Arthritis pain can be caused by
- Inflammation, the process that causes heat and swelling in your joints
- Damage to the joints
- Muscle tension, from trying to protect joints from painful movements
- For some conditions, such as fibromyalgia, the cause of the pain is not fully understood.
The information sheet ‘dealing with pain’ will assist in helping you understand the pain cycle, learn techniques that may help you cope with pain, as well as sources of further information.
Back pain
Back pain is pain felt in the lower part of the spine. It is a sign that the joints, muscles or other parts of the back are injured, strained or not working properly. Back pain is very common with four out of five people experiencing it at some time in their lives. Most bouts of back pain get better in several weeks with little treatment.
The information sheet and booklet, ‘back pain’, provides general information about back pain, what can be done to help it, and where to find further information. It is NOT intended for people with back pain from osteoporosis.
Neck pain
Neck pain is pain felt in the upper part of the spine. It is a sign that the joints, muscles or other parts of the neck are injured,strained or not working properly. Neck pain is very common with about one in ten people having it at any given time. For more information download the information sheet ‘neck pain’ which provides general information about neck pain and what can be done to help it, as well as where to find further information.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is pain felt in the shoulder area, at the top of the arm. About one in ten people experience shoulder pain at some time in their lives.
For more information download the information sheet, ‘shoulder pain’, which provides general information on shoulder pain, what can be done to help it, and where to go for further information.