PAIN & TREATMENTS

Tell us where it hurts!

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain (or “myalgia”) is a localised or generalised physical pain that comes from striated muscles (the muscles that sit on the bones and skin and facilitate our movements and reactions)..

Muscle pain can be caused by intense exercise, a fall, injury or illness (such as the flu). It is most commonly caused by tension, stress or by overusing our muscles. It is common when starting a new activity, increasing the duration or intensity of a regular activity, or when performing highly repetitive movements.

This kind of pain, which most often affects the neck, limbs, lower back, thighs and calves, can come in various forms – such as a sprain, strain, cramp, muscle soreness, a stiff neck and so on. Acute muscle pain is usually temporary, unlike arthritic pain.

How do you prevent MUSCLE PAIN?

At the very least:

Stay hydrated! To avoid the risk of muscle soreness and cramps, good hydration is essential before, during and after exercising.
Remember to warm up before physical exertion (gradually stretching and relaxing your muscles).
At work, break up sequences of overly repetitive movements and pay attention to your posture.

RECOGNISING MUSCLE PAIN

This is usually characterised by localised pain in a specific area of the body, often accompanied by stiffness or muscle tension. The pain can be described as a tightness, or a dull or stabbing ache. It is often exacerbated by physical activity or movements, but may reduce with rest. It is important to remember that muscle pain may be confused with other types of pain, such as joint or nerve pain.

Joint Pain

Physical pain that may affect one or more joints in the body. This can be caused by various factors, including overusing the joints, arthritis, natural age-related wear and tear, injuries and trauma.

It manifests itself in different ways, depending on the underlying cause: some pains (and discomforts) are acute and occur suddenly, while others are chronic and persist for a long time. The pain (and discomfort) may be localised or generalised, and may manifest as stiffness, swelling, redness or heat around the affected joint.

Joint pain (and discomfort) can be particularly inconvenient when it affects important joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders and wrists. It can also impede normal mobility and movement, which can limit daily activities and reduce overall quality of life.

As with muscle pain, regular exercise can help prevent joint pain (and discomfort) by strengthening the muscles that support the joints. Treatment for joint pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and may include medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes.

Preventing JOINT PAIN?

Exercise regularly and moderately to strengthen muscles and joints.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, high in vitamins and minerals.
Avoid prolonged positions that put stress on the same joints.
Stretch regularly to maintain flexible joints.
Wear comfortable and suitable shoes.
Seek medical attention in case of relevant family history or risk factors.

Preventing JOINT PAIN?

It usually manifests as localised pain (or discomfort) in one or several joints, often accompanied by a feeling of stiffness or locking in the affected joint. The sensation may be described as dull, stabbing or burning, and may be exacerbated by physical activity or movements. Joint pain and discomfort may also be accompanied by swelling, redness, or heat around the affected joint. It is important to remember that joint pain and discomfort may be confused with other types of pain, such as muscle or nerve pain.

Headaches: migraines and headaches

The causes of headaches are varied and most often benign. There are two main types of headaches: tension headaches and migraines.

Tension headaches are a common type of prolonged headache which affects 20–40% of adults. Main symptoms:

continuous, moderate and diffuse, non-throbbing pain, with a bilateral pressure on the skull;
does not come with nausea or vomiting;
does not get worse with exertion;
gets worse in times of stress;
pain comes with a feeling of emptiness in the head and difficulty concentrating or, on the contrary, heaviness in the head;
often associated with anxiety and contracted neck muscles.

In adults, tension headaches tend to occur at the end of the day. It is often due to stress, tiredness, psychological tension, and is sometimes associated with actual migraine attacks.

Migraines can affect everyone, to varying degrees. About 15% of adults are affected, predominantly women (20% of women are affected, compared to just 10% of men).

Migraines can have a significant effect on daily life.

People with migraines may have difficulty performing daily tasks, working, studying or socialising. Intense headaches can cause debilitating pain, often requiring rest and isolation in a quiet, dark environment. Associated symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light, can make normal activities extremely uncomfortable and even impossible during a migraine attack.

Circulatory Discomfort

This is a form of discomfort that results from impaired blood flow in the body. Circulatory discomfort can arise when blood vessels narrow or block, restricting blood flow in certain parts of the body. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or pregnancy.

It can be localised or generalised, and can manifest as cramps, stabbing pain or burning in the legs, arms, hands or feet. Circulatory discomfort may also be associated with other sensations such as numbness or tingling in the affected limbs. It can also lead to decreased muscle strength and mobility, which can limit daily activities and reduce overall quality of life.

How do you prevent CIRCULATORY DISCOMFORT?

Maintain regular physical activity to improve blood circulation.
Avoid smoking and excessivealcohol.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, high in fibre and antioxidants
Avoid prolonged sitting/standing, taking regular breaks to move and stretch.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
Seek medical attention in case of relevant family history or risk factors.

RECOGNISING CIRCULATORY DISCOMFORT

It usually manifests as a feeling of discomfort, cramps or tingling in the legs, arms or other parts of the body. The discomfort may be described as a stabbing or burning sensation, and may be exacerbated by physical activity or prolonged sitting or standing. Circulatory discomfort may also be associated with other sensations such as heavy legs, swelling or varicose veins.

Throat Irritation

Throat irritation is an unpleasant burning or itching sensation in the throat. It can be caused by many factors, including allergies, respiratory infections, dry air, pollution and smoking.

Common symptoms of throat irritation include pain or burning in the throat, a dry cough, headache and difficulty swallowing.

Throat irritation can be prevented with a few healthy habits, such as maintaining sufficient humidity in the air, avoiding cigarette smoke and limiting exposure to air pollution.

In more severe cases, medical treatments such as antibiotics or corticosteroids may be required to treat throat irritation. It is important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen, or if symptoms such as fever or chest pain appear.

How do you prevent THROAT IRRITATION?

Avoid dry or polluted atmospheres by aerating rooms and using a humidifier.
Avoid allergens and irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, dust mites and pollen.
Drink enough water to hydrate the throat mucous membranes.
Avoid overusing your voice.
Follow a diet suitable for gastric reflux.

RECOGNISING THROAT IRRITATION

Throat irritation is often associated with a tingling, burning or itching sensation in the throat. It may be accompanied by pain, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. Throat irritation can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, exposure to environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke or pollution, or after overusing the voice. In some cases, throat irritation may be a symptom of a more serious condition.