You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Everyday activities, such as sitting at a desk or in a vehicle for prolonged periods of time, can lead to back or neck pain. Repetitive motions, such as typing at a keyboard, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand).
Risks and warning signs
Key risk factors
- Smoking. Reduces blood flow, preventing nutrients from getting to the discs in your spine.
- Excess weight. May put extra stress on your spine and joints, especially the knees.
- Lack of exercise. Causes muscles to become stiff and tense, which may lead to injury.
- Poor nutrition. Can increase inflammation and stress on your body.
- Poor posture. Sitting at a desk with poor alignment or lifting with incorrect technique may lead to pain.
Key warning signs (varies by type of condition)
Your musculoskeletal system is an integral part of your anatomy, affecting almost every area of your body. This means that symptoms can occur nearly everywhere — and sometimes those symptoms can start in one area and spread, impacting other areas.
- Brain. Lack of energy, loss of appetite, depression, anger, anxiety, fear of re-injury or returning to activity.
- Neck. Stiffness or pain.
- Shoulders. Pain, decreased range of motion; often the rotator cuff.
- Back. Stiffness or pain; especially common in the lumbar (low back) area.
- Wrists. Pain and lack of mobility; carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Hands. Stiffness, soreness, lack of mobility; arthritis.
- Hips. Pain, loss of mobility, trouble walking.
- Knees. Stiffness, soreness, trouble bending down or standing up.
- Feet. Aches and pains; conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.