QuestionI am studying massage therapy and just wanted a clearer explanation of what causes muscular tension and why it may cause pain and limit skeletal mobility. Thanks for the help. I have just discovered your this site and it is really very helpful.
Betty
AnswerThank you for your question, Betty.
The simplest and most direct answer to your question may be the following:
Over 50% of all people suffer often or even regularly from the painful consequences of muscular tension. Tension in the throat, neck, and shoulder muscles as well as calf and foot cramps are among the most common health problems that disturb our well-being.
Localized muscle tension signals an increased state of tenseness of your body. Prolonged symptoms can even lead to chronic pain and restricted skeletal movement.
Muscular tension often occurs in connection with stress and nervousness. A tense body posture at work (e.g. at the computer) and during long drives can also cause localized muscular tension. Additionally, inadequately trained back and neck muscles or an uncomfortable mattress can lead to pain in the musculoskeletal system.
Two primary sources of chronic back pain are muscular hypertonicity (resulting in joint compression and possible nerve impingement) and lactic acid buildup in hypertonic muscles (creating nociceptor irritation). Improper or insufficient movement, trauma, and/or postural habits lead to (and result from) chronic muscular hypertonicity and soreness.
The conventional understanding of muscular back pain is that it results from traumatic injury, poor posture, genetic (mis)endowment, old age, or from "insidious causes". Pain is often attributed to strain, sprain, or facet joint damage or irritation.
I hope that answers your question.
Michael, LMT
