Can individuals experiencing back pain from various factors incorporate MET (muscle energy techniques) to restore mobility?
Factors That Causes Back Pain
More often than not, many individuals have experienced back pain in various parts of their lives. As one of the leading pains that people have dealt with worldwide, many factors can contribute to the development of back pain, and it can affect different musculoskeletal locations in the upper and lower body quadrants. Back pain has often been associated with the workplace or environmental factors. For back pain, the problem can range from all back sections, affecting the muscles, ligaments, tissues, intervertebral joints, or the bone itself. (Wiberg, 1949) People are constantly in motion, and the muscles can be overstretched and tight over time. When that happens, many people seek treatment to reduce back pain’s overlapping risk profiles and restore mobility. Today’s article focuses on the factors associated with back pain and how non-surgical treatments like MET (muscle energy technique) can help reduce back pain and restore mobility. We discuss with certified medical providers who inform our patients how various environmental factors are correlated with back pain and how it can affect the body. While asking informed questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to include various non-surgical treatments like MET to be incorporated to reduce overlapping risk profiles associated with back pain. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., encompasses this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How often do you experience pain in different locations in your back after doing some strenuous activities? Do you feel like you are taking many breaks due to feeling tightness or sharp sensations in your back? Or have you felt that your posture is more hunched than normal? Many of these environmental factors scenarios are correlated with back pain, and it can become an issue over time. Back pain can be in two categories: specific and non-specific, and it can impact a person’s quality of life. Non-specific back pain can be associated with mobility impairment in the different back sections, referred to as radiating pain in the lower extremities or musculoskeletal disorders. (Delitto et al., 2012) This causes issues like repetitive loading to the spine and various pain-like symptoms to the back, causing a disbalance to the individual. (Zemková & Zapletalová, 2021) When it comes to environmental factors correlating with back pain, there are numerous ways for it to be developed and, over time, cause discomfort for the individual, as back pain symptoms vary for everyone.
Sleep
When it comes to the connection between sleep and back pain, these two issues can cause a vicious cycle of disturbed sleep and issues like insomnia. (Van Looveren et al., 2021) Now, when it comes to sleep disturbances and back pain, many individuals may be sleeping with the wrong mattress, causing their bodies to can cause pressure on their joints and spinal discs. This causes in-bed sleep behaviors like movements and postures could lead to health complications like pressure sores, apnea, and painful muscle spasms in the back and lower extremities. (Elnaggar et al., 2023) Luckily, there are various ways to reduce back pain, improve sleep quality, and restore body motion.
Understanding Academic Low Back Pain-Video
What Is MET?
When people come in for back pain treatment, non-surgical therapies can help stretch the overworked and tired back muscles and restore mobility to the body’s upper and lower extremities. One of the non-surgical treatments that pain specialists like chiropractors and massage therapists use is MET therapy or muscle energy technique therapy. MET comprises soft tissue manipulation that uses controlled isometric and isotonic contractions. (Sarkar et al., 2021) This helps the body not only improve the physiological function of the muscles but also decrease pain. MET can also be combined with other therapies to help lengthen short muscles, improve the range of motion from the joints, and increase fluid drainage from the body’s peripheral regions. (Batool et al., 2024)
MET Reducing Back Pain
Regarding MET, reducing back pain is possible as MET can be integrated with physical therapy to improve the disability and functionality of the person with back pain. (Wahyuddin et al., 2020) When people start to incorporate MET and non-surgical treatments as part of their routine for their health and well-being, they will begin to notice that the pain they have been experiencing in their back is diminishing over time. This allows them to be more mindful of their backs and bodies while making small changes to their routine. Sleeping better with a correct mattress, exercising more to stretch and strengthen muscles, eating healthier foods, and relaxing more allow people to be pain-free in their health and wellness journey.
References
Batool, K., Mehmood, M., Jafar, M., & Gull, M. (2024). Comparative efficacy of muscle energy technique and Bowen technique on hamstrings muscle tightness in chronic low back pain patients. Pak J Med Sci, 40(9), 2080-2084. doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8517
Delitto, A., George, S. Z., Van Dillen, L., Whitman, J. M., Sowa, G., Shekelle, P., Denninger, T. R., & Godges, J. J. (2012). Low Back Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 42(4), A1-A57. doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2012.42.4.a1
Elnaggar, O., Arelhi, R., Coenen, F., Hopkinson, A., Mason, L., & Paoletti, P. (2023). An interpretable framework for sleep posture change detection and postural inactivity segmentation using wrist kinematics. Sci Rep, 13(1), 18027. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44567-9
Sarkar, M., Goyal, M., & Samuel, A. J. (2021). Comparing the Effectiveness of the Muscle Energy Technique and Kinesiotaping in Mechanical Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Non-blinded, Two-Group, Pretest-Posttest Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol. Asian Spine Journal, 15(1), 54-63. doi.org/10.31616/asj.2019.0300
Van Looveren, E., Bilterys, T., Munneke, W., Cagnie, B., Ickmans, K., Mairesse, O., Malfliet, A., De Baets, L., Nijs, J., Goubert, D., Danneels, L., Moens, M., & Meeus, M. (2021). The Association between Sleep and Chronic Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review from the Last Decade. J Clin Med, 10(17). doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173836
Wahyuddin, W., Vongsirinavarat, M., Mekhora, K., Bovonsunthonchai, S., & Adisaipoapun, R. (2020). Immediate effects of muscle energy technique and stabilization exercise in patients with chronic low back pain with suspected facet joint origin: A pilot study. Hong Kong Physiother J, 40(2), 109-119. doi.org/10.1142/S1013702520500109
Wiberg, G. (1949). Back pain in relation to the nerve supply of the intervertebral disc. Acta Orthop Scand, 19(2), 211-221, illust. doi.org/10.3109/17453674908991094
Zemková, E., & Zapletalová, L. (2021). Back Problems: Pros and Cons of Core Strengthening Exercises as a Part of Athlete Training. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10), 5400. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105400
Individuals who wake up with a burning feeling in the chest or throat, along with a bitter taste, more than likely are experiencing morning or waking heartburn. Can simple steps, like not having any food three hours before going to bed, help prevent heartburn when waking up?
Waking Up With Heartburn
Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and neck and an acidic, bitter taste. It occurs when stomach acid flows into the esophagus tube that connects the throat to the stomach and often happens when lying down. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a digestive disorder that occurs when the stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Waking up with heartburn throughout the night or when waking in the morning is common during pregnancy and after drinking alcohol. (UCSF Health, 2024) But chronic acid reflux can also be a sign of a health condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia, or another condition may cause it and can be triggered by stress, certain foods, and other factors.
Causes
Having occasional heartburn is normal. However, frequently waking up with heartburn may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other possible causes of this condition and factors that may contribute to frequently waking up with heartburn include: (National Library of Medicine, 2023)
Increased stress
Wearing belts or clothes that are tight around the waist.
Medications include sedatives, bronchodilators, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Pregnancy
Hiatal hernia – the top area of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm.
Sleeping and Heartburn
Research shows a relationship between sleep disorders like insomnia and an increased risk of acid reflux (Qin S. et al., 2023). A study of over 6,000 people found that those who woke up less often during the night were 50% less likely to experience heartburn than those with disrupted sleep.
When symptoms are constant, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
See a Healthcare Provider
If heartburn persists long-term, it can lead to inflammation, breathing problems, and narrowing of the esophagus. Seeing a healthcare provider is recommended if lifestyle adjustments don’t help or symptoms continue despite taking over-the-counter antacids. Other symptoms that need professional diagnosis include: (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, 2020)
Chest pain or difficulty breathing, like wheezing or hoarseness
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Unexpected weight loss
Difficulty swallowing
Signs of blood in the digestive tract or stool
Tell a healthcare provider when and how you are experiencing symptoms. It may be helpful to keep a journal of frequency, specific symptoms, times when waking up with heartburn, what foods and the time of day when eating, and any other information.
Heart Attack Symptoms
Heartburn can feel like the chest pain associated with a heart attack. See a healthcare provider if you’re unsure if your heart or digestive system is causing the discomfort. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following (American Heart Association, 2022)
Squeezing pressure, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts several minutes or stops and returns
Shortness of breath with or without chest pain
Pain in either or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or abdomen
Other signs include lightheadedness, nausea, and breaking out in a cold sweat
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider can diagnose heartburn and related conditions based on the following (UCSF Health, 2024)
Discussing symptoms
X-rays, or imaging tests, that look at the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
An esophageal pH monitoring test that checks how often and how long stomach acid stays in the esophagus
An upper endoscopy procedure where a small tube with a camera is inserted down the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach
Stop eating at least three hours before going to bed
Lose weight
Avoid spicy, high-fat, and acidic foods
Limit coffee and other forms of caffeine
Avoid carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages
Staying hydrated helps with overall digestion. However, drinking too much water at once can make heartburn worse. Drinking small amounts throughout the day and avoiding sparkling water is recommended since carbonated drinks can trigger heartburn. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as medications, may be used to treat the condition. See a healthcare provider if your heartburn is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. A healthcare provider can determine the most effective treatment strategies. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Qin, S., Wang, C., Wang, X., Wu, W., & Liu, C. (2023). Causal association of gastroesophageal reflux disease with obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-related phenotypes: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Frontiers in neurology, 14, 1283286. doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.1283286
Athletic individuals must train regularly, eat healthy, and rest properly to recover and perform their best. Is sleep different for athletes?
Athletes and Sleep
Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise increases longevity and can also reduce the risk of anxiety and depression and improve sleep (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). When one area is lacking for athletes, overall performance can suffer. Evidence shows that more or extended sleep can benefit athletes and their recovery and performance. (Bird, Stephen P. 2013) Recommendations for athletes range between seven and nine hours nightly, and elite athletes are encouraged to get at least nine hours of sleep nightly and to treat sleep as much as athletic training and diet.
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being for both athletes and non-athletes. Everyone needs sleep to feel restored and function their best daily. (Richard J. Schwab, 2024) Other physical benefits include:
Cardiovascular Recovery
This allows the heart to rest and cells and tissue to be repaired. (MedlinePlus, 2017) This can help the body recover after physical exertion. As an individual progresses through the stages of sleep, the changes in heart rate and breathing throughout the night promote cardiovascular health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2011)
Illness Prevention
The proper amount of sleep helps the body recover from illness. During sleep, the body produces cytokines/hormones that help the immune system fight off infections. These therapeutic effects are important for an athlete’s recovery and performance.
Lack of Sleep Affects Performance
Poor quality and quantity of sleep can lead to several negative effects. Sleep deprivation reduces the ability to react quickly and think clearly. A lack of sleep also increases irritability and risk for anxiety and depression. Sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to make poor decisions and take unnecessary risks. From a physical standpoint, a lack of sleep increases the risk for medical concerns, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and stroke. When athletes do not receive adequate sleep, it can:
Inhibit Ability
In a study of sleep-deprived male team athletes, average and total sprint times decreased. (Skein, M. et al., 2011)
Decrease Accuracy
In a study, male and female sleep-deprived tennis players had decreased serve accuracy by up to 53% compared to performance after normal sleep. (Reyner L. A. & Horne J. A. 2013)
Cause Quicker Exhaustion
A study of male runners and volleyball players found that both athletes exhausted faster after sleep deprivation. (Azboy O. & Kaygisiz Z. 2009)
Decrease Reaction Time
A study found that lack of sleep adversely affected reaction time in a group of male collegiate athletes. (Taheri M. & Arabameri E. 2012)
Difficulty Learning and Decision Making
A lack of sleep negatively impacts cognitive skills and functions.
Athletes can become distracted, and decisions like passing the ball or going for the smash can be difficult or made too late.
Increases Risk of Injury
Research on middle—and high-school athletes showed that chronic lack of sleep was associated with increased rates of injury. (Milewski M. D. et al., 2014)
Increases The Risk of Illness or Immunosuppression
Poor sleep habits are associated with lower resistance to illness like a cold. (Prather A. A. et al., 2015)
Athletic Sleep Hygiene
Common components to sleep well include:
Avoid alcohol and Caffeine
Before bedtime, these can interrupt sleep or lead to more disturbed sleep.
Have a Wind-Down Routine
Activities such as reading, bathing, or meditating can help the body relax and get ready for sleep.
Reduce Stressors
Not only do mental stressors affect sleep quality, but they also impact performance overall.
Create an Optimal Sleep Environment
A sleeping space should be dark and cool with little to no noise.
The environment should be used only for sleep and sex.
No Electronics Before Bed
This includes TVs, cell phones, and computers.
The blue light that these devices emit can affect circadian rhythm.
Don’t Stay Awake In Bed
If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes of trying, get out of bed.
Do a quiet activity in another space until you feel sleepy.
Avoid Overtraining
Keep a consistent training schedule so as not to overexert yourself.
Quick Naps
Keep naps brief. Naps should be longer than an hour and not after 3 p.m.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
The right bed and mattress contribute to overall health and can improve one’s quality of life. Doctor Alexander Jimenez, DC, at Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, says a healthy mattress can improve sleep, reduce pain, increase energy levels, and elevate mood. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Bird, Stephen P. PhD. (2013). Sleep, Recovery, and Athletic Performance: A Brief Review and Recommendations. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35(5), 43-47. doi.org/DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0b013e3182a62e2f
Skein, M., Duffield, R., Edge, J., Short, M. J., & Mündel, T. (2011). Intermittent-sprint performance and muscle glycogen after 30 h of sleep deprivation. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 43(7), 1301–1311. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31820abc5a
Reyner, L. A., & Horne, J. A. (2013). Sleep restriction and serving accuracy in performance tennis players, and effects of caffeine. Physiology & behavior, 120, 93–96. doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.07.002
Azboy, O., & Kaygisiz, Z. (2009). Effects of sleep deprivation on cardiorespiratory functions of the runners and volleyball players during rest and exercise. Acta physiologica Hungarica, 96(1), 29–36. doi.org/10.1556/APhysiol.96.2009.1.3
Taheri, M., & Arabameri, E. (2012). The effect of sleep deprivation on choice reaction time and anaerobic power of college student athletes. Asian journal of sports medicine, 3(1), 15–20. doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.34719
Milewski, M. D., Skaggs, D. L., Bishop, G. A., Pace, J. L., Ibrahim, D. A., Wren, T. A., & Barzdukas, A. (2014). Chronic lack of sleep is associated with increased sports injuries in adolescent athletes. Journal of pediatric orthopedics, 34(2), 129–133. doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000000151
Prather, A. A., Janicki-Deverts, D., Hall, M. H., & Cohen, S. (2015). Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold. Sleep, 38(9), 1353–1359. doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4968
Can performing the hip hinge exercise movement help individuals with lower back pain?
Hip Hinge Exercise
A hip hinge is a controlled movement that involves bending forward from the hips while keeping the spine neutral. The thoracic, lumbar, and pelvis stay neutral while bending forward. The movement comes from the hips, preventing the thoracic and lumbar spine from flexing or rounding. It is a fundamental movement that helps prevent back injuries and strengthens the glutes. It’s used in everyday activities, like picking up objects and sitting down.
The hip hinge exercise targets the posterior chain or back muscles, including the lower back, the glutes, and the hamstrings. It also strengthens the core or abdominal muscles to assist in the movement. When the body hinges at the hips, the bend occurs at the hips, and the spine stays neutral. When the lower back hinges or bends, this causes pain and reduces the range of motion.
Performing the Movement
A wooden dowel, broom handle, or PVC pipe can be used as a guide to help achieve the proper positioning and learn the correct form. Place the dowel or pipe vertically on your back, anchoring it to the head, shoulder blades, and tailbone.
Grasp one end with your right hand in the natural curve of your neck and the other with your left hand in the small of your back. Ensure the dowel touches the back of your head, upper back, and the area where the lower back meets the sacrum. To perform the hip hinge:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
Shift your weight to your heels and
Push your hips back while hinging your torso forward
Keep your chest open and back flat
Slightly bend your knees
Visualize sticking the butt out
The dowel should not lose contact with the three points as you hinge. If it does, the movement is incorrect.
Lower your torso until it’s midway between vertical and parallel to the floor.
Pause when your torso is about 45 degrees
Keep a slight bend in your knees during the downward and upward phases.
Reverse the movement by contracting your glutes and pushing your hips forward and upward to return to the starting position.
Repeat
Benefits
The hip hinge is a fundamental movement pattern that helps the body perform essential tasks such as bending over and picking things up without worry of pain or injury. It’s also required in strength training exercises like the deadlift, kettlebell swing, power clean, and more. The exercise can help strengthen the core, reduce back pain, improve balance, and improve flexion, extension, and trunk rotation. (Michaud F. et al., 2021) Stronger core muscles can increase fitness and athletic performance. (Clark D. R. et al., 2018)
Variations
It is a challenging movement that requires plenty of practice. Individuals who can’t perform it correctly after a few tries may need to modify the movement.
Wall Variation
Using a wall as a guide is an easy way to make the movement easier.
To do this, stand with your back to a wall, about three inches away.
Start hinging at the hips by sticking your butt out touching the wall.
Keep a neutral spine and a flat back.
Once you can do this several times, try stepping out another inch or two and perform the same modified motion. Stick with this until you are away from the wall and can do a full hinge without the wall.
With A Kettlebell
Once you master the basic hinge, you can elevate it using a kettlebell to make this move more difficult.
Start with the kettlebell swing exercise and progress to more challenging moves with the kettlebell.
Common Mistakes
Be aware of common mistakes to keep the move effective and reduce the risk of injury.
Treating the Move Like a Squat
The hip hinge is not the same as a squat.
This is a common misconception. When squatting, the knee joint determines the movement pattern.
But when hip hinging, the movement starts at the hips.
Not Engaging the Core Muscles
This exercise requires core engagement throughout the entire movement.
If these muscles relax, there is an increased risk of dipping the hips during the hinge, which can cause the lower back to dip and cause pain.
Using the Lower Back
Bending or hinging with the lower back rather than letting the hips generate the movement.
Using the wall as a guide can help reduce and eliminate excessive bending at the waist.
Lost Dowel Contact
If the dowel loses contact with one or more set-up positions on the back, the hinge is not being executed correctly.
If your head loses contact with the dowel, the neck is flexing too far forward.
If you lose contact with the sacrum or lower back area, the spine is flexing too much.
If you lose contact with the mid-back, the knees are bending rather than the hips.
Safety
Stop and check your form if you feel back pain during any part of the movement. The movement may need to be modified further or decrease how far the hinge is at the hips. If the pain continues, discontinue the exercise and talk with a doctor or a physical therapist before reattempting the exercise. The dowel is a great tool to help maintain a neutral spine. If you cannot perform the hip hinge while keeping the dowel in contact with the body, you might benefit from working with a personal trainer or physical therapist who can walk you through the steps with the correct form.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Chiropractic care aims to help individuals improve movement with less pain due to condition, after injury, or surgery. A chiropractic physical therapy team can assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan to expedite pain relief and improve mobility. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Chiropractic: The Secret to Unlocking Mobility
References
Michaud, F., Pérez Soto, M., Lugrís, U., & Cuadrado, J. (2021). Lower Back Injury Prevention and Sensitization of Hip Hinge with Neutral Spine Using Wearable Sensors during Lifting Exercises. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 21(16), 5487. doi.org/10.3390/s21165487
Clark, D. R., Lambert, M. I., & Hunter, A. M. (2018). Contemporary perspectives of core stability training for dynamic athletic performance: a survey of athletes, coaches, sports science and sports medicine practitioners. Sports medicine – open, 4(1), 32. doi.org/10.1186/s40798-018-0150-3
Sleeping with lower back pain and sciatica can be difficult and frustrating. What are ways to get more comfortable sleep?
Sleeping With Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
Various factors can affect sleeping with lower back pain and sciatica, including age, injury and medical history, the mattress (e.g., soft vs. firm mattress), and sleep positions. Unfortunately, there’s no one-cure-all solution for this problem, and depending on the underlying cause/s, they can worsen the pain and cause sleep problems. For example, if a herniated disc places added pressure on the nerves in the lower back, twisting the spine can worsen the lower back pain, and sleeping in a fetal position can exacerbate the nerve pain. (UCF Health, N.D.)
Lower-Back Pain
Low-back pain can be activity-related, intermittent, or constant. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024) For some, it only occurs occasionally, such as when performing specific movements. For others, it can be excruciating, chronic, and disabling. Low-back pain is unique for everybody and can differ depending on the cause. Some low-back pain symptom descriptions include (Förster M. et al., 2013)
Aching pain deep in the back
Shooting pain flare-ups
Pain caused by slight pressure
Burning
Tingling
Sciatica Not Present
For some, low-back pain may be confined to a specific area known as axial back pain. (Förster M. et al., 2013) The pain may be felt in a band along the lower back and does not radiate down the legs or anywhere else.
Sensory changes radiating down the leg – numbness, burning, and or tingling
Sleep Tools
Consider changing the mattress to improve sleeping with lower back pain and sciatica. For the best spinal support, choose a medium to firm mattress. Pillows, wedges, and other tools can also help improve sleep. (UCF Health, N.D.) It is recommended that individuals who sleep on their backs place a small pillow under their knees to reduce pressure on their lower backs. For those who sleep on their side, placing a pillow between the knees can keep the spine in a neutral/straight position. To relieve lower back pain, consider sleeping in a reclined, angled position with the head and shoulders higher than the hips. This can be accomplished with an adjustable bed or a wedge to prop the body in a regular bed.
Back Sleeping
Easing back pain while sleeping involves maintaining the body in a neutral or straight position. Extending the muscles, tendons, and ligaments too far in any one direction while sleeping with lower back pain and sciatica can cause stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain. Sleeping on the back puts the spine in neutral alignment with the least stress on the neck and back. It evenly distributes body weight to avoid exerting pressure on the joints and prevent backaches. In addition, a supine position allows outstretched ligaments to shrink and recover to their normal positions. (Keck Medicine of USC, 2019)
Chiropractic Assessment
Chiropractic care aims to help individuals improve movement with less pain due to condition, after injury, or surgery. A chiropractic physical therapy team may be best for individuals with acute back, neck, and musculoskeletal pain and discomfort symptoms. A chiropractor can quickly assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan to expedite pain relief and improve mobility. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Förster, M., Mahn, F., Gockel, U., Brosz, M., Freynhagen, R., Tölle, T. R., & Baron, R. (2013). Axial low back pain: one painful area–many perceptions and mechanisms. PloS one, 8(7), e68273. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0068273
Do different meditation techniques work according to an individual’s personality type?
Meditation Techniques According To Personality Type
Meditation techniques come in many forms. The traditional practice of sitting cross-legged with eyes closed and hands in prana mudra form is just one technique. From loving-kindness meditation to sound baths, the Breethe App, and walking meditations, each type offers its way of calming and focusing the mind, reducing stress, and enhancing well-being.
Meditation for All
Meditation is about observing individual thoughts without judgment and staying in the present. Learning not to focus on every negative or hurtful thought that passes builds emotional regularity and a healthier relationship with the mind. However, no one-size-fits-all technique exists, and meditation relies on individual personality. Some feel more at peace sitting alone, while others find music soothing. Still others find peace of mind in taking a walk. Discovering the answers will help determine which meditation technique works best for you and your mind.
Choosing a Technique
There is no exact science to finding the best meditation technique for each personality. How one meditates is a personal decision. But for those new to meditation and unsure where to start or which practice works best, here are a few meditation techniques for every personality type.
Introverted
Mindfulness Meditation
Introverts harness energy alone and spend energy in social situations. Based on this, mindfulness meditation can work in a quiet, calm, and familiar setting. This type of meditation involves paying attention to the present moment and focusing on the breath, body sensations, and sounds. It helps relieve stress, generates mental clarity, enhances self-awareness, and improves emotional regulation. To practice mindfulness meditation:
Sit comfortably in a quiet space and close your eyes.
Focus on your breath as you slowly inhale and exhale.
Observe your thoughts without judgment, and try to redirect your breathing as you let the thought pass.
Introverts often find satisfaction in the structured approach, which helps them gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Research has found that those who participate in mindfulness-based stress reduction/MBSR benefit from decreased stress levels. (Chiesa A. & Serretti A. 2009)
Extroverts
Group Meditation
Extroverts love being in the mix of the world and fuel themselves through social interactions. They still benefit from meditation to calm and ground them, but in a group or class setting. Group meditation practices with a group, usually in-person or a virtual class led by an instructor. This type of meditation strengthens the sense of community and can deepen an extrovert’s meditation experience through the group’s energy.
Creative and Artistic
Artful Meditation
Creative individuals often create things through painting, sculpting, cooking, sewing, or other trades and crafts. The creative process creates a therapeutic atmosphere for this personality type, and engaging in creative activities can help them focus their minds and forget outside stressors. Artful meditation, or meditative art, combines this creativity with mindfulness. It involves engaging in artistic activities while meditatively concentrating on the process. The practice increases relaxation, provides self-expression, and encourages mindfulness. Individuals do not have to be artists to benefit, as it’s accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Music Personality
Sound Bath Meditation
Individuals drawn to music appreciate and enjoy the combination of sounds that create harmonies, rhythms, and vibrations. Consider sound baths, which can provide a deep and emotional experience. A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by instruments like gongs, singing bowls, and chimes. Research has found that sound vibrations help reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve emotional well-being. (Bartel L. & Mosabbir A. 2021) Classes are often led by an instructor and involve lying or sitting down with closed eyes while sounds and vibrations cascade. The music guides the experience and keeps the listener focused on the journey. The immersive musical meditation experience can help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and cultivate connections with themselves and others.
Type A Personalities
Breathwork Meditation
Type A personalities strive for order and are ready to accomplish any challenge, which often leads to perfectionism burnout. Breathwork meditation can help avoid these pitfalls. This meditation focuses on controlling and manipulating one’s breath to calm the body, mind, and emotions. It’s very structured and orderly, which appeals to type-A individuals. One technique is box breathing, which involves breathing in for six seconds, holding for six seconds, exhaling for six seconds, holding for six seconds, and repeating.
Type B Personalities
Walking Meditation
Type B personalities are relaxed, easy-going, patient, and adaptable. These individuals benefit from flexible, open-ended meditation techniques that allow exploration and creativity. Walking meditation around nature or the block offers this as it combines movement with mindfulness. It focuses on the sensations of walking, like the feel of the ground under the feet and the rhythm of the steps. This creates a deeper connection with one’s surroundings. It also takes the practice of meditation into the world, helping integrate mindfulness into daily activities.
Pessimistic
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Pessimists typically have a glass-is-half-empty mentality, often focusing on the negative versus the positive. This form of meditation involves cultivating compassion, kindness, and goodwill toward oneself and others. For pessimists who struggle with negative self-talk and skepticism, loving-kindness meditation offers a structured practice for cultivating positive emotions and empathy. It can help soften inner criticism, foster resilience, and promote a compassionate worldview. To practice, sit quietly, focus on feelings of love and compassion, and repeat phrases like May I be healthy, may I have mental happiness, and may others be safe, happy, and peaceful. With practice, these sentiments are allowed to grow.
Optimistic
Affirmation Meditation
Optimists tend to see the brighter side of situations, expect favorable outcomes, and maintain a can-do attitude. Affirmation meditation, which involves repeating positive statements aloud or silently, can help reinforce positive beliefs and cultivate optimism. These may be phrases like “I am confident, grounded, or grateful for today.” Consciously affirming, uplifting statements strengthen optimists’ positive mindsets, increase their self-esteem, and sustain their natural inclination to see possibilities and opportunities.
Easily Distracted
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation may benefit individuals who are easily distracted or find it difficult to sit still. This structured approach allows individuals to show up and follow instructions. A narrator guides the practitioner by focusing on relaxation, visualization, or themes like gratitude or compassion. Guided voice meditation provides a clear framework and can be easier to follow, making it accessible for individuals new to meditation or those who find it difficult to focus.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Ultimately, the best type of meditation technique is the one that works for you. Individuals may find that having a few variations can keep things interesting in your day-to-day life. A healthcare provider can determine the most effective treatment strategies. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Transform Your Body
References
Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2009). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for stress management in healthy people: a review and meta-analysis. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 15(5), 593–600. doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0495
Bartel, L., & Mosabbir, A. (2021). Possible Mechanisms for the Effects of Sound Vibration on Human Health. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(5), 597. doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050597
Can individuals receive a full night’s rest by recognizing sleep disturbances to only get proper muscle function and improve their health?
What Causes Sleep Disturbances?
As many people are in a constant state of motion and trying to complete their tasks, they will feel extremely exhausted and tempted to take a quick nap on their bed. However, a short nap can sometimes turn longer and thus affect a person’s sleep schedule. At the same time, when the body is ready to go to sleep, sometimes the mind is wide awake, causing people to become more tired throughout the day. These types of sleep disturbances can not only affect the person but also affect the body as well. In today’s article, we will be looking at what causes sleep disturbances, how improper sleep affects the muscles in the body, and how to incorporate various ways to reduce sleep disturbances. We discuss with certified medical providers who inform our patients how various sleep disturbances can affect the individual and the body. While asking informed questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to include various techniques to reduce sleep disturbances that can impact the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., encompasses this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How often do you feel general aches and pains in your upper and lower extremities that make you sluggish? Do you experience constant headaches that make it difficult to get out of bed? Or do you feel stiffness in your neck, shoulder, and back in the morning that goes away throughout the day? When it comes to the correlation between what causes sleep disturbance to the body, it can vary from person to person, depending on the situation. Let’s say a person is dealing with a stressful situation that causes them to be unable to get a good night’s rest; that would be known as a sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbances, by definition, are causes that can impact a person’s fundamental aspects of their sleep hygiene. (Cormier, 1990) Understandably, everyone is trying to practice good sleep hygiene; however, when environmental factors cause overlapping risk profiles to develop into sleep disturbances, they can affect the body. These can range from cognitive disorders to musculoskeletal conditions and chronic conditions.
How Does Improper Sleep Affect The Muscles & Body?
When classifying sleep disorders that can cause improper sleep in the body, four major categories can be the issue. They are:
Disorders that initiate and maintain sleep
Excessive somnolence disorders
Sleep-wake schedule disorders
Various dysfunctions are associated with sleep (Weitzman, 1981)
These four categories can cause many people to develop improper sleeping habits that can affect their bodies and muscles. Symptoms like fatigue correlate with poor sleep quality and can increase muscle pain intensity. At the same time, many individuals dealing with fatigue can experience muscle pain intensity associated with comorbidities that can make a person feel miserable. (Boggero et al., 2022) Environmental factors affecting the musculoskeletal system can correlate with metabolic disorders and thus affect sleep. Additionally, improper sleep and disturbances have been interplayed with metabolic disorders that can increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance and cause many people to have improper sleeping habits and, which, in turn, affects their musculoskeletal system. (Wei et al., 2022) Some of the effects of improper sleep that can affect muscle include:
Muscle weakness
Instability
Muscle pain
Discomfort
However, when people start to decide to try to improve their sleep schedule and reduce sleep disturbances, many people start to look for ways to get a full night’s rest.
Chronic Pain Chiropractic Care- Video
Ways To Reduce Sleep Disturbances
When trying to improve sleep quality while reducing disturbances, many people start to find ways to incorporate proper sleeping habits. Since sleep’s ultimate goal is to help individuals maintain and improve physical and mental health, many can achieve long-term sleep improvement through appropriate sleep hygiene and modifications. (Baranwal et al., 2023) Some of the ways many people can reduce sleep disturbances are the following:
Exercise
Sleeping on the right mattress
Establish a bedtime routine
Limit electronic screen time
Reduce eating and drinking caffeinated drinks before bed
Incorporating these small changes allows the individual to have proper sleeping habits and reduce overlapping risk profiles affecting the body and musculoskeletal function.
Finding The Right Mattress
Everyone knows that finding the best mattress is important for a good night’s rest. It is also important for people to find the right mattress to stay asleep and reduce musculoskeletal conditions. When it comes to finding the right mattress, it is important to ensure that the mattress’s firmness plays a huge role in improving a person’s sleep quality and reducing pain and disability for people dealing with sleep disorders associated with musculoskeletal conditions. (Caggiari et al., 2021) This allows the individual to have few sleep disturbances and helps them have that full 8 hours of sleep.
Reduce Screen Time
The next way to reduce sleep disturbances is by reducing screen time to prevent it from affecting sleep habits. Since many people are more technologically advanced, it is hard not to doom scroll at night. When many people are on their phones in bed, it can lead to sleep onset latency and cause issues like daytime tiredness. (Brautsch et al., 2023) The best way to reduce tiredness and sleep issues at night is by allowing 30 minutes to digitally disconnect and place any electronic away from the bed to ensure that the 8 hours of sleep is met. This, in turn, allows the brain to turn off and disassociate from anything digital or social media. When it comes to incorporating proper sleep habits, making small changes in a person’s routine can become beneficial in the long run as not only the body can relax but also the muscles.
References
Baranwal, N., Yu, P. K., & Siegel, N. S. (2023). Sleep physiology, pathophysiology, and sleep hygiene. Prog Cardiovasc Dis, 77, 59-69. doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2023.02.005
Boggero, I. A., Pickerill, H. M., & King, C. D. (2022). Fatigue in Adults with Chronic Arthralgia/Myalgia in the Temporomandibular Region: Associations with Poor Sleep Quality, Depression, Pain Intensity, and Future Pain Interference. J Oral Facial Pain Headache, 36(2), 155-163. doi.org/10.11607/ofph.2944
Brautsch, L. A., Lund, L., Andersen, M. M., Jennum, P. J., Folker, A. P., & Andersen, S. (2023). Digital media use and sleep in late adolescence and young adulthood: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev, 68, 101742. doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101742
Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. J Orthop Traumatol, 22(1), 51. doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
Cormier, R. E. (1990). Sleep Disturbances. In H. K. Walker, W. D. Hall, & J. W. Hurst (Eds.), Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (3rd ed.). www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21250242
Wei, Z., Chen, Y., & Upender, R. P. (2022). Sleep Disturbance and Metabolic Dysfunction: The Roles of Adipokines. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(3), 1706. doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031706
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