“My shoulders and back always feel heavy.” “My knees hurt so much that stairs are a struggle.” “I keep getting a tingling numbness in my hands and feet.” — These kinds of pain are often dismissed as a natural part of aging or simply the result of fatigue, but if left unaddressed, they can become chronic and significantly affect your quality of life.
Pain is a signal from your body. By identifying the underlying cause and taking appropriate steps, many people find relief through medication and lifestyle adjustments. Before continuing to rely on over-the-counter painkillers or topical patches, we encourage you to come in for a consultation.
Keldsen Family Clinic is a family-oriented clinic offering both Psychosomatic Medicine and Internal Medicine, a 1-minute walk from ‘Oizumi Yubinkyoku’ bus stop, accessible by Seibu Bus from Oizumi-Gakuen Station. We are open on weekends and holidays and also offer telemedicine. “Going to a clinic feels a little scary” — we’d love to help you take that first step.
Please note that fractures, dislocations, and conditions requiring surgery are referred to a specialized orthopedic clinic. Chronic pain management, pain medication prescriptions, and overall health management are areas where we can help.
About Pain Conditions
Joint pain, back pain, shoulder and neck tension, and neuralgia consistently rank among the most common physical complaints in Japan. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions, back pain is the number one self-reported symptom among men, while shoulder and neck tension and back pain rank highest among women.
Although these conditions are all broadly described as “pain,” their causes and appropriate treatments can vary considerably.
- Joint-related causes (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- Muscle stiffness-related causes (tension-type shoulder and neck tension, myofascial back pain, etc.)
- Nerve-related causes (sciatica, herniated disc, etc.)
- Underlying internal organ conditions (pain originating from the kidneys, gynecological issues, or the heart, etc.)
- Chronic pain (a state in which the brain’s pain processing has become altered)
“Pain that feels different from usual,” “pain that gradually worsens,” and “pain that persists at night or at rest” may be signs of an underlying internal organ or nerve condition. We recommend seeking medical attention promptly.
At Keldsen Family Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach, assessing your overall health to understand the factors behind your pain.
What Are Joint Pain, Back Pain, Shoulder and Neck Tension, and Neuralgia?
Joint Pain
Joint pain refers to pain, swelling, or restricted movement in a joint. The causes are wide-ranging.
- Osteoarthritis: Occurs when cartilage wears down due to aging or physical strain (common in the knees and hips)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation in the joints caused by immune system dysfunction (common in the small joints of the fingers, wrists, and feet)
- Gout and pseudogout: Crystals of uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate accumulate in the joints
- Septic arthritis: Bacteria or other pathogens cause inflammation within the joint
Back Pain
Back pain has a wide range of causes, and approximately 85% of cases are classified as “non-specific back pain,” meaning no specific diagnosis can be identified.
- Myofascial back pain: Caused by muscle fatigue or overuse
- Herniated disc: A disc protrudes and compresses a nearby nerve
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, compressing the nerves
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Issues with movement in the pelvic joints
- Compression fracture: Osteoporosis-related fracture, common in older adults
- Internal organ-related: Pain may sometimes originate from kidney, gynecological, or vascular conditions
Shoulder and Neck Tension
This refers to stiffness and pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Prolonged desk work or poor posture from smartphone use
- Stress and autonomic nervous system imbalance
- Eye strain
- Poor circulation and lack of exercise
- Cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes in the cervical spine)
Neuralgia
Neuralgia is a condition in which tingling, burning, or electric shock-like pain occurs along the path of a nerve.
- Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back through the buttocks, back of the thigh, and calf
- Intercostal neuralgia: Stabbing pain along the ribs
- Trigeminal neuralgia: Severe pain on one side of the face
- Postherpetic neuralgia: Nerve pain that persists after a shingles outbreak
- Diabetic neuropathy: Numbness and pain in the hands and feet as a complication of diabetes
Features and Symptoms of Pain Conditions
The nature of pain provides important clues for identifying its underlying cause.
Specific Symptom Examples
Signs of Joint Pain and Back Pain
- Pain during specific movements
- Stiffness or pain when first starting to move (morning stiffness from osteoarthritis tends to be brief)
- Prolonged morning stiffness (30 minutes or more) may suggest rheumatoid arthritis
- Swollen, warm joints
- Difficulty going up or down stairs
- Back pain when bending or lifting heavy objects
- Numbness in the legs during prolonged walking that improves with rest (spinal stenosis)
Signs of Shoulder and Neck Tension
- A heavy, tight sensation in the shoulders and neck
- Accompanied by headache or nausea
- Numbness or coldness in the hands
- Temporary relief after bathing or stretching
- Chronic, persistent feeling of fatigue
Signs of Neuralgia
- Tingling or electric shock-like pain
- Pain triggered by light touch
- Pain that follows a specific nerve pathway
- Pain at night or at rest
- Accompanied by numbness or sensory changes
Seek Medical Attention Immediately If You Experience
- Sudden, severe pain
- Joint pain accompanied by fever
- Paralysis or loss of strength in the arms or legs
- Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements
- Progressive numbness
- Persistent, severe pain even at rest
- Accompanied by weight loss or fatigue
Treatment and Management of Pain
Pain treatment combines addressing the underlying cause, medication for pain relief, and lifestyle modifications.
1. Medication
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Such as loxoprofen and ibuprofen. These are standard medications that reduce inflammation and pain. Long-term continuous use should be avoided due to the potential for gastrointestinal side effects and effects on kidney function
- Acetaminophen: A pain reliever and fever reducer that tends to be gentler on the stomach
- Muscle relaxants: Used when muscle stiffness is prominent in shoulder and neck tension or back pain
- Neuropathic pain medications: Such as pregabalin (Lyrica) and mirogabalin (Tarlige). These are effective for nerve-related pain
- Topical patches: Medicated patches containing loxoprofen or ketoprofen
- Steroid or joint injections: Administered at an orthopedic clinic when necessary
At Keldsen Family Clinic, we prescribe oral and topical medications. When specialized injections or surgery are needed, we refer patients to an orthopedic specialist.
2. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Heat or cold therapy: Apply cold during acute phases and heat during chronic phases
- Stretching and exercise therapy: Loosening tight muscles and improving blood flow
- Posture correction: Reviewing and improving daily posture habits
- Moderate exercise: Walking, water walking, or yoga
3. Workplace and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Review your desk setup: Adjust chair height and monitor position
- Stand up and stretch at least once every hour
- Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects
- Distribute the weight of bags evenly between both sides
- Consider upgrading your footwear and bedding
4. Preventing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can develop when the brain’s pain processing circuits become hypersensitive, leading to a state in which pain is perceived more intensely than the actual tissue damage would warrant.
- Avoid prolonged, habitual use of over-the-counter painkillers
- Keep a pain diary: Record when and in what circumstances pain occurs
- Improve stress management, sleep, and exercise habits: These can significantly influence pain perception
- Consider counseling when appropriate: Pain and emotions are closely connected
5. General Self-Care for Daily Life
- Sleep: Quality sleep can help alleviate pain
- Exercise: Regular light exercise helps maintain muscle strength and circulation
- Weight management: Reduces strain on the knees and lower back
- Bathing: Soaking in lukewarm water can be soothing
- Stretching routine: Even 5 minutes morning and evening can make a difference
Joint pain, back pain, shoulder and neck tension, and neuralgia are conditions that can often be improved with appropriate care. If you have been managing with over-the-counter painkillers or are struggling with chronic pain, please feel free to reach out to Keldsen Family Clinic. We are a 1-minute walk from ‘Oizumi Yubinkyoku’ bus stop, accessible by Seibu Bus from Oizumi-Gakuen Station, open on weekends and holidays, and telemedicine is also available.