Muscle Pain





 

 

All pain is felt through the nervous system so it would be correct to say all pain is as a result of nerve stimulation. In this context the term " muscle pain " refers to the muscle being the source causing the actual pain as opposed to the joint or nerve i.e. muscle tear, muscle tension or muscle trigger point.

1. Muscle tension/trigger point
2. Muscle strains/tears

1. Muscles tension/trigger point

Skeletal muscle accounts for 40% of body weight and is an extremely common cause of pain. Tension forms in muscle usually as a result of a prolonged posture i.e. sitting at a desk for a long time.

A trigger point is a taught band of individual muscle fibres which is usually very small and tender to press into. A trigger point does not mean the whole muscle is taught but a very small area within it. Trigger points result in pain either at the site with which they are in, or they can refer pain to other structures.

Trigger points are very common in the neck and shoulders which produce aches and discomfort. Many headaches are the result of trigger points in the back of the neck and upper shoulder area. A feeling of tightness and burning sensation is also a common feature of trigger points. Trigger points can also mimic common injuries such as tennis elbow. In this case the tender taught band is located in the shoulder muscle and when pressed upon can cause painful symptoms in the elbow.

Why do trigger points form?

There are many theories as to why trigger points form but many agree it is a result of a prolonged posture or as a result of an injury. With prolonged posture, fluid leaks out of the muscle due to increased tension. This results in a lack of oxygen to the muscle and tight bands from as a result.

"trigger points are very common in the shoulder and neck and often are associated with desk jobs" James Grigg

Treatment of trigger points

Treatment of trigger points is fairly straightforward and usually very fairly rapid. Many believe that deep pressure is needed to relieve symptoms. This is not the case. Light pressure combined with advanced soft tissue release techniques seem to be most effective. This treatment quickly reduces or even diminishes the taut band of fibres bringing great relief to the patient.  

Once the tight band is removed then treatment is aimed at preventing it from re-occurring, usually by strengthening and increasing flexibility in the muscle. Removal of an underlying cause for the development of trigger points is also crucial.


2. Strained muscles/tears

When muscles are stressed beyond their capable load, a strain occurs. The strain is usually confined to a few distinct fibres within the muscle which become ruptured.

A strained muscle has different classifications depending on the severity of the injury. These are:

First degree muscle strain

- Some stretching of the muscle fibres
- Minimum pain or discomfort
- Minimal or no swelling
- Normal range of movement

Second degree muscle strain

- Considerable proportion of muscle fibres torn
- Moderate to severe pain, sometime unable to weight bear initially
- Swelling and possible bruising
- Pain when contracting the muscle
- Pain with stretching the muscle 

Third degree muscle strain

- Total rupture of the muscle
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Unable to weight bear
- Severe pain when contracting the muscle
- Severe pain with stretching the muscle 

Muscle stains are initially rehabilitated following the PRICE protocol:

P rotection
R est
I ce
C ompression
E levation

Very quickly after the initial trauma, treatment is aimed at restoring range of motion, flexibility, coordination, strength and function. This is the time when practitioners should look for reasons why the injury occurred. Obviously in some cases, certain positions or actions will always cause a muscle strain. However, in many cases there are factors pre-disposing to the strain.

For example: the hamstring muscles are made of 3 different muscles one of which is known as the biceps femoris. This muscle is the one that is usually injured if someone suffers a hamstring injury. This particular muscle (biceps femoris) is split into two groups known as the long head and the short head. Each head is supplied by a different nerve. If the muscle is not receiving the correct impulses from the two different nerves at the same time, there is an increased risk of injury (for more information on trapped nerves click here) A good rehabilitation programme should incorporate an examination of the nervous system to remove potentially trapped nerves.

Once again the above scenario is designed to look at the underlying cause to an injury not just the symptoms. If it is not addressed then even though the symptoms of a muscle strain/tear will reduce, the vulnerability for reoccurrence will remain high.

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email