The human spine consists of many bones, joints and other complex tissues, including a broad structure of interwoven and layered muscles. The muscles surrounding the spine are essential towards the body’s overall stability, providing flexibility and movement to the back, shoulders and arms, as well as aiding in respiration.

The fascia is a layer of connective tissue that supports the framework of the spine and musculoskeletal system. This tissue surrounds the muscles, allowing them to move smoothly against each other. The fascia helps prevent muscles from adhering into one another. However, with direct trauma from an injury, chronic postural stress or overuse of the muscles, myofascial trigger points and myofascial adhesions may develop, commonly known as myofascial pain syndrome.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Causes & Symptoms

Myofascial pain syndrome, often referred to as trigger joints, is a chronic pain disorder and it is the most frequent cause of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed aches and pains, especially for neck pain, back pain and recurrent headaches. In individuals experiencing the painful disorder, any pressure applied on these sensitive points in the muscles can cause symptoms of pain in unrelated areas of the body, medically known as referred pain. Myofascial pain syndrome can also cause symptoms similar to chest pain or sciatica.

While a majority of individuals have experienced muscle tension pain at some point in their lifetime, the pain and discomfort associated with myofascial pain syndrome can be persistent and may worsen over time. The symptoms of the chronic disorder are characterized by a deep, aching pain in the muscles, focused tenderness or a tender knot in the muscle, decreased range of motion and sleep complications as a result of the painful symptoms. If the constant muscle pain continues and worsens after the individual has had plenty of rest or the use of self-care measures, such as massage, did not improve the symptoms, it may be time to seek professional medical attention to properly diagnose for injuries and conditions as well as determine the cause of the damage.

Direct trauma from an injury or repetitive overuse of the muscles may often place stress on muscle fibers, leading to the development of trigger points. Improper posture, joint complications, poor sleep and lack of exercise can all contribute to myofascial pain syndrome. In addition, work or sports-related and physical activities can stretch the various muscles and connective tissues surrounding a particular region, straining the muscles which frequently cause chronic muscle pain.

Treatment Options for Chronic Muscle Pain

Myofascial release therapy, or MFR therapy, is a popular form of treatment for myofascial pain syndrome which focuses on releasing muscle stiffness, tightness and shortness. MFR therapy is utilized to treat numerous types of injuries and conditions, primarily those involving loss of flexibility and mobility or the presence of chronic muscle pain.

Chiropractors, as well as physical therapists and many other types of healthcare professionals, can provide myofascial release therapy. After the initial appointment to determine the source of the individual’s trigger points, a chiropractor, or other medical professional, will measure patients current range of motion and symptoms to follow through with the most appropriate treatment sessions to both improve and restore the individual’s natural state of wellness. The specific releases to different regions of the body can vary, but these generally involve gentle application of pressure or sustained low-load stretches to the affected area. The patient will be able to determine their progress by experiencing increased motion or function and a decrease in chronic muscle pain.

Spinal Adjustments Ease Muscle Pain

Furthermore, a chiropractor can utilize spinal adjustments and manual manipulations as well as alternative types of stretches and exercises to treat other injuries or conditions which may be causing the development of trigger points. Through the gradual alignment of the spine, chiropractic care slowly reduces stress and pressure being placed on the soft-tissues around the spine resulting from spinal misalignments or subluxations.

By targeting the origin of the myofascial pain, many individuals will experience overall relief from their symptoms, helping them recover their original state of wellness and health. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.elpasochiropractorblog.com

Physical & Mental Endurance to Overcome Injury: A Client’s Story

Through Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can experience muscle pain relief after a workout and continue enhancing their fitness capabilities. Malik Decquir shares his reason for staying determined in sports by never giving up and being consistent. Malik found Push-as-Rx ®™ in order to enhance his physical performance and his experience changed his outlook. He expresses how happy and comfortable he is at Push as Rx and offers his greatest gratitude to the trainers who were there when he needed them the most, giving him great advice, and pushing him to become the best at Push-as-Rx ®™.

 

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s clinic and PUSH-as-Rx ®™ system is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.  The PUSH-as-Rx ®™ System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team.  Immediately, we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance.  This highly adaptive system with continual dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics.  PUSH-as-Rx ®™ offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

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