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.
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