint.
• Decreased mobility or difficulty performing everyday activities (e.g., walking, climbing stairs).
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting.

Causes

• Osteoarthritis: The wear and tear of cartilage in the joints due to aging or repetitive use.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after joint injuries or fractures.

Treatment

• Pain Relief: NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or topical analgesics.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises to improve joint stability and range of motion.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Weight management and joint protection techniques to minimize strain on the affected joints.

Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. It is a common cause of heel pain, particularly in people who spend long hours on their feet or engage in activities like running.

Symptoms

• Sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.
• Pain that may subside with movement but returns after prolonged standing or walking.
• Tenderness along the bottom of the foot or near the heel.

Causes

• Overuse: Activities that put repetitive strain on the feet, such as running or standing for extended periods.
• Poor Footwear: Shoes that lack support or cushioning can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
• Foot Mechanics: Flat feet or high arches can place extra stress on the plantar fascia.

Treatment

• Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the foot and calf muscles to improve flexibility.
• Orthotics: Custom-made insoles to provide better arch support.
• Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical Therapy: Manual therapy or ultrasound to promote healing.

Back Pain

What is Back Pain?
Back pain is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages. It can result from muscle strain, spinal issues, or underlying conditions like degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. Chronic back pain may result from years of poor posture, injury, or aging.

Symptoms

• Dull, aching pain or sharp pain in the lower, middle, or upper back.
• Radiating pain to the legs, buttocks, or arms (sciatica).
• Limited mobility or stiffness.
• Muscle spasms or tension.

Causes

• Herniated Discs: When the discs in the spine bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the nerves.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: The breakdown of spinal discs due to aging.
• Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden movements that strain the back muscles.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves.

Treatment

• Pain Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or prescribed pain relievers.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles that support the spine and improving posture.
• Injections: Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct underlying spinal issues.

Neck Pain

What is Neck Pain?
Neck pain is common and can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. It can occur due to poor posture, injury, or degenerative conditions affecting the cervical spine. Chronic neck pain may radiate into the shoulders, arms, or upper back.

Symptoms

• Stiffness or soreness in the neck area.
• Radiating pain down the arms, shoulders, or upper back.
• Difficulty moving the neck or turning the head.
• Headaches or dizziness in some cases.

Causes

• Poor Posture: Sitting for long periods with improper posture, such as slouching.
• Cervical Disc Degeneration: The breakdown of discs in the neck, often related to aging.
• Whiplash: Injury to the neck muscles and ligaments from a sudden force, such as a car accident.
• Herniated Disc: A bulging disc in the neck that presses on nerves.

Treatment

• Pain Relief: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or heat/ice therapy to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical Therapy: Neck exercises to improve strength, posture, and flexibility.
• Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to address misalignments or stiffness.
• Injections: Epidural steroid injections for pain relief in some cases.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located at the base of the spine and connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis. SI joint pain can occur when the joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, leading to discomfort in the lower back or buttocks.

Symptoms

• Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips.
• Pain that worsens with standing, sitting, or climbing stairs.
• Pain when moving from sitting to standing or during certain movements.

Causes

• Joint Dysfunction: Misalignment or inflammation in the SI joint due to injury or overuse.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis can affect the SI joint.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the pelvis can lead to SI joint pain.

Treatment

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve pelvic stability and reduce pain.
• Pain Medications: NSAIDs or steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to realign the SI joint.
• Supportive Devices: Using a pelvic belt or brace to provide additional support.

Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. It often coexists with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties (known as "fibro fog").

Symptoms

• Widespread pain in muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• Fatigue, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating.
• Sensitivity to touch, light, or temperature changes.
• Headaches or migraines.

Causes
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it may involve an abnormal response to pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. Factors like stress, trauma, infections, or genetics may contribute to its development.

Treatment

• Pain Relief: Medications such as NSAIDs, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs for nerve pain.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and reduce pain.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Therapy to help manage stress and pain.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques.

How We Can Help

Chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but it doesn't have to define your future. We take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to treating chronic pain, combining medical treatments, physical therapy, and lifestyle interventions tailored to your unique needs.