Addressing MSK Pain: 5 Ways to Manage Symptoms
Pain affecting the musculoskeletal (MSK) system can have a profound impact on well-being Canadians — impacting focus, energy levels, sleep quality, and other daily essentials.
Fortunately, there are many ways to manage pain affecting the spine, joints, muscle, or nervous system. Here are five to discuss with your chiropractor during your next appointment.
| SEE ALSO:
∙ What is a Chiropractor? Everything Canadians Need to Know
∙ Top 6 Common Myths About Chiropractic Treatment
∙ Looking for a Chiropractor? Find a Local Practitioner Now
1. Physical Activity
Physical activity — which helps to increase strength, flexibility, and joint mobility — is an important aspect of overall health and can help reduce your pain.
Exercise lubricates the joints by encouraging fluid to circulate, which may allow you to move with more ease. Exercise also increases blood flow, which means more nutrients are being delivered to body tissues, aiding the healing process.
Exercises or movements that aren’t weight-bearing (i.e. swimming) are especially recommended to manage arthritic pain.
Your chiropractor will be able to provide guidance on the appropriate exercises and stretches. You can also check out our Straighten Up Canada app to follow an easy-to-perform posture program video series.
| SEE ALSO: Lifting Loads Safely: 8 Tips from Canadian Chiropractors
2. Manual Therapy
Recent studies have shown that certain types of manual therapy, such as spinal manipulation, can reduce back pain, as well as improve function and mobility.
Many patients in Canada have reported improved range of motion and immediate pain relief from manual therapy. However, your chiropractor will be able to advise if a certain approach is right for your treatment plan.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to be clinically effective in treating pain, particularly low back and shoulder pain.
This is one modality that many chiropractors incorporate into their practice to offer more complete care to patients.
4. Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing long-term muscle tension, blood pressure, and heart rate by teaching patients relaxation and coping techniques.
Reducing your level of stress can also be helpful. Your chiropractor may be able to help you connect with a mental health professional who can assess if cognitive behavioural therapy makes sense in your treatment plan.
5. Certain Medications
Some medications have been shown to be beneficial in the management of chronic pain and may be used to help reduce pain enough to allow you to engage in active care or physical activity.
However, it’s important to consider all avenues, including the methods above, before approaching treatment with medication.
If you’re experiencing MSK pain, it’s in your best interest to connect with a local Canadian chiropractor. They can help you develop a non-invasive, drug-free treatment plan.
DISCLAIMER: No information from this document is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consultation with a chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem. The CCA recognizes that research and data is constantly evolving. Please use this information in conjunction with the best available evidence.