Muscular tension is the most common cause of back pain. The root cause of this tension back pain and neck pain tension is poor posture and incorrect body use and is very common in occupations where a fixed posture needs to be maintained for long periods. Postural muscle strain can be exacerbated by muscular imbalances and scoliosis. Poor post exercise stretching routines can also contribute to the problem
When a muscle is tight the circulation is reduced. The reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients causes fatigue, and in turn pincreased muscular tension. A vicious circle is established and muscular tension accumulates. Muscle tension pain is the result of
- Reduced oxygen supply in the muscles (ischemic muscle pain)
- Microtears in the muscle (as a result of muscle fatigue)
- Trigger points
What you can do
- Improve posture
- Improve body use
- Self massage
- Heat therapy
- Strengthening of core muscles to support improved posture
What we can do
- Massage to break down tight muscles – deep tissue massage especially useful
- Spinal manipulation of adjacent joints to improve mobility allow muscles to move through full range of motion
- Assessment and treatment of local muscular imbalances
- Assessment of overall postural imbalances (twisted pelvis, scoliosis) that may be straining affected area.
Tags: back pain, muscle pain, muscle tension, neck pain, upper back pain
