Many of us have chronic musculoskeletal pain or physical limitations, such as a stiff neck, painful lower back, or a shoulder that doesn't work quite right. Whatever their cause-injury, arthritis, poor movement habits or a congenital "weak spot"-problems like these can vary from merely annoying to quite disabling. But even the most severe musculoskeletal problem can be improved using relatively simple measures such as movement aids or education.

The first step, of course, is to identify the nature and, where possible, the cause of the problem. The Pain and Limitations Assessment helps you do just that, and recommends when you should see a healthcare professional for evaluation. Once you have a clearer picture of the problem, you can use various methods to deal with it. When possible, treatment for cure is obviously ideal, but not always possible. The Pain and Limitations Assessment gives you several suggestions for reducing your pain and improving your function in those areas where you have limitations. It may recommend professional treatment, including medical intervention or physical therapy, where appropriate. Equally important, we suggest ways to prevent the problems from recurring once you have gotten them under control.

Pain and physical limitations are part of the human condition, but they don't have to get the better of you. Take the Pain and Limitations Assessment to gain the upper hand against your musculoskeletal ailments.