Is it possible to develop a general algorythm of treatment for musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the main reasons for visits to physicians. General practitioners frequently see patients with osteoarthritis, nonspecific back pain, and soft-tissue rheumatic disorders who require adequate analgesia. Drug and non-drug methods of musculoskeletal pain management do not depend on nosological form of disease due to the similar pathophysiology of pain. Therefore, general algorythm for musculoskeletal pain relief can be developed. A review presents the principal mechanisms of musculoskeletal pain which can be the targets for drug treatment, the advantages and the disadvantages of analgetic medications (NSAIDs, paracetamol, myorelaxants, non-narcotic opioids, local injections of glucocorticoids and local anesthetics), and a stepped approach for pain relief in different clinical situations.

Key words

Musculoskeletal pain, NSAIDs, paracetamol, myorelaxants, non-narcotic opioids, local injections of glucocorticoids, local anesthetics, pain relief, algorythm.