Pain is part of everyday life but can be worrying when it stops you taking part in everyday activities if you have an illness, injury or disability. It’s estimated that over 19,000 adults in North Lincolnshire live with an MSK condition. 

Pain is an unpleasant sensation and emotional experience linked to tissue damage.  We feel pain when a signal is sent through our nerve fibres to the brain.  Its purpose is to allow the body to react and prevent further tissue damage. Pain warns us to act.

Pain can be short term or long term.  It can stay in one place or it can spread around the body.

The type and level of pain you are experiencing will depend on the cause of the injury, illness or disability and where it is in the body, so be aware of MSK pain in the following areas:

Bone pain – usually deep, penetrating or dull.  It commonly results from injury.

Muscle pain – (known as myalgia), less intense than bone pain.  Can cause muscle cramps or spasms.

Tendon pain – (also ligament pain), less intense than bone pain but can be described as a sharp pain or sprain.  Usually relieved by rest.

Joint pain – may or may not be related to arthritis.  Pain is typically worse when moved but is present when the joint is still.

Fibromyalgia – may cause pains in muscles, tendons or ligaments.  The pain usually causes tenderness or is felt in multiple locations across the body.

Many conditions can be treated by you at home by visiting our self management section but we are also here to help manage your pain by assessment and diagnosis to access treatment.