pain - Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA)

06/Sep/2023

Let’s take advantage of the warmer days and and look at how we can sweep away the winter cobwebs and make ourselves sparkle this spring!

Unplug. We’re always connected these days, immersed in the news, social media, video chats, work/school, and phone calls. We’re never far away from a phone, tablet or computer – and we need to step away. Schedule time to put it all aside: perhaps after dinner, or for an hour during your day, or for your entire Sunday. Whatever works for you and your commitments. Just make sure you take some time away from the digital world, step outside and breathe in the fresh, sweet-smelling spring air.
Say no. We’re wired to want to please others, so we often find it difficult to say no. But that can make us become overwhelmed and stressed with the number of commitments we have. That’s why we need to look after ourselves and start saying no. The next time someone asks you to do something, give yourself a moment. Don’t answer immediately with an automatic ‘yes’. Ask yourself if this is something you want to do. Are you able to do it – physically and mentally? Do you have the time to do it? Will it bring you happiness? If you answered no to these questions, then you should say no to the request. You may disappoint some people, and they may be a little unhappy with you. But you need to be true to who you are and stand firm. And don’t feel the need to give detailed reasons for saying no. Saying no is really hard, but it will become easier.
Change your routine. Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut? I know it feels like Groundhog Day at times! So look at your routine. What can you change? Take your work/school commitments out of the equation for now. Do you spend your evenings on the couch? Or weekends doing the same old things? Stop and really think about what you would actually ‘like’ to do with your free time. Go for a bike ride? Take up painting? Visit a new place each week? Find things that you enjoy, and fill you with anticipation and happiness, and do them. Now think about your work routine. There may not be things you can change about work – but why not put on your favourite outfit/earrings/shoes/lipstick – even if you’re working from home. Or use some new stationary or bit of tech. It’s amazing how these small changes give us a mental boost.
Focus on the basics – eat well, move, sleep – repeat. This time of the year we have access to amazing fresh produce that’s just crying out to be made into delicious salads and stir fries. The days are getting longer and warmer so we can get outside more for our exercise. We can shed the heavy blankets and adjust our sleep habits. There’s never been a better time than now to focus on these basics and make improvements if needed. And finally, make sure you’re staying hydrated by drinking enough water each day.
Surround yourself with positive, upbeat people. Positivity and happiness is contagious. These people will inspire you, make you feel good about yourself and the world in general. Too much contact with negative people (in person and via social media) does the opposite and makes the world a gloomy place. So seek out the happy, positive people and enjoy their company. And if you can, ditch the negative people.
Take some time out to relax. Try strategies like mindfulness, visualisation and guided imagery. Or read a book, listen to music, walk the dog, create something, play a computer game, have a bubble bath or massage. Whatever relaxes you. And make sure you do these things on a regular basis. They’re not an indulgence – they’re a necessity and vital to our overall happiness and wellbeing.
Let’s get serious – sugar, fats, alcohol and drugs. Many of us seek comfort in sugary and/or fatty foods more than we’d like. Or we’ve been using alcohol and/or drugs to make us feel better. Over time this becomes an unhealthy habit. So it’s time to get serious. Ask yourself if your intake of these things has changed or increased? If it has – what do you need to do to fix this? Can you decrease their use by yourself? Or do you need help from your family, doctor or other health professional? The sooner you acknowledge there’s a problem, the sooner you can deal with it.
Nurture your relationships. It’s easy to take the people around us for granted, but these people support and care for us day in and day out. They deserve focused time and attention from us. So sit down and talk with your kids about their day. Make time for a date night with your partner and cook a special meal to share together. Call or visit your parents and see how they’re really doing. Reminisce with your siblings about childhood antics and holidays. Our relationships are the glue that holds everything together for us – so put in the effort. You’ll all feel so much better for it.
Quit being so mean to yourself. You’re valued and loved. But sometimes we forget that. And the negative thoughts take over. “I’m fat”, “I’m hopeless”, “I’m lazy”, “I’m a burden”. If you wouldn’t say these things to another person, then why are you saying them to yourself? Ask yourself why you even think these things? And how can you reframe these thoughts? If, for example, you tell yourself you’re fat – are you actually overweight or are you comparing yourself to the unrealistic media image of how a person should look? And if you do know you need to lose weight, and want to make that happen, put those steps in motion. Talk with your doctor for some guidance and help. And congratulate yourself for taking action. And as you make these changes be kind to yourself along the journey. There will be stumbles, but that’s expected. You can pick yourself up and move on. Kindly.
Throw away the ‘should’s. This is similar to the negative self-talk…we need to stop should-ing ourselves to death. This often happens after we’ve been on social media and seen someone’s ‘amazing’ life. You start thinking “I should be better at X”, “I should be doing X”, “I should be earning X”, “I should look like X”. Remember that most people only put their best images on social media, so everyone’s life looks wonderful. But you’re just seeing the superficial, filtered person, not the whole, and they probably have just as many insecurities as the rest of us. Instead of thinking “I should…”, be grateful for who you are and what you have.
Be thankful and grateful. You exist! And yes, the world is a strange and sometimes frightening place at the moment, but you’re here to see it. People love and care for you. Focus on the people in your life and the things you’re grateful to have in your life. Celebrating these things – both big and small – reminds us why we’re here. To bring joy and happiness to those around us, and to make the world a better place.

Call our Helpline

If you have questions about things like managing your pain, your musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, telehealth, or accessing services be sure to call our team. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@muscha.org) or via Messenger.

More to explore

21 ways to spring clean your life
A Kind Journey
6 self-care tips to help you spring clean your soul
Thrive Global
Break the habit
Alcohol and Drug Foundation
How can I look after my emotional wellbeing?
Versus Arthritis
Self-care September calendar
Action for Happiness

Musculoskeletal Health Australia

06/Sep/2023

Neck pain is a common problem many of us will experience at least once in our lives. The good news is that most cases of neck pain get better within a few days.

So what is neck pain? What causes it, and how can you manage it and get on with life?

Let’s start with a look at your spine

It helps to know how your spine works to understand some of the potential causes of neck pain.

Your spine (or backbone) is made up of bones called vertebrae, stacked on top of each other to form a loose ‘S’-shaped column.

Your spinal cord transports messages to and from your brain and the rest of your body. It passes through a hole in each of the vertebrae, where it’s protected from damage. It runs through the length of your spinal column.

Each vertebra is cushioned by spongy tissue called intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers. Vertebrae are joined together by small joints (facet joints), which allow the vertebrae to slide against each other, enabling you to twist and turn. Tough, flexible bands of soft tissue (ligaments) also hold the spine in position.

Layers of muscle provide structural support and help you move. They’re joined to bone by strong tissue (tendons).

Your spine is divided into five sections: 7 cervical or neck vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 fused vertebrae in your sacrum and 4 fused vertebrae in your tailbone (or coccyx) at the base of your spine.

So what’s causing the pain?

It’s important to know that most people with neck pain don’t have any significant damage to their spine. The pain they’re experiencing often comes from the soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments.

Some common causes of neck pain are:

muscle strain or tension – caused by things such as poor posture for long periods (e.g. hunching over while using a computer/smartphone or while reading), poor neck support while sleeping, jerking or straining your neck during exercise or work activities, anxiety and stress.
cervical spondylosis – this arthritis of the neck is related to ageing. As you age, your intervertebral discs lose moisture and some of their cushioning effect. The space between your vertebrae becomes narrower, and your vertebrae may begin to rub together. Your body tries to repair this damage by creating bony growths (bone spurs). Most people with this condition don’t have any symptoms; however, when they do occur, the most common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness. Some people may experience other symptoms such as tingling or numbness in their arms and legs if bone spurs press against nerves. There can also be a narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis).
other musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis.
herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc). This occurs when the tough outside layer of a disc tears or ruptures, and the soft jelly-like inside bulges out and presses on the nerves in your spine.
whiplash – this is a form of neck sprain caused when the neck is suddenly whipped backward and then forward. This stretches the neck muscles and ligaments more than normal, causing a sprain. Whiplash most commonly occurs following a car accident and may occur days after the accident.

Symptoms

The symptoms you experience will depend on what’s causing your neck pain but may include:

pain and/or stiffness in the neck and shoulders
pain when moving
difficulty turning your head
headache.

In most cases, neck pain goes away in a few days. But if your pain doesn’t get better, or you develop other symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Or you can answer a few questions in the neck pain and stiffness symptom checker by healthdirect to find out if you need medical care. Simply click on ‘N’ and select ‘neck pain and stiffness’.

Seeing your doctor

If you need to see your doctor because of your neck pain, you can expect a discussion about potential causes or triggers of your pain, whether you’ve had neck pain before, things that make your pain worse, things that make it better. Your doctor will also conduct a thorough physical exam.

This discussion and examination by your doctor will decide whether more investigations (e.g. x-rays, CT or MRI scans) are appropriate for you. However, these tests are generally unhelpful to find a cause of the pain unless there’s an obvious injury or problem (e.g. following an accident or fall). It‘s also important to know that many investigations show ‘changes’ to your spine that represent the normal passage of time, not damage to your spine.

Often it’s not possible to find a cause for neck pain. However, it’s good to know that you can still treat it effectively without knowing the cause.

For more information about questions to ask your doctor before getting any test, treatment or procedure, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.

Dealing with neck pain

Most cases of neck pain will get better within a few days without you needing to see your doctor. During this time, try to keep active and carry on with your normal activities as much as possible.

The following may help relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery:

Use heat or cold – they can help relieve pain and stiffness. Some people prefer heat (e.g. heat packs, heat rubs, warm shower, hot water bottle), others prefer cold (e.g. ice packs, a bag of frozen peas, cold gels). Always wrap them in a towel or cloth to help protect your skin from burns and tissue damage. Don’t use for longer than 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and wait for your skin temperature to return to normal before reapplying.

Rest (temporarily) and then move. When you first develop neck pain, you might find it helps to rest your neck, but don’t rest it for too long. Too much rest can stiffen your neck muscles and make your pain last longer. Try gentle exercises and stretches to loosen the muscles and ligaments as soon as possible. If in doubt, talk with your doctor.

Sleep on a low, firm pillow – too many pillows will cause your neck to bend unnaturally, and pillows that are too soft won’t provide your neck with adequate support.

Be aware of your posture – poor posture for extended periods, for example, bent over your smartphone, can cause neck pain or worsen existing pain. This puts stress on your neck muscles and makes them work harder than they need to. So whether you’re standing or sitting, make a conscious effort to be aware of your posture and adjust it if necessary, or do some gentle stretches.

Massage your pain away – massage can help you deal with your physical pain, and it also helps relieve stress and muscle tension. You can give yourself a massage, see a qualified therapist or ask a family member or friend to give you a gentle massage.

Take time to relax – try some relaxation exercises (e.g. mindfulness, visualisation, progressive muscle relaxation) to help reduce muscle tension in your neck and shoulders.

Try an anti-inflammatory or analgesic cream or gel – they may provide temporary pain relief. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Use medication for temporary pain relief – always follow the instructions and talk to your doctor about alternatives if you find they don’t help.

Treating ongoing neck pain

Sometimes neck pain lasts longer than a few days, and you may have ongoing neck pain. There are things you can do to manage this:

See your doctor if the pain is worse or if you have other symptoms in addition to your neck pain such as numbness, pins and needles, fever or any difficulty with your bladder or bowel.
See a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist – they can provide you with stretching and strengthening exercises to help relieve your neck pain and stiffness.
Injections – some people with persistent neck pain may benefit from a long-acting steroid injection into the affected area. Talk with your doctor about whether this is right for you.
Surgery – is rarely needed for neck pain. However, it may be required in cases where severe pain interferes with daily activities, or the spinal cord or nerves are affected.

(Originally written and published by Lisa Bywaters 2022)

Contact our free national Help Line

If you have questions about managing your pain, your musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issues, COVID-19, telehealth, or accessing services be sure to call our nurses. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger.

More to explore

Neck pain
healthdirect
Neck pain
Versus Arthritis
Patient education: Neck pain (The Basics)
UpToDate
Patient education: Neck pain (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate
Neck pain or spasms: self-care
MedlinePlus

Kay Mwaba

14/Aug/2023

Do you take better care of the person you are caring for than yourself?

If the answer is yes, you will benefit from this workshop. We will explore why your health and well-being are important, and give you strategies to help better care for yourself.

The workshop is open to all families and carers, especially those who find it difficult to care for themselves.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Why caring for ourselves is so important
What stops us caring for ourselves?
Making a self-care commitment

Our presenter: Sally Camilleri – Carer and Community Educator
Sally’s academic experience encompasses welfare studies, anthropology, and education. She has many years’ experiences as an educator and facilitator of learning that builds on a career in direct service delivery, community development and project management with people with a disability, women who experience disadvantage and Carers. This includes implementing financial literacy programs with refugee and migrant women, to build capacity to engage with our complex financial systems. Having worked with Carers Victoria for over four years, Sally has built a complex understanding of the carer perspective.

Musculoskeletal Health Australia

09/Aug/2023

I’ve never really thought about my shoulders. They’re just there. Useful for hanging a handbag on or supporting a heat pack for my neck. I only really notice them when, graceful person that I am 😉, I bash one on a door frame.

That was until a few years ago when I slipped in the bathroom and fell hard on my arm, with my shoulder in an unnatural position. I was suddenly very keenly aware of my shoulder! I honestly thought I’d broken it. Fortunately, scans revealed nothing had broken, but I had injured the soft tissues.

However, it was during that time I learned about shoulders. I know, I know, the crazy fun times never end for me 😂. But in my defence, I was stuck on the couch for a few days with my arm in a sling and an ice pack on constant rotation. So I didn’t really have a lot going on.

And what I learned was fascinating.

And since shoulder pain is incredibly common, I thought I’d share what I learned with you. Because if you haven’t had shoulder pain, you probably know someone who has. So buckle up, and let’s learn about shoulders, shoulder pain and how to treat it.

Let’s start with the basics – how your shoulders work.

DYK, the shoulder has not one, but four joints???

This makes them complex, flexible structures with a large range of movement. Unfortunately, this flexibility can also put the shoulder at risk of injury and dislocation, especially through contact sports and falls.

Your shoulder is made up of three bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), collarbone (clavicle), and upper arm bone (humerus).

The main joint is the glenohumeral joint. This is where your humerus connects with your scapula. Like the hip, it’s a ball and socket joint. The top of your humerus is shaped like a ball and fits inside the socket or cup-shaped indentation in your shoulder blade. However, this socket is shallow, giving your shoulder great flexibility but also making it less stable.

The other joints are:

the acromioclavicular joint – where the top of your shoulder blade (acromion) meets your collarbone
the sternoclavicular joint – where your collarbone meets your breastbone (sternum) near the base of your neck
and the scapulothoracic joint – where your shoulder blade meets the chest wall (thorax). It allows your shoulder blade to move smoothly over your ribs.

Soft tissues surround the glenohumeral joint to form a capsule. This keeps the head of the arm bone in place in the joint socket. The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint. Tendons, ligaments, bursa, and muscles also support the joints and bones in your shoulder to stabilise it and allow it to move freely. The bones, joints and soft tissue work together to make your shoulders incredibly mobile, so you can do all kinds of things like throw a ball, hug a friend, brush your hair, and scratch your back.

When things go wrong – shoulder pain.

Shoulder pain may come on quickly, e.g. if you injure yourself, or it can occur more gradually. It can be mild pain or, as I experienced, very painful 😥.

There are many causes of shoulder pain, not all due to problems with the shoulder joints or associated structures. They include:

Other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica can affect the shoulder, causing pain.
Inflammation or injury to the soft tissues (e.g. muscles, bursae, tendons, ligaments) in and around the shoulder, for example, bursitis and frozen shoulder.
Ongoing stress or anxiety that causes your muscles to remain tense.
Neck and upper back joint and nerve problems can cause pain to be felt in and around the shoulder.
Referred pain. Shoulder pain may also be caused by problems affecting your abdomen (e.g. gallstones), heart (e.g. heart attack) and lungs (e.g. pneumonia).

Note: if you feel shoulder pain radiating down your arm or you’re experiencing a tight feeling across the chest and shortness of breath, dial 000 immediately.

Symptoms of shoulder pain.

Unsurprisingly, the main symptom of shoulder pain is pain! Other symptoms include:

Reduced movement, stiffness and pain when moving your shoulder.
Weakness of the shoulder/upper arm.
Pain when lying or putting pressure on the affected shoulder.
Pins and needles (tingling). This is more likely to be associated with neck problems than the shoulder itself.

Diagnosing shoulder pain.

If you have shoulder pain that’s causing you distress or affecting your ability to do your daily activities, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will:

ask you questions about your shoulder pain, including potential causes (e.g. recent injuries, other health conditions), if you’ve had shoulder pain before, and how it affects you
ask about any other symptoms or health issues you have
do a thorough physical examination.

From this, they can work out the likelihood of particular structures in the shoulder being involved.

Sometimes they’ll suggest that scans are needed. They may include X-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The type of scan/s required will depend on the suspected cause of your shoulder pain. However, it’s important to know that many scans show changes to your shoulder that will likely represent the normal passage of time (even by age 45), not damage to your shoulder.

Treating shoulder pain.

Treating shoulder pain begins with understanding the cause of the problem. What works for one shoulder issue may not work for another. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

The following are some commonly used treatments for shoulder pain.

Heat and cold packs may provide temporary relief from pain and stiffness. Generally speaking, heat can relieve muscle spasms and tension. Cold can reduce swelling.
Physiotherapy will aim to fix problems such as shoulder, neck and upper arm stiffness and weakness. A physiotherapist will provide exercises to help improve mobility and the range of movement for your shoulder. They’ll also help you modify movements and activities that worsen your pain. This often includes learning new ways to do things related to your work, sport, or everyday activities that aggravate your shoulder. They may also tape your shoulder and show you how to use taping to support your shoulder and reduce stress on it.
Occupational therapy. If your shoulder pain makes everyday activities difficult, seeing an occupational therapist (OT) may be helpful. They can help you learn better ways to carry out activities such as bathing, dressing, working or driving. They can also provide aids and equipment to make everyday activities easier.
Medicines may help reduce the pain you’re experiencing while you work to maintain and restore movement and function. But it’s important to understand they’re not a long-term solution to shoulder pain. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice about pain medicines. There are different types available, both over-the-counter and by prescription. They include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain but have side effects, so using the lowest dose for the shortest period is best.
- Topicals. Rubs, gels, ointments, sprays, patches and creams applied to your skin (topically) can provide temporary pain relief.
- Corticosteroid injection. If you have persistent shoulder pain and haven’t had relief from oral medicines or other treatments, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid (steroid) injection. Corticosteroid injections into the joint can reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief for some people. However, pain relief varies and may last a few days to weeks. The number of injections you can have is limited due to potential harm. Discuss the benefits and risks of steroid injections with your doctor.
In cases of a frozen shoulder, hydrodilatation may be recommended. This is an injection of fluid (saline and a steroid) into the joint. There’s some evidence that it may relieve symptoms and improve range of motion. However, it’s unclear if this is due to the hydrodilatation, the steroid in the injection, shoulder exercises, or a combination.

What about surgery?

For most people, shoulder pain will improve over time with appropriate, conservative treatment. However, in some cases, surgery may be required.

When considering surgery, you should be informed about what it involves, the rehabilitation process, and its potential benefits and risks.

Managing shoulder pain to prevent future problems.

Most people with shoulder pain will find it gets better over time. But there are things you can do to proactively prevent future problems.

Learn more about your shoulder pain. Are there activities or jobs that trigger your shoulder pain or make it worse? Knowing as much as possible about your shoulder pain means that you can make informed decisions about your healthcare and actively manage it.
Follow the advice of your healthcare team. The information, exercises, and modifications provided by your physio or occupational therapist during the worst of your shoulder pain will help prevent you from aggravating your shoulder and causing future issues.
Exercise regularly. Although you might think you need to protect your shoulder by not moving or resting it, it’s made for movement. And resting can make things worse. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining flexibility, muscle strength, and bone health. When starting an exercise program, you should incorporate activities that improve flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and overall fitness and endurance. Start exercising slowly and gradually increase the time and intensity of your exercise sessions over weeks and months. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help you work out an exercise program right for you.
Manage your stress. Living with stress or anxiety can worsen your pain by causing the muscles throughout your body to tense or spasm. This is often felt in the shoulders and neck. There are many ways to reduce stress or anxiety, including exercise, massage, mindfulness, heat, breathing exercises, and guided imagery.
Get back to your normal activities. Try to be as active as possible and get on with your day-to-day life, including work and exercise. Returning to heavy manual jobs may take longer, and you may need support from a physio and/or OT.

Contact our free national Help Line

Call our nurses if you have questions about managing your pain, musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issues, telehealth, or accessing services. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265, email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger.

More to explore

Anatomy, shoulder and upper limb, shoulder
StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, NIH
Causes of shoulder pain and treatment options
Verywell Health
Common shoulder problems (video)
Musculoskeletal Australia
Shoulder pain and common shoulder problems
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Shoulder pain
NHS
Shoulder pain
Versus Arthritis

Lisa Bywaters

18/May/2023

Do you have osteoarthritis in your knees? Does the pain sometimes interfere with your ability to be as quick or mobile as you’d like? If so, you’re not alone – it’s a big club!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 1 in 11 Australians. It can develop in any joint but commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints like your knees. And because it’s so common and causes lots of pain and distress, we’re all looking for effective treatments to manage the pain and keep moving.

The good news is there’s strong evidence about the most effective treatments for knee OA, those that aren’t effective, and those that don’t have enough evidence to support their use.

And yet, a recent study has shown an increasing number of people with OA are investigating some less effective treatments such as stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and Botulinum toxin.

There are likely many reasons for this.

We’ve become much more familiar with searching online for information during the pandemic.

Information about the effectiveness (or not) of treatments isn’t always translated for consumers. And unfortunately, to access much of this information, you need access to journals and databases that are often behind a paywall.

Another problem is that it’s easy for anyone to create a video, blog, or social media post about the latest and greatest treatment without using current evidence. Their reasons for doing so can be many – from sharing personal experiences in the hopes of helping others to purely commercial gain. This info is everywhere online, easily accessible and often looks legitimate.

So you need to weigh any information carefully, be cautious and discuss your options with your doctor.

Here’s a snapshot of what we know works (or doesn’t) for knee OA

Staying active and exercising regularly

You had to know this was coming 😉. Research has repeatedly shown that exercise is key in managing knee OA (and other musculoskeletal conditions). A tailored exercise program developed by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help reduce knee pain and improve knee function. If pain prevents you from exercising, you may find that warm water exercise is a good starting point. Warm water pools offer the comfort of warmth and the buoyancy of the water to ease the load on your joints.

Managing your weight

Being overweight or obese is directly related to the risk of developing knee OA. It’s also likely to speed up how quickly your OA develops or progresses. Evidence shows a relationship between weight loss and relief of symptoms such as pain and stiffness. But weight loss can be a long process for many people. And it’s challenging, especially when pain affects your ability to be as active as you’d like. However, it’s good to know that any weight loss can reduce your pain and increase your ability to exercise. So making small, achievable changes to your eating and exercise habits can bring big results. If you’d like to lose weight to improve your symptoms, your doctor and/or dietitian can assist you in losing weight safely.

Dealing with stress and your emotions

It’s natural to feel stress, anxiety and frustration when living with chronic pain. However, if you’re always fearful or worried about it, it can worsen your pain. That’s because pain isn’t just a physical sensation – it also involves your perceptions, feelings and thoughts.

The worse you think your pain will be, the worse it can feel. It can affect your sleep, and you become less active. These feelings, thoughts and behaviours can become a vicious cycle.

Talking with a family member, close friend, or a health professional about how you’re feeling can get it out in the open so you can start dealing with these feelings and hopefully break this cycle.

Strategies like breathing exercises, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), meditation, heat, and gentle activities like tai chi, walking, swimming, and cycling can also help you control your stress and anxiety.

What about medicines?

No medicine can affect the underlying disease process of OA. Still, combined with self-care and lifestyle changes, medicines may provide temporary pain relief and help you stay active.

There are a variety of medicines used in the management of knee OA, and each comes with varying degrees of evidence to support their use. They may be taken by mouth as a tablet or capsule (orally), applied directly to the skin in the form of gels and rubs (topical), or injected into the joint (intra-articular). Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor if you’re interested in the following medicines.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs (e.g. Nurofen, Celebrex, Voltaren). Depending on the dosage and other ingredients, NSAIDs are available over-the-counter or with a prescription. Oral NSAIDs are the preferred first-line drug treatment for OA and have been shown to reduce pain and symptoms in knee OA.

It’s important to note that NSAIDs are designed to be taken at low doses for short periods. Always talk to your doctor before starting NSAIDs, as they can cause harmful side effects, especially in older people.

Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Panamax). Research has shown that paracetamol provides only low-level pain relief and, in some cases, no pain relief compared to a placebo in knee OA. However, some people report that it helps reduce their pain so they can be more active. If you can’t take NSAIDs, they may also be an option. Before using paracetamol, talk with your GP to see if it’s appropriate.

Some medicines aren’t effective

Other medicines have been used for OA in the past that we now know aren’t effective and may have harmful side effects.

Opioids. Opioids are powerful pain-relieving medicines. They’re effective at reducing acute pain (or the pain resulting from an injury or surgery), but evidence shows they have little effect on OA pain. Opioids also have many potentially serious side effects. That’s why they’re not recommended in the management of knee OA.

Capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers – it makes them ‘hot’. Capsaicin in creams and lotions has been used to help reduce OA pain, and some people report beneficial effects. However, evidence for its effectiveness in knee OA is low, and it’s generally not recommended. It also has side effects when applied, such as a burning sensation, which can take several uses to wear off.

Glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies have found no benefit from taking glucosamine and/or chondroitin for osteoarthritis.

The pointy end of the stick – intra-articular injections

Intra-articular injections are given directly into the knee joint. They include steroids, platelet-rich plasma, stem cells, hyaluronic acid and Botulinum toxin. Let’s look at them a bit more closely.

Corticosteroid injections. If you have persistent knee pain and haven’t had relief from oral medicines or other treatments (e.g. exercise, weight loss), your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid (steroid) injection. However, the duration of pain relief can vary from a few days to a few weeks, and the number of injections you can have is limited due to potential harm. There’s also emerging evidence that long-term use of these injections may cause OA to worsen in the affected joint.

Hyaluronic acid injections. The benefits of hyaluronic acid joint injections (also known as viscosupplementation or hyaluronan injections) are uncertain. Research findings have been inconsistent, and although some people find the treatment helpful, it can be expensive and isn’t generally recommended. The Australian Rheumatology Association states, “emerging evidence indicates that the effect of hyaluronic acid could be smaller than previously reported.”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and help wounds heal. PRP is a concentrated version of a person’s platelets injected into the affected joint. An Australian clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and Monash University has found that PRP was no better than a placebo at reducing symptoms in people with knee OA.

Stem cell injections. Despite being commercially available, there’s no evidence for using stem cell injections in treating knee OA. The International Society for Stem Cell Research and the Australian Rheumatology Association do not support using stem cell injections for osteoarthritis.

Botulinum toxin injections. The American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guidelines states that the small number of trials that have looked at the use of botulinum toxin in knee and hip OA ”suggest a lack of efficacy”.(1)

What about surgery?

Surgery may be an option for some people with knee OA when all non-surgical treatment options have failed, and knee pain and reduced function impact their quality of life. In this case, your doctor may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your options.

A total joint replacement of the knee is the most common type of surgery for knee OA. However, having an artificial knee means there will still be some limitations. An artificial knee won’t have the same sideways movement as a natural knee. It won’t bend fully, so getting down and up from kneeling is more likely to be challenging.

Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that involves the insertion of small surgical instruments, including a camera, into the knee. This allows the surgeon to examine the inside of the joint and cut, shave and remove material from the inside of the knee joint. “The Australian Government and most orthopaedic surgeons recommend against using arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee. Research shows that doing an arthroscopy for this condition isn’t effective. Arthroscopy should only be used for knee OA if other treatments fail, such as losing weight, exercising and taking pain relievers.” (2)

Contact our free national Help Line

More to explore

Cutting through the hype on platelet-rich plasma
University of Melbourne
Duong, V., Hunter, D.J. Osteoarthritis research is failing to reach consumers. Nature Reviews Rheumatology (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-023-00972-y
Jang, C.W., et al. Impact of changes in clinical practice guidelines for intra-articular injection treatments for knee osteoarthritis on public interest and social media. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2023).
Knee health
TREK (Translating Research Evidence and Knowledge)
My knee exercise
The University of Melbourne
Osteoarthritis
PainHEALTH
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Versus Arthritis UK
Osteoarthritis of the knee: A decision support tool for patients considering treatment options
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

References

(1) Kolasinski, S.L., et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis & Rheumatology (2020).
(2) Arthroscopy, Healthdirect

Musculoskeletal Health Australia

23/Mar/2023

Chronic (or persistent) pain is a common and complex problem affecting 1 in 5 Australians aged 45 and over.(1)

Dealing with chronic pain can be challenging. But there are many things you can do and resources available to help you manage. The first step starts with seeing your doctor.

Here are five reasons you should see your doctor about your pain.

1. You want to take control

Talk with your doctor about pain management programs if you want to learn about managing your pain more effectively. These programs are available in person and online.

Pain management programs aim to reduce the impact that pain has on your life. They treat you as a whole person and don’t focus solely on your pain. That means they address everything from exercise to mood, stress, goal setting, sleep, managing your activities, returning to work, and more.

By attending a pain management program, you’ll learn from doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and psychologists. They’ll provide information, advice and support to help you take control of your pain.

Talk with your doctor about whether a pain management program would be helpful.

2. You’re not coping with your pain

It’s important to talk with your doctor if you feel like you’re not coping, especially if:

you’re taking more of your medicines than prescribed
you’re mixing your medicines with other drugs, including alcohol
you’re drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
you’re having problems sleeping due to pain
you’ve been feeling very low for more than a few weeks
you’ve been missing work because of pain
you’re more worried, frustrated and irritable than usual.

Your doctor understands that living with pain is difficult. They can work with you to find the right pathway to help. They can also refer you to other health professionals, including physical and/or mental health specialists.

3. You’re struggling at work

If you’re not coping with your work responsibilities or just getting to and from work has become difficult because of your pain, discuss this with your doctor.

Evidence shows that working improves general health and wellbeing for most people and reduces psychological distress.

That’s why finding ways to stay at work, even with chronic pain, is important. Your doctor can give you information and support to do this. They can also refer you to other healthcare professionals – e.g. physiotherapists, occupational therapists and specialist doctors (occupational physicians) – to help you stay at work.

And check out our resource WorkWise for info and tips to help you at work.

4. You’ve decided to stop taking your regular medicine for pain

You should talk openly with your doctor if you’re considering stopping any medicines. Some may need to be reduced gradually to avoid potential side effects. Your doctor will advise you on this.

5. You’ve noticed significant changes to your symptoms

It’s also important to be aware of other health changes that may occur. They can appear for various reasons, many unrelated to your pain.

However, if you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk with your doctor:

a sudden increase in the intensity of your pain
sudden loss of muscle power in your legs or arms
sudden change in your ability to empty or control your bladder or bowel
a lack of sensation anywhere in your body
sudden onset of pins and needles or numbness in either hands or feet
sudden onset of poor balance or a lack of coordination
unexplained and ongoing loss of weight
sweats at night time
moderate or severe pain at night or at rest
new pain in your abdomen, chest or head which doesn’t go away.

These ‘red flags’ tell your doctor that something has changed. Changes in pain and other signs and symptoms are treated with caution. Your doctor will investigate potential causes to understand what’s happening and how/if to treat it.

Contact our free national Help Line

More to explore

Managing your pain: An A-Z guide
Musculoskeletal Australia
Pain programs
Pain Australia
WorkWise: Working with a musculoskeletal condition
Musculoskeletal Australia

Reference

(1) Chronic pain in Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020.

Lisa Bywaters

07/Dec/2022

The year’s drawing to a close, and we’re exhausted. It’s been another tough one. 😯 It’s no wonder we’re all in the mood to forget the trials and tribulations of 2022 and eat, drink and be merry! ✨

But we also need to be mindful and take care. In our excitement to get into the festive spirit 🍸, there’s a very real chance we could end up in a painful heap.

So we’ve made a list (and checked it twice 😉🎄) of tips to help you celebrate without the stress, pain and fatigue. Because all we want for Christmas is family, friends and fun. 😊

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Brace yourself for the shopping madness

Plan around your pain and fatigue. Wear your most comfortable clothes and shoes, including orthotics if you have/need them. Shopping at this time of the year is almost an extreme sport! So you need to dress for it.
Grab your walking aid, your shopping list (a foggy brain makes remembering almost impossible) and your shopping buggy/bags.
Be kind to yourself, as you may feel exhausted for hours/days after your trip. If your battery was already low before you hit the shops, it might take some time to recharge and feel yourself again.
Consider wearing a mask and sanitising your hands regularly when you go into the crowded craziness of shopping centres and markets. Although many of us have gotten out of this habit, COVID is still around. Masking and sanitising are the best strategies to reduce your risk of getting sick.
Use a trolley or a shopping buggy, even if you only plan to buy a few things. It’ll do the heavy carrying for you, so you can avoid muscle and joint pain.
Use your assistive devices, such as walking aids, braces, and orthotics. If you have them, use them. They can make a big difference in how you cope while shopping and how you feel afterwards.
Take breaks. Shopping is exhausting and stressful, so take breaks when you need them. Be kind to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard, or you’ll pay for that over the coming hours/days.
Shop online. During the past few years, we learned just how many things could be purchased with a few quick mouse clicks (hello, shiny new shoes 😁). So visit your favourite stores online and save yourself some trips to the shopping centre. Just be sure to check the shipping details to ensure your goods arrive on time.
Shop local. You don’t need to visit the big shopping centres to find unique gifts or fresh produce. Small, independent local stores often have most of what you need. And many of these businesses have been doing it tough. So share the love and shop local.
Be kind to others. Your fellow shopper isn’t the enemy. Be patient, give them space, and be tolerant. The retail staff also deserve our kindness and empathy – they’ve been on the frontline for a long time. And if you feel yourself getting a little hot under the collar, just breathe… and remember we’re all going through tough times.

Dance of the sugar plum fairy: Festive feasting!

Rule #1 – don’t skip meals. It’s a common mistake to make. You’re anticipating a delicious lunch and/or dinner with all your favourite foods, so you skip meals to make space. But this can lead to overeating because you’re so hungry 😫 when you finally do get to eat. It’s also not a great idea to have an empty stomach when taking certain meds or drinking alcohol. So make sure you eat, even if it’s a small meal, to tide you over until you get to the main event.
Stay hydrated. The silly season is usually a hot time of the year, and it’s easy to become dehydrated. Especially if you’re drinking alcohol and/or playing backyard cricket, so keep the water flowing.
Cook/bake things ahead of time. Many foods we enjoy at our holiday gatherings can be made days and sometimes weeks before the big day. That means you don’t have to work yourself into a cooking frenzy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And you’re more likely to enjoy yourself on the day if everything’s prepped and ready to go.
If you’re hosting, ask your guests to bring a plate. This shares the work and the cost and ensures those with special dietary requirements can bring food that accommodates their needs.
Slow down and relax. Really take the time to catch up with the important people gathered around the table 🧡 and enjoy sharing a delicious meal 😋.

Santa baby: Buying gifts

Take a leaf out of the big guy’s book 🎅 – write a list and check it twice. Knowing what gifts you’re looking for before you hit the shops will save you time, energy and money.
Consider spending less. It’s been a tough year financially for many of us, and things are only getting tougher. So it makes sense to be economical and save some dollars. You don’t want to head into 2023 with massive debts.
Make your own gifts. Embrace your inner creative guru and bake, paint, draw, build, knit or sew your presents. Another option is to make your own gift vouchers – for example, 1 hour of babysitting or dog walking.
Talk with your people about doing a Kris Kringle or Secret Santa gift exchange 🎁. It’s perfect if you have a lot of people to buy for. And they save money, time, stress and frustrating shopping expeditions.
Give gift cards and vouchers. They’re an excellent idea for someone who’s hard to buy for or already has everything. And you can get many of them online – without the hassle of changing out of your pyjamas or leaving the comfort of your couch 😄.
Donate to charity. Instead of buying a gift for those who have everything they want or need, consider donating in their name to their favourite charity.
When it comes to wrapping, gift bags are easier on sore hands than cutting paper and using sticky tape. They’re also a lifesaver for those of us who are hopeless at wrapping 😉.

Deck the halls: Decorating

Get the family involved. Put on some music and have fun with it. Decorating your home and your tree is all about the joy of the festive season, being together and the love of shiny tinsel 😊.
Keep it simple. Remember, what you put up has to be packed away. So if that thought fills you with dread, choose the ‘less is more’ option. Or plan to do it over a period of days, rather than all in one go.
Save your back when decorating the tree by putting your baubles and tinsel on a table or bench. That way, you’re not constantly bending over to pick them up.
Use a step ladder rather than overstretching. And if you have any balance issues, ask someone else to do the high stuff.
Remember, things don’t have to be ‘perfect’. That’s too much pressure. Things should be happy and festive, so fling some tinsel over the banister, a wreath on the door, and presents under the tree. Job done! 🎄

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree: Hosting gatherings

Keep it COVID-safe. As we know, COVID’s still around, as are many other bugs and germs. So it’s important to have plenty of soap and hand sanitiser available.
If you feel unwell, get tested, stay home, or cancel your gathering. That last one will be incredibly tough, as we’re so used to soldiering on through our aches, pains and fatigue, but if you think there’s even the smallest chance you have COVID, get tested and keep everyone safe by isolating until you know you don’t have the virus.
And ask your guests to do the same. Again, it’s a tough thing to do, but no one wants to get sick. Especially at this time of the year, when we’re already run down and are just looking forward to a break.
Keep it simple. As with decorating, keep your celebrations simple. Seriously after the year we’ve had, any celebration will be epic!
Take a seat. Get off your feet and rest when you need to.
Be medicine-wise.
- Over-the-counter and prescription medicine may help you manage pain and inflammation so you can enjoy your day. If you’re not sure what will work best for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Watch the alcohol. Many medicines don’t mix well with alcohol, so find out if drinking while taking your meds is okay. If you can drink, avoid drinking to excess. Try mixing a small amount of bubbles with orange juice or soda water with white wine. Or choose zero-alcohol drinks and mocktails.
Give yourself a break when it comes to cleaning and packing up. Get the family and your guests involved – even if it’s simple things like folding up chairs or bringing dishes to the kitchen. And ask yourself – do you really need to do everything immediately? As long as you put away any perishables and get rid of rubbish, everything else can be done the next day after you’ve had a rest.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas: Taking care of you

Manage stress. Christmas and the holidays can be stressful, but you need to manage your stress as best you can or risk having a flare. So pull out your best stress management strategies and use them as often as you need to.
Pace yourself. When you’re hosting an event, it’s easy to get carried away and be constantly on the move. Gatherings can be a marathon, so pace yourself so you don’t run out of steam before the end. The same goes if you’re visiting others. Travelling to and from your home to theirs, being a witty conversationalist 😉 and just interacting with others can be exhausting.
Get some sleep, and rest when you need it. With so many events and gatherings happening at this time of year, it’s easy for our sleep to be disrupted. And we have enough problems with sleep at the best of times! Try as much as possible to stick to your sleep schedule and take rest breaks or naps when needed.
Stay active. Regular exercise is essential all year round for managing a musculoskeletal condition and chronic pain. It’s also important to help offset some of the extra kilojoules you may be consuming at this time of year. And it’ll help you deal with excess stress and sleep issues.
Listen to some tunes. Music helps to reduce anxiety, fear, depression, pain-related distress and blood pressure. And it’s an easy, cost-effective and enjoyable way to relieve pain🎵. Happy holidays everyone! From all of us at Musculoskeletal Australia, we wish you a happy, fun, safe and pain-free festive season. 🎄🎁🥗🍹

Contact our free national Help Line

More to explore

6 tips for managing the holiday season with chronic illness
The Mighty
30 tips for coping with chronic illness during the holiday season
Creaky Joints
A guide to having a less stressful Christmas
ABC Everyday
How to avoid holiday burnout when the pressure’s on
The Upside
Make the holidays free of pandemonium and pain
Arthritis Foundation (USA)
Navigating Christmas with a chronic illness
Patient
Top tips for managing pain over the festive season
London Pain Clinic
Top tips to cut the cost of Christmas
Choice

Lisa Bywaters

16/Nov/2022

“Roadtripophobia (n.) The fear of not having any road trips currently booked.“

With the weather improving (finally), many of us are looking out our windows and dreaming about road trips to anywhere but here. We’ve been stuck in one place for too long, and it’s time to explore new places! 😎

However, living with arthritis, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions can sometimes affect your ability to drive. Pain, fatigue, joint and muscular pain, and brain fog can make driving and sitting for long periods difficult.

That really sucks when your road trip playlist is ready to go, and a bag of kool mints is waiting in your console!

But we’ve got some tips to help you get your motor runnin’… so you can head out on the highway and look for adventure.

“Never underestimate the therapeutic power of driving
and listening to very loud music.” – Unknown

1. Talk with your doctor before you hit the road

If your condition sometimes affects your driving ability, talk with your doctor. Depending on the problems you’re experiencing, your doctor may suggest a range of self-management strategies to help ease muscle tension, reduce pain, prevent you from stiffening up too much, and allow you to move more freely. You can use these strategies in the weeks leading up to your trip and as you travel all over the countryside.

For example, simple things like regular exercise, pain management techniques, aids and devices, and supportive cushions can be a great help on a road trip.

Your doctor may also review your medicines to ensure they’re managing your condition as effectively as possible, with as few side effects (e.g. drowsiness) as possible.

This brings us to the next tip…

2. Know how your medicines affect you

Do your medicines affect your concentration? Do they make you sleepy? Or affect your coordination or reaction time? If so, talk with your doctor about whether there’s another medicine you can use that won’t have this effect on you.

Understanding the effect medicines can have and whether or not they’ll affect your ability to drive safely is extremely important. If you’re unsure, chat with your doctor or pharmacist.

Remember to pack any medicines you may need on your trip, whether you’re gone for an hour or days. Pain and flares can appear unexpectedly, so take a leaf out of the Scout guidebook and ‘be prepared’.

3. Wear comfy clothes

There’s nothing worse than driving for a while and realising you’re wearing the absolute worst clothes for the trip. Your shoes are restrictive, your top doesn’t breathe, and your jeans are giving you an atomic wedgie! 😫

Road trips are fun, so you should feel relaxed and comfortable in the clothes you wear. Choose clothes with some give that allow you to stretch and move around easily, and are appropriate for the weather.

If you want to look more put together at the end of your trip, take a change of clothes and get changed at a rest stop close to your destination.

And don’t forget to pack a raincoat, sunhat and sunscreen – it’s Australia, after all. We can have all the seasons in one day! 🌞☔🌈⚡

4. Plan your trip

Planning and prepping will make you more confident during the drive and reduce the risk of stressful surprises. It also helps to build anticipation for the journey ahead.

Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Book it in from a service to ensure tyres, fluids, brakes etc., are up for the drive.
Print your maps or enter the route into your GPS. Plan your rest stops, fuel stops, and places you want to visit along the way.
If you’re making a long trip, stop every hour, get out of your car and stretch. Give yourself plenty of time; you don’t want to feel tense or rushed. Tension and stress can make your muscles tight and increase your pain levels. So take time to go slow and enjoy the ride. 😊
Be aware of changing road conditions. Much of Australia has had extensive rain and floods. This has caused many potholes to form, making driving stressful and potentially damaging to your car. Hitting a pothole can also cause significant jarring, increasing your muscle and joint pain. Read the RACV article: Stay alert, slow down, don’t swerve for info on how to safely navigate potholes.
As far as flooding goes, the information is clear – avoid flooded areas, and never drive through floodwaters. If you’re not sure about the state of the roads on your route or where floodwaters are, visit the website of your local roads authority and state emergency services.

“There is nowhere to go but everywhere,
so just keep on rolling under the stars.”- Jack Kerouac

5. Get comfortable in the car

Before you hit play on your playlist and set off, carefully adjust your seat and mirrors. If your feet and ankles are stiff, move your seat forward to push the pedals with your entire foot, not just your toes. Make sure your seat’s height lets you control the pedals without being uncomfortable. You should be able to reach and operate all of the controls, pedals, steering wheel etc., and have good visibility through your windows and mirrors.

If you have pain in your hips or legs, consider using a cushion that supports the lumbar spine, hips and buttocks. You can find these at chemists, auto shops, and any store that sells aids and equipment. Or you can see an occupational therapist for info and advice. Just be sure to do all of this before your trip, so you can try out the cushion to ensure it helps and doesn’t aggravate your condition.

Remember to empty your pockets of keys, wallet, small change and other bits and pieces. They can cause irritation and pain – especially if you have a long drive ahead.

6. Take breaks and notice the world around you

Don’t drive for more than an hour without a break. Stop, get out of your car, and stretch or massage tight muscles. Walk around. Drink some water. Check out what’s nearby – a coffee shop, a historical marker, or a breathtaking view. It’s incredible how much you can discover when you stop and look around. And the break will help you feel better and more relaxed at your destination than if you’d driven straight through.

Build these breaks into your overall trip time so that you have plenty of time to get from point A to point B safely and comfortably.

“Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination.
It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” – Emma Chase

7. Stay hydrated and eat well

Water lubricates and cushions your joints, aids digestion, prevents constipation, keeps your temperature normal and helps maintain your blood pressure. When you’re not getting enough water, your body can’t work as well as it should. So make sure you fill your water bottles before you set out and take time to drink from them.

Pack healthy snacks like unsalted nuts, pre-cut fruit and veg, trail mix, or cheese and crackers. Check the nutrition panel to ensure they’re not high in fat, sugar or salt.

Alongside the healthy snacks, you may decide to add a road trip treat (because you’re only human 😉). For my family, that’s always been kool mints or snakes. Yum! 😛

8. Manage your fatigue

You may experience fatigue or intense tiredness due to your condition, the effects of some medicines, or lack of sleep. So plan around your fatigue. For example, if you’re generally fatigued most days around 3pm, plan to do your driving before this.

Your driving ability is compromised when you get tired, or your pain worsens. So don’t drive when you’re feeling foggy or sleepy. Share the driving with others. When you’re not the driver, you can keep the music playing, be the navigator, quiz master, or lolly dispenser. Or just put your head back and rest.

“You can pack for every occasion, but a good friend
will always be the best thing you could bring.”- Unknown

9. Check out aids and gadgets

There are many aids available to help make driving more comfortable, including:

A swivel seat cushion to help you get in and out of the car. You pop it on top of your car seat, sit on it with your body facing out and then swivel your body and legs aroundto face the dashboard.
A lumbar back support or a rolled-up towel to support your lower back.
A steering wheel cover can help make your steering wheel easier to grip if you have stiff, sore hands.
If you find it difficult to twist the petrol cap on or off, try using a petrol cap turner. It’ll make twisting the cap easier.
Grab handles and bars can be added to your car to help you get in and out of your car more easily.
A seat belt reacher can help reduce arm and shoulder strain when reaching for your seat belt and pulling it across your body.
Reversing cameras and parking sensors are available in most new cars and can be added to older ones. They can make parking and reversing easier if you have problems twisting, turning your neck or looking over your shoulder.

Talk with an occupational therapist for information and advice about what aids or gadgets may be helpful for you.

10. Use heat and cold treatments

Applying heat or cold to painful areas before you head out in your car can help relieve your pain. Generally speaking, heat can ease muscle spasms and tension, and cold can reduce swelling. Heat and cold treatments are available in a wide range (e.g. packs, rubs, gels, patches). Some are portable and can be left in your glovebox or bag, so you have them on hand when you need them. Always read the instructions carefully before using them.

11. And have fun!

Heading out on a road trip is a time-honoured tradition because it’s fun, gets us out of our bubbles, and leads to new and exciting adventures. So take some time to plan and prepare, and enjoy the journey! 🚗

“It doesn’t matter how old you get, buying snacks for a road trip should
always look like an unsupervised 9 year old was given $100.”- Unknown 😁😂

Contact our free national Help Line

More to explore

8 tips for road trips with a chronic illness
The Mighty
12 ways to make road trips and car rides easier when you have arthritis
Creaky Joints
15 to float
Victorian State Emergency Service
Road trip tips for arthritis
Arthritis Foundation
Stay alert, slow down, don’t swerve: how to avoid and safely navigate potholes
RACV
Understanding chronic pain and driving
RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland

Lisa Bywaters

13/Oct/2022

Tips to help you sweep away winter

Spring is such a wonderful time of year 😊🌼. The mornings are becoming lighter, the weather’s improving, and the smell of spring blossoms is in the air. So take a moment to breathe it in – you’ll definitely feel a lift in your mood (unless you have allergies – sorry about that 🤧).

It’s also the perfect time to do a bit of spring cleaning; of your home, office, garden or garage. Especially if, like me, you open the blinds on a sunny day and the sunlight highlights every dust bunny, dirty surface, and pet hair tumbleweed 😮.

But cleaning and reorganising can take a toll when you live with a musculoskeletal condition, chronic pain, and fatigue. So we’ve got some tips to help you clean without overdoing it.

Planning, prioritising and pacing

First, make a plan. You can’t do everything at once. So write down all of the things you want to do.

Now prioritise the jobs. What’s most important? And when you consider this, remember your home doesn’t need to be a glossy magazine or Pinterest version of ‘perfect’. That takes a lot of styling, filters, and constant effort. It just needs to be your version of ‘perfect’ – comfortable and cosy for you and whoever you live with.

And finally, pacing. Take your time when you tackle your cleaning. Break it into smaller tasks. For example, don’t try to organise and clean your entire bedroom cupboard in one go. Go small. Deal with your shoes one day; the next day, you can focus on the things stored on shelves, and so on. Make it achievable and realistic for you and how you’re feeling.

Take breaks

We’re often tempted to get as much done as possible while we’re feeling good or motivated. But you need to take breaks so that you don’t overdo it. Otherwise, before you know it, your back’s sore, you can’t move your neck, and exhaustion hits you like a sledgehammer.

Set an alert on your phone to prevent this from happening. Give yourself a specific time to work and take a break when the alert chimes. Do some stretches, drink water, go outside for some air and vitamin D, or have a healthy snack if you’re hungry.

And if you find yourself getting tired, or starting to ache before the alert goes off, listen to your body readjust your timing, and take an earlier break.

Taking regular breaks, rather than pushing through, will leave you feeling much better at the end of your cleaning session.

Get the right tools for the jobs

Lightweight brooms, mops and vacuums make life much easier, especially if you have stairs or a large space to clean. Upright or robotic vacuums can be helpful as you don’t need to bend over a lot, especially when compared with barrel vacs. Just be aware of where the robots are so you don’t trip over them 😐!

Use an upright dustpan to sweep up crumbs, fluff and other debris from the floor. They require minimal bending, which is great if you have a sore back or get dizzy when you bend over.

Long-handled dusters can help you reach high places, especially if stretching or reaching your arms above your head is painful. If you don’t have one, you can attach your duster to a piece of dowel or a ruler to give you the extra length. Or even better, get someone else to do the dusting!

And don’t forget to use your reacher, grabber or other pick-up tools if you have one. They’re not just handy for retrieving something you’ve dropped but also for cleaning. You can pick up stray toys, socks and other items from the floor and retrieve light objects from high shelves.

Choose your battles

If you need to vacuum but aren’t up to doing your entire home, don’t. Just do the high-traffic areas. Or a high-traffic area. If your bathroom needs cleaning, do the high-use areas. Your shower screen doesn’t need to sparkle, but you do need clean towels and a clean sink.

Let the cleaning products do the hard work

Have you ever read the instructions on your cleaning products? Or do you just spray and wipe away? I’m definitely guilty of that! But many cleaning products need time to work on the grunge and grime. Then you can wipe it and the dirt away with far less effort. It’s also good to know that you don’t need separate multipurpose, kitchen and bathroom sprays. Choice has tested many of these products and found that they basically work the same. So you can save your money and cupboard space and just buy one.

Beware of dust and toxic smells

Many people with musculoskeletal and other chronic conditions are sensitive to chemicals, strong smells and/or dust. Some alternatives to the usual cleaning products include bi-carb soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, lemon juice and water. Many websites provide details for making your own cleaning products. There’s also a large range of more natural and plant-based cleaning products you can buy online and from the supermarket.

As far as dust goes, dusters often just move it from your surfaces to the air around you. Use a slightly damp cloth over surfaces to remove dust, and rinse it frequently. Or use an electrostatic duster that attracts and holds onto the dust.

Recycle old socks

I’ve recently discovered that old socks are perfect for many cleaning jobs around the house. You can put one on your hand and wipe down furniture, clean skirting boards, shutters, blinds, ceiling fans and even your indoor plants. When you’ve finished, you can remove the sock from your hand by pulling it off inside-out, and the dust and grime stay off your hand.

You can also put some potpourri or lavender into a sock, tie or sew the end shut, and stick it in the back of your closet, drawers, and other closed-up spaces you want to freshen up. 😊🌸🌻🌼🌷

Use your dishwasher for more than dishes

Did you know you can clean plastic toys, thongs, metal keys, exhaust covers, scrubbing brushes, and even dog toys in your dishwasher? Check out this article: Can you wash it in the dishwasher? The big list of things you can and can’t wash in the dishwasher from Choice for more info.

Consider reorganising your pantry, laundry or kitchen

These are the areas we use a lot. And they often have heavy things we use regularly – e.g. packets of rice, canned goods, pots and pans, detergents and cleaning products. Put these heavy items at waist level (if you have the space) so you aren’t constantly bending or stretching to access them. Check out Pinterest for ideas and inspo.

Get some wheels

A basket of wet washing or a bucket full of water can be really heavy. Instead, use a laundry trolley or a mop bucket with wheels.

Repackage it

We often buy cleaning products in bulk as it tends to be cheaper. But that can end up being several kilos or litres. So when you buy a big box or bottle of cleaning products, put a quantity into smaller, easier-to-use containers. You can top them up when you need to. And make sure you label the new containers clearly.

Alternate your cleaning activities

If you’ve spent some time doing physically tiring cleaning, take a break and do something more passive, like sitting at your desk and cleaning out your email inbox or reviewing receipts for your tax return. Or take a break and read a book or do some guided imagery. Then when/if you feel up to more physical work, you can go back to it. The important thing is you’ve given your body a chance to rest.

Get the family involved

This is obvious, but often such a drama that many of us just end up doing the chores ourselves 😑. But that’s not sustainable. Also, as everyone contributes to the mess, everyone needs to contribute to the cleaning. Read ‘How to divide chores around the home and get kids involved’ from RACV for some tips.

De-clutter

When we have a build-up of clutter and everyday things invading our space, they can become a trip hazard. Here are some ways to tackle the mess.

Make a plan and start small.
Organise the clutter by putting ‘like’ things together. For example, in your linen cupboard, put all your towels together in one group, bedsheets in another etc.
Decide what you want to keep and what’s just taking up valuable space. Then you need to decide what to do with the things you no longer want. So donate, give away, sell, and repurpose what you can. Or if it’s damaged/worn out/soiled/beyond repair, recycle or throw it away.

Hire someone

This isn’t an option for everyone or for every time, but there might be occasions you decide it’s worth the cost. Consider hiring a local handyperson/business to help with your lawns/gardening or cleaning your carpets, curtains or blinds.

Distract yourself with music, podcasts and audiobooks

This can make the cleaning more enjoyable. Just be mindful of the passing time, so you don’t get distracted and overdo things 😉.

Give your medicine cabinet a spring clean too

Get rid of out-of-date or unnecessary items. But don’t throw medications in the bin – take them to your local pharmacy for disposal.

Things don’t have to be perfect…

So give yourself a break. As a clean freak, I constantly struggle with this. But listening to your body and doing things that are realistic for you is more important than some idea of perfection that’s unsustainable (or unattainable). Accept that and just enjoy being in your home 😊.

Call our Help Line

More to explore

15 cleaning games that make even the most boring chores fun
Mumtastic
20 helpful tips for cleaning and organising when you’re chronically ill
Fed Up with Fatigue
26 ‘hacks’ that can make cleaning easier if you have a chronic illness
The Mighty
Day by day: Cleaning with a chronic illness
Waking Up Amy
How to get rid of pet hair at home: Handy tips on how to keep the hairy onslaught to a minimum.
Choice
Spring clean checklist: Your room-by-room checklist for preparing your home for the warmer months
Choice

Lisa Bywaters

03/Mar/2022

Neck pain is a common problem many of us will experience at least once in our lives. The good news is that most cases of neck pain get better within a few days.

So what is neck pain? What causes it, and how can you manage it and get on with life?

Let’s start with a look at your spine

It helps to know how your spine works to understand some of the potential causes of neck pain.

Your spine (or backbone) is made up of bones called vertebrae, stacked on top of each other to form a loose ‘S’-shaped column.

Layers of muscle provide structural support and help you move. They’re joined to bone by strong tissue (tendons).

So what’s causing the pain?

Some common causes of neck pain are:

muscle strain or tension – caused by things such as poor posture for long periods (e.g. hunching over while using a computer/smartphone or while reading), poor neck support while sleeping, jerking or straining your neck during exercise or work activities, anxiety and stress.
cervical spondylosis – this arthritis of the neck is related to ageing. As you age, your intervertebral discs lose moisture and some of their cushioning effect. The space between your vertebrae becomes narrower, and your vertebrae may begin to rub together. Your body tries to repair this damage by creating bony growths (bone spurs). Most people with this condition don’t have any symptoms; however, when they do occur, the most common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness. Some people may experience other symptoms such as tingling or numbness in their arms and legs if bone spurs press against nerves. There can also be a narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis).
other musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis.
herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc). This occurs when the tough outside layer of a disc tears or ruptures, and the soft jelly-like inside bulges out and presses on the nerves in your spine.
whiplash – this is a form of neck sprain caused when the neck is suddenly whipped backward and then forward. This stretches the neck muscles and ligaments more than normal, causing a sprain. Whiplash most commonly occurs following a car accident and may occur days after the accident.

Symptoms

The symptoms you experience will depend on what’s causing your neck pain but may include:

pain and/or stiffness in the neck and shoulders
pain when moving
difficulty turning your head
headache.

In most cases, neck pain goes away in a few days. But if your pain doesn’t get better, or you develop other symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Seeing your doctor

Often it’s not possible to find a cause for neck pain. However, it’s good to know that you can still treat it effectively without knowing the cause.

For more information about questions to ask your doctor before getting any test, treatment or procedure, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.

Dealing with neck pain

Most cases of neck pain will get better within a few days without you needing to see your doctor. During this time, try to keep active and carry on with your normal activities as much as possible.

The following may help relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery:

Sleep on a low, firm pillow – too many pillows will cause your neck to bend unnaturally, and pillows that are too soft won’t provide your neck with adequate support.

Take time to relax – try some relaxation exercises (e.g. mindfulness, visualisation, progressive muscle relaxation) to help reduce muscle tension in your neck and shoulders.

Try an anti-inflammatory or analgesic cream or gel – they may provide temporary pain relief. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Use medication for temporary pain relief – always follow the instructions and talk to your doctor about alternatives if you find they don’t help.

Treating ongoing neck pain

Sometimes neck pain lasts longer than a few days, and you may have ongoing neck pain. There are things you can do to manage this:

See your doctor if the pain is worse or if you have other symptoms in addition to your neck pain such as numbness, pins and needles, fever or any difficulty with your bladder or bowel.
See a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist – they can provide you with stretching and strengthening exercises to help relieve your neck pain and stiffness.
Injections – some people with persistent neck pain may benefit from a long-acting steroid injection into the affected area. Talk with your doctor about whether this is right for you.
Surgery – is rarely needed for neck pain. However, it may be required in cases where severe pain interferes with daily activities, or the spinal cord or nerves are affected.