Services / Service details
Muscle, bone and joint symptoms
Assessing pain in the back, joints, muscles or tendons.
What it involves
The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Pain may follow unfamiliar physical activity or an accident, or appear without an obvious cause. The back, shoulders, knees and neck are often affected. Inflammation, wear and tear, and pain arising from nerves are other possible causes.
Symptoms and warning signs
Pain may be accompanied by swelling, limited movement, stiffness or tingling. A very red, hot joint together with fever needs prompt assessment. New weakness, loss of sensation, or loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain require immediate medical attention.
Examination and treatment
We ask about when symptoms began, possible triggers, injuries and their impact on daily life. An examination assesses movement, tenderness, strength and, where appropriate, nerve function. Imaging or laboratory tests are useful only when they address a specific question. Depending on the cause, we discuss suitable activity, physiotherapy and pain relief. Signs of significant injury or inflammatory disease may require specialist assessment.
How you can help
Describe which movements make the symptoms better or worse. Existing X-ray or MRI reports and details of previous treatment are helpful. The course of your symptoms helps determine whether further tests are needed; prolonged rest is not helpful for every cause of pain.
Your appointment at the practice
Please describe your current symptoms when arranging an appointment. Bring your health insurance card, existing medical reports and an up-to-date medication list. Together, we will decide which next steps are appropriate for your situation.