You should always treat musculoskeletal disorders as soon as you notice pain or discomfort. The reason is that the longer you wait, the more likely the issue will continue to worsen with time. If you can treat or prevent the disorder sooner, it will not only shorten your recovery time but prevent you from experiencing an expensive and potentially life-threatening issue that becomes more complicated over time. As soon as you start to feel chronic pain that lasts for one to two weeks and reduces your ability to move, you should think about pain management treatment. Instead of suffering through the pain, you can speak to a knowledgeable doctor who can diagnose the problem. Here are some other indicators that you shouldn’t ignore when you start to experience troublesome pain.
Your Pain Reduces Your Quality of Life
If you are unable to participate in physical activities such as sports, fitness, or heavy lifting because of your pain, then this means that your pain is becoming an obstacle. It reduces your ability to perform daily tasks, limiting your ability to be involved in normal activities.
Sudden Increase in Pain Intensity
A sudden increase in pain can be a sign of a worsening condition that needs to be treated immediately. It can also be a sign that there is an underlying issue and that your pain is more complex than you realized. Also, you may be injuring yourself further, making the pain increase due to an overuse injury.
Acute Loss of Muscle Strength
When you notice that your muscles are suddenly weakening and you are unable to move normally, then the pain you are experiencing may be related to a life-threatening condition. The pain could be due to a neurological condition or organ failure. As soon as you are unable to lift or stand, you should get medical help immediately.
Difficulty Controlling Bowels or Bladder
If you notice that your pain makes it difficult for you to use the bathroom or you begin to struggle with urinary or bowel incontinence, then you should see a doctor. Incontinence is sometimes connected to neurological disorders, which can cause muscle weakness. This may not seem problematic at first, but it can spread and worsen in other areas of the body. The underlying reason can be even more serious. For example, you may be dealing with a spinal injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, or another disorder.
Don’t Ignore Your Body When it’s in Pain
Some people brush off pain and simply put up with the discomfort, avoiding medical treatment, which seems unnecessary at the time. If the pain is consistent and continues for weeks, even months, then you’ve waited too long. When you’re in pain, your body is warning you of a problem that needs to be assessed and addressed.
The longer you wait, the more the issue can worsen and become more complicated. You may be doing strenuous activities that further injure you, making the pain get worse. Another issue is that you may be participating in unhealthy lifestyle choices, which are the source of the pain, but, when identified, can be changed to prevent a condition from becoming life-threatening. Finding out the source of the pain can save your life.