One of the pain areas that our team at CNY Spine and Pain Center addresses is chronic pain in the muscles and nerves. Categorized as any pain persisting longer than three months, chronic pain can make it challenging to perform everyday activities and can be accompanied by a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Muscle and nerve pain, in particular, is commonly associated with aching, stiffness, or numbness.
We know that for many people, it can be frustrating to experience consistent pain, especially when its cause is unknown. That’s why we want to highlight some of the most common reasons for chronic muscle and nerve pain.
Underlying Conditions
Numerous underlying conditions can contribute to your chronic pain, some of which are more serious than others. Many share the same symptoms – like pain, muscle weakness, and numbness – but each pose unique challenges. Let’s look at a few of the most common:
Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)
Sciatica refers to nerve pain from an injury or irritation of one of the nerves in your lumbar spine. This is technically an outdated term as the sciatic nerve is rarely the affected structure, and most often the issue is at the region of the spine where the nerve can be compressed. These nerves run down the back of each leg, and when it becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause pain (like a burning sensation or an electric shock), tingling, or numbness in your lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and further down the foot.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nervous system damage that affects the nerve endings outside of the brain and spinal cord where the nerves are smallest, typically starting with the feet and hands. It can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the extremities, specifically the hands and feet. The most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes.
Myofascial pain syndrome (myalgia)
Overuse of all kinds can lead to microtears in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. Even chronically guarding against other painful sensations can cause this type of pain. These conditions can lead to stiffness, soreness, and a sensation of deep aches that can localize into areas called trigger points.
Osteoarthritis
When a bone meets another bone there is a complex of structures that helps support this joint. Most commonly, due to overuse over many years, these joints can wear out and lead to a disruption of the supporting structures. This condition is referred to as arthritis. This can cause pain at the joint, especially with movement, and even at certain times in the day.
Other autoimmune diseases and conditions
Nerve and muscle pain can also be a signal of more serious autoimmune diseases, like Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. The muscle pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling experienced by people with these conditions is usually severe and progresses rapidly.
Treatment can vary greatly between these conditions and many others which is why getting a precise diagnosis early is important in treating your pain.
Lifestyle Habits
Your lifestyle plays a large role in preventing and managing your chronic pain. It’s important to consider factors like how much time you spend sitting, or how much weight you lift. Here are a few things to consider:
Overuse
Overusing your muscles, such as those in your lower back, is a common cause of chronic pain. Activities like working out frequently or repeatedly lifting heavy objects can contribute to overuse – especially if you are not adequately stretching or using proper form. This overuse leads to tears in the muscle fibers and causes the muscles and tissue to become swollen and inflamed. Avoid continuing these activities if you start experiencing pain, stiffness, or muscle spasms, as they can worsen if not treated promptly.
Sitting too long
If you work a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting down during the day, it is more likely that you will experience muscle or nerve pain. Spending long periods sitting can cause your muscles to become weaker, stiffer, and tighter, decreasing your flexibility and increasing the likelihood of injury. Additionally, sitting for too long puts pressure on your nerves, which can lead to conditions like sciatica, and cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower back and legs.
Poor Diet
Poor nutrition can have a significant impact on your pain. For example, diets high in inflammatory foods – like processed sugars, refined carbohydrates, and dairy products – can contribute to slower recovery after injury and some researchers even believe it to be a trigger for certain kinds of chronic pain. Additionally, an imbalanced diet can also contribute to weight gain and obesity, which puts more strain on the muscles and exacerbates pain.
We Want to Help
While all these factors are common causes of chronic pain, it’s important to consult a physician to discuss your specific symptoms and concerns. Every patient is unique, and our team of physicians wants to ensure that you find the care and solutions that you need. To start managing your chronic pain, request an appointment online or call us at (315) 451-5400 with any questions.