Can the effects of electroacupuncture reduce sciatica in individuals dealing with low back pain to restore their mobility?
Contents
Introduction
When many people start to overuse their muscles in the lower quadrants, it can lead to numerous issues that cause pain and discomfort. One of the most common pain issues in the lower quadrants of the musculoskeletal system is sciatica, which is associated with low back pain. This pain duo can affect a person’s daily routine and lead them to pain and discomfort. This musculoskeletal condition is common, and when it affects one of the legs and lower back, many people state that it’s a radiating shooting pain that doesn’t go away for a while. Luckily, there are treatments like electroacupuncture to reduce sciatica associated with low back pain. Today’s article looks at the sciatica-low-back connection, how electroacupuncture reduces this pain connection, and how electroacupuncture can restore mobility to the individual. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how to reduce the sciatica-low-back connection with electroacupuncture. We also inform and guide patients on how electroacupuncture therapy can be combined with other therapies to restore mobility to the body. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating electroacupuncture therapy as part of their routine to reduce sciatica associated with low back pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
The Sciatica & Low Back Connection
Do you feel muscle aches or pain in your lower back or your legs? Do you experience radiating, throbbing pain in your legs that affects your walking ability? Or have you noticed that your legs and lower back ache more when carrying a heavy object? Many of these scenarios are associated with sciatica, which correlates with lower back pain. Now, sciatica is often characterized by aggravating pain traveling along the sciatic nerve from the lower back region, impairing a person’s quality of life. In the musculoskeletal system, the sciatic nerve plays an important role by providing motor function to the legs. (Davis et al., 2024) Now, when the sciatic nerve, the lumbar region also has a pivotal role. The lumbar region in the musculoskeletal region also has a crucial role in providing support, strength, and flexibility to the body. However, both the sciatic nerve and lumbar spinal region are more prone to stress and injuries from traumatic injuries and environmental factors that can impact the lumbar spinal discs and the sciatic nerve.
Repetitive motions, obesity, improper lifting, degenerative spinal issues, and musculoskeletal conditions are a few causes and risk factors contributing to the development of sciatica associated with the lower back. What eventually happens is that the water content and the progressive loss of the proteoglycans of the spinal discs break down between the vertebrae and protrude out to press on the sciatic nerve, which then can become irritated and cause referred radiating pain in the legs and lower back. (Zhou et al., 2021) The combination of sciatica and lower back pain can become a socio-economic issue depending on the severity of the pain that the sciatic nerve is causing and can make individuals miss out on any activities they are participating in. (Siddiq et al., 2020) While sciatica pain-like symptoms often correlate with the lumbar region, many individuals can find the relief they are looking for through various treatments.
Sciatica Causes- Video
Electroacupuncture Reducing The Sciatica-Low Back Connection
When it comes to reducing the sciatic-low-back connection, many individuals seek out treatment that is affordable and effective in decreasing pain-like issues. Non-surgical treatments like electroacupuncture can be beneficial to many individuals who are experiencing sciatica pain correlated with the lower back. Electroacupuncture is another form of traditional acupuncture therapy that originates in China. Highly trained acupuncturists follow the same acupuncture principles by placing solid thin needles at different acupoints in the body to restore qui or chi (energy flow). Electroacupuncture combines needles and electrostimulation to reduce the central pain-regulatory mechanisms causing low back pain and sciatica by blocking the pain signals and providing pain relief. (Kong, 2020) At the same time, electroacupuncture offers analgesic properties to stimulate endorphins and reduce pain medication for low back pain safely. (Sung et al., 2021)
Electroacupuncture Restoring Mobility
When the lower extremities are experiencing limited mobility due to sciatica associated with low back pain, electroacupuncture can help relax the muscles that are aggravating the sciatic nerve and even help improve blood flow to the lumbar muscles. That is because electroacupuncture can stimulate specific body regions to reduce the somato-vagal-adrenal reflexes to relieve and restore mobility to the lower extremities. (Liu et al., 2021) Additionally, electroacupuncture can be combined with other non-surgical therapies to help strengthen the core and lower back muscles, allowing people to be more mindful of what factors are causing sciatica and lower back pain. By doing this, many people struggling with sciatica associated with low back pain can incorporate electroacupuncture as part of their treatment program combined with holistic approaches to improving their quality of life and providing a pathway to improving their mobility.
Kong, J. T. (2020). Electroacupuncture for Treating Chronic Low-Back Pain: Preliminary Research Results. Med Acupunct, 32(6), 396-397. doi.org/10.1089/acu.2020.1495
Liu, S., Wang, Z., Su, Y., Qi, L., Yang, W., Fu, M., Jing, X., Wang, Y., & Ma, Q. (2021). A neuroanatomical basis for electroacupuncture to drive the vagal-adrenal axis. Nature, 598(7882), 641-645. doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04001-4
Siddiq, M. A. B., Clegg, D., Hasan, S. A., & Rasker, J. J. (2020). Extra-spinal sciatica and sciatica mimics: a scoping review. Korean J Pain, 33(4), 305-317. doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2020.33.4.305
Sung, W. S., Park, J. R., Park, K., Youn, I., Yeum, H. W., Kim, S., Choi, J., Cho, Y., Hong, Y., Park, Y., Kim, E. J., & Nam, D. (2021). The effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture for nonspecific chronic low back pain: A protocol for systematic review and/or meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 100(4), e24281. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000024281
Zhou, J., Mi, J., Peng, Y., Han, H., & Liu, Z. (2021). Causal Associations of Obesity With the Intervertebral Degeneration, Low Back Pain, and Sciatica: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 12, 740200. doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.740200
Knee injuries can present in physically active individuals that lift weights. Can understanding the types of weightlifting knee injuries help in prevention?
Contents
Weightlifting Knee Injuries
Weight training is very safe for the knees as regular weight training can improve knee strength and prevent injury as long as the correct form is followed. For Individuals with knee injuries from other activities, incorrect weight-training exercises could worsen the injury. (Ulrika Aasa et al., 2017) As well as, sudden twisting movements, poor alignment, and pre-existing injuries can increase the risk of worsening or creating further injuries. (Hagen Hartmann et al, 2013) The body and the knees are designed to support vertical forces on the joints.
Common Injuries
Weightlifting knee injuries occur as the knee joints endure a wide range of stresses and strains. In weight training, the ligaments that attach to the complex bone system of the knee joint can be damaged by incorrect movements, overloading the weight, and increasing the weight too soon. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and immobility that can range from minor to severe, from a sprain or a slight tear to a complete tear in serious cases.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament – ACL – Injury
This ligament attaches the thigh’s femur bone to the lower leg’s shin bone/tibia and controls excessive rotation or extension of the knee joint. (American Academy of Family Physicians. 2024)
Anterior means front.
ACL injuries are seen mostly in athletes but can happen to anybody.
Severe damage to the ACL usually means surgical reconstruction and up to 12 months of rehabilitation.
When weightlifting, try to avoid twisting knee movements, intentionally or accidentally, under excessive load.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament – PCL – Injury
The PCL connects the femur and tibia at different points to the ACL.
It controls any backward motion of the tibia at the joint.
Injuries occur most with high-impact forces as a result of accidents and sometimes in activities where forceful trauma to the knee occurs.
Medial Collateral Ligament – MCL – Injury
This ligament maintains the knee from bending too far to the inside/medially.
Injuries mostly occur from impact to the outside of the knee or from accidental bodyweight force on the leg that bends at an unusual angle.
Lateral Collateral Ligament – LCL – Injury
This ligament connects the smaller bone of the lower leg/fibula to the femur.
It is opposite to the MCL.
It maintains excessive outward movement.
LCL injuries occur when a force pushes the knee out.
Cartilage Injury
Cartilage prevents bones from rubbing together and cushions impact forces.
Knee menisci are cartilage that cushions the knee joints inside and outside.
Other types of cartilage protect the thigh and shin bones.
When cartilage gets torn or damaged, surgery may be required.
Tendonitis
Aggravated and overused knee tendons can lead to weightlifting knee injuries.
A related injury known as iliotibial band syndrome/ITB causes pain to the outside of the knee, usually in runners, but it can occur from overuse.
Rest, stretching, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication are a common treatment plan.
The condition causes the cartilage to deteriorate and bones to rub together, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Prevention
Individuals can minimize their risk of weightlifting knee injuries and pain by following their doctor’s and personal trainers’ recommendations.
Individuals with an existing knee injury should follow their doctor’s or physical therapist’s recommendations.
A knee sleeve can keep the muscles and joints secure, providing protection and support.
Stretching the leg and knee muscles can maintain joint flexibility.
Avoid sudden lateral movements.
Possible recommendations can include:
Avoiding Certain Exercises
Isolation exercises like leg curls, standing, or on a bench, as well as using the leg extension machine, can stress the knee.
Deep Squat Training
Research shows that the deep squat can protect against lower leg injury if the knee is healthy. However, this is when done with proper technique, under expert supervision, and with a gradual progressive load. (Hagen Hartmann et al, 2013)
Individuals should talk to their doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. A personal trainer can provide training in learning the proper technique and weightlifting form.
How I Tore my ACL Part 2
References
Aasa, U., Svartholm, I., Andersson, F., & Berglund, L. (2017). Injuries among weightlifters and powerlifters: a systematic review. British journal of sports medicine, 51(4), 211–219. doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096037
Hartmann, H., Wirth, K., & Klusemann, M. (2013). Analysis of the load on the knee joint and vertebral column with changes in squatting depth and weight load. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 43(10), 993–1008. doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0073-6
Mellinger, S., & Neurohr, G. A. (2019). Evidence based treatment options for common knee injuries in runners. Annals of translational medicine, 7(Suppl 7), S249. doi.org/10.21037/atm.2019.04.08
Driban, J. B., Hootman, J. M., Sitler, M. R., Harris, K. P., & Cattano, N. M. (2017). Is Participation in Certain Sports Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review. Journal of athletic training, 52(6), 497–506. doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-50.2.08
Can individuals dealing with gut inflammation be relieved with electroacupuncture to reduce low back pain symptoms & improve gut function?
Contents
Introduction
When it comes to the body, the gut system has a very interesting relationship to the various body groups. The gut system works with the central nervous, immune, and musculoskeletal systems as it helps protect the body from harmful bacteria while regulating inflammation. However, when environmental factors start to affect the body and cause the gut system to go haywire, it can cause numerous issues of pain and discomfort to the body. One of the issues that the gut can affect is the musculoskeletal system, causing back pain issues associated with gut inflammation. However, numerous treatments can help reduce the effects of gut inflammation that is causing back pain. Today’s article looks at the gut-back pain connection, how electroacupuncture can be integrated as a treatment, and how it can reduce inflammation. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how gut inflammation impacts their bodies, causing back pain. We also inform and guide patients on how electroacupuncture therapy can help reduce the inflammatory effects causing gut and back issues and restore gut function. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating various non-surgical treatments to reduce gut inflammation correlated with back pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
The Gut-Back Pain Connection
Do you feel muscle aches or pains in your gut or lower back? What about radiating heat in various areas of your body? Or have you experienced any low-energy moments throughout your day? While the gut is known as the second brain since it works with the immune system, one of its crucial roles is regulating the body’s immune system. This is because the gut microbiome houses trillions of bacteria to digest food and protect the body from bad bacteria. When environmental factors start to affect the gut’s delicate ecosystem, it can lead the immune system to be hyperactive, causing the inflammatory cytokines to mass produce, and this effect can ripple throughout the body, thus manifesting into various pain-like symptoms and conditions, including back pain. Since inflammation is the body’s defense response to injuries or infections, it removes the harmful issue in the affected area and helps heal. So when the inflammatory cytokines start to mass produce due to gut inflammation, it can compromise the gut system, allowing toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to different body areas, causing pain. Now, this is due to various environmental factors that lead to back pain development. When the harmful bacteria from inflammation start to cause back pain, they can attach themselves and affect the intervertebral disc homeostasis, causing the immune system to attack the intervertebral disc and cause back pain. (Yao et al., 2023) This is due to the connection of the gut and back through complex nerve pathways that send information from the gut to the back and up to the brain.
So, when inflammation starts to cause issues in the body, it can lead to musculoskeletal problems like back pain. Gut inflammation can cause an imbalance between the composition of the symbiont and pathobiont to decrease the integrity and function of the intestinal gut barriers, induce pain, and increase the inflammatory molecules. (Ratna et al., 2023) The inflammatory molecules can exacerbate pain receptors and muscle tension, leading to discomfort and pain in the lower back. Coincidentally, environmental factors like poor posture, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits can cause the gut system to induce inflammation of the back muscles. When there is dysbiosis in the gut microbiota, the inflammatory effects can be indirectly associated with visceral pain and central nervous systemic functioning to alter the body and cause it to be in a persistent state of chronic systemic inflammation to induce back pain. (Dekker Nitert et al., 2020). However, there are numerous non-surgical treatments and holistic approaches to reduce gut inflammation and relieve back pain.
Integrating Electroacupuncture As Treatment
When people are experiencing back pain associated with gut inflammation, they will go to their primary healthcare doctor and explain the situation. Given the connection between gut inflammation and back pain, by addressing the environmental factors that cause these overlapping risk profiles, many doctors can work with pain specialists to reduce both gut inflammation and back pain. Pain specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help strengthen the affected muscles that are causing back pain and provide holistic approaches like anti-inflammatory vitamins and supplements to reduce gut inflammation. One of the oldest non-surgical treatments that can do both is electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture combines traditional Chinese therapy and modern technology that uses electric stimulation and thin solid needles to be inserted into the body’s acupoint to obtain qi or energy. What this does is that it provides electric stimulation and anti-inflammatory effects to induce cholinergic reflexes in the gut and HPA axis. (Yang et al., 2024) Electroacupuncture can also be combined with other therapies to reduce the inflammatory effects associated with back pain.
How Does Electroacupuncture Reduce Gut Inflammation
Since electroacupuncture can reduce gut inflammation causing back pain, it can help regulate the intestinal flora by promoting intestinal motility and blocking the pain signals from affecting the back muscles. (An et al., 2022) This is because electroacupuncture can help relax the tense muscles causing back pain. Additionally, when people approach this treatment, it is under the guidance of highly trained acupuncturists who can insert the needles correctly while tailoring electroacupuncture therapy to the person’s specific needs and pain. Since electroacupuncture can be combined with other therapies, it can effectively reduce body weight and restore digestion and absorption to shape the gut microbiota. (Xia et al., 2022) This allows individuals to make small changes to their routine and prevent gut inflammation from affecting the body and causing back pain. They can improve their quality of life by incorporating electroacupuncture as part of their health and wellness treatment.
Unlocking The Secrets Of Inflammation-Video
References
An, J., Wang, L., Song, S., Tian, L., Liu, Q., Mei, M., Li, W., & Liu, S. (2022). Electroacupuncture reduces blood glucose by regulating intestinal flora in type 2 diabetic mice. J Diabetes, 14(10), 695-710. doi.org/10.1111/1753-0407.13323
Dekker Nitert, M., Mousa, A., Barrett, H. L., Naderpoor, N., & de Courten, B. (2020). Altered Gut Microbiota Composition Is Associated With Back Pain in Overweight and Obese Individuals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 11, 605. doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00605
Ratna, H. V. K., Jeyaraman, M., Yadav, S., Jeyaraman, N., & Nallakumarasamy, A. (2023). Is Dysbiotic Gut the Cause of Low Back Pain? Cureus, 15(7), e42496. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42496
Xia, X., Xie, Y., Gong, Y., Zhan, M., He, Y., Liang, X., Jin, Y., Yang, Y., & Ding, W. (2022). Electroacupuncture promoted intestinal defensins and rescued the dysbiotic cecal microbiota of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Life Sci, 309, 120961. doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120961
Yang, Y., Pang, F., Zhou, M., Guo, X., Yang, Y., Qiu, W., Liao, C., Chen, Y., & Tang, C. (2024). Electroacupuncture Reduces Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Obese Mice by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways and Repairing the Intestinal Barrier. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes, 17, 435-452. doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S449112
Yao, B., Cai, Y., Wang, W., Deng, J., Zhao, L., Han, Z., & Wan, L. (2023). The Effect of Gut Microbiota on the Progression of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Orthopaedic Surgery, 15(3), 858-867. doi.org/10.1111/os.13626
Can individuals with shoulder pain, find pain relief from electroacupuncture therapy to reduce stiffness associated with the neck?
Contents
Introduction
When many individuals are dealing with pain-like symptoms that are caused by environmental factors, it can affect their daily performance or their routines. Some of the most common pain areas that people usually get are from the neck, shoulder, or back. Since the musculoskeletal system has various upper and lower quadrant muscles, they have an outstanding relationship with the nerve roots that spread out to the muscles to provide sensory-motor functions. When environmental factors or traumatic injuries start to affect the musculoskeletal system, it can lead to a life of disability, pain, and discomfort. So, when individuals are dealing with shoulder pain that is causing issues with their neck, it can lead to various pain-like symptoms in the upper quadrants and searching for treatments to reduce their pain. Treatments like electroacupuncture can provide a positive outlook on reducing shoulder pain associated with the neck. Today’s article focuses on how shoulder pain correlates with the neck, how electroacupuncture positively reduces shoulder pain, and how it can reduce neck and shoulder stiffness. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how shoulder pain is correlated with neck issues. We also inform and guide patients on how non-surgical treatments like electroacupuncture can help reduce shoulder pain and relieve the neck. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about how their neck and shoulder pain affects their daily routine. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Does Shoulder Pain Correlate With The Neck?
Have you been dealing with stiffness in your neck or shoulders that is causing your hands to feel numb? Do you feel muscle strain from the sides of your neck that rotating your shoulders causes temporary relief? Or do you feel muscle soreness in your shoulders after laying on one side for too long? Many of these pain-like issues are correlated with shoulder pain, which can become a frequent musculoskeletal condition that can evolve into chronic problems over time. (Suzuki et al., 2022) This can cause the upper body extremities that work with the shoulders to deal with muscular issues that cause the shoulder and neck muscles to become hypersensitive. Since shoulder pain can often correlate with neck issues or the cervical spine, various environmental and traumatic factors can cause musculoskeletal conditions like muscular tightness in the neck, disc degeneration, or even cervical spondylosis, which can cause referred pain to the shoulders.
Additionally, many working individuals at a desk job can experience shoulder pain associated with the neck as they are in a forward hunched position that causes significant stress on the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the cervical spine, which can risk the development of neck and shoulder pain. (Moon & Kim, 2023) This is due to the numerous nerve roots that run through the neck and shoulder region, causing the pain signals to invoke referred pain in the soft muscle tissues. At the same time, when people dealing with shoulder pain correlating with the neck are doing repetitive motions, compression, or staying in a fixed position for an extended period, it can become overlapping risk profiles, thus increasing the spread of neck and shoulder pain. (Elsiddig et al., 2022) To that point, when people are dealing with neck problems, it can influence the shoulders, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, pain, stiffness, and decreased quality of life that can impact a person. (Onda et al., 2022) However, when the shoulder pain associated with the neck becomes too much, many people will seek treatment to reduce the pain.
The Science Of Motion- Video
The Positive Effects Of Electroacupuncture Reducing Shoulder Pain
When many people are looking for alternative and complementary non-surgical therapies, electroacupuncture is the answer for individuals suffering from shoulder pain correlating with the neck. Like traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture involves electric stimulation and needle insertion into specific points or acupoints on the body by highly trained professionals to enhance therapeutic effects on the affected muscle area. For shoulder pain, electroacupuncture controls pain by activating the central nervous system and inducing the body’s natural biochemicals to promote healing. (Heo et al., 2022) While shoulder pain associated with the neck can arise from a variety of causes, electroacupuncture can target these issues by:
Additionally, electroacupuncture can be combined with physical therapy to reduce neck and shoulder stiffness. When people incorporate exercises that target the neck and shoulders while combining electroacupuncture, they can see a long-term positive effect on pain reduction. (Duenas et al., 2021) The neck and shoulders will have improved flexibility and mobility from the exercises. At the same time, blood flow can help speed up the healing process, and the pain signals are blocked by electroacupuncture. For many individuals dealing with shoulder pain correlating with the neck, electroacupuncture can be an effective treatment to promote healing on the affected muscles and reduce pain.
References
Duenas, L., Aguilar-Rodriguez, M., Voogt, L., Lluch, E., Struyf, F., Mertens, M., Meulemeester, K., & Meeus, M. (2021). Specific versus Non-Specific Exercises for Chronic Neck or Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med, 10(24). doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245946
Elsiddig, A. I., Altalhi, I. A., Althobaiti, M. E., Alwethainani, M. T., & Alzahrani, A. M. (2022). Prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among Saudi universities’ students who are using smartphones and computers. J Family Med Prim Care, 11(1), 194-200. doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1138_21
Heo, J. W., Jo, J. H., Lee, J. J., Kang, H., Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., & Kim, J. I. (2022). Electroacupuncture for the treatment of frozen shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne), 9, 928823. doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.928823
Moon, S. E., & Kim, Y. K. (2023). Neck and Shoulder Pain with Scapular Dyskinesis in Computer Office Workers. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 59(12). doi.org/10.3390/medicina59122159
Onda, A., Onozato, K., & Kimura, M. (2022). Clinical features of neck and shoulder pain (Katakori) in Japanese hospital workers. Fukushima J Med Sci, 68(2), 79-87. doi.org/10.5387/fms.2022-02
Suzuki, H., Tahara, S., Mitsuda, M., Izumi, H., Ikeda, S., Seki, K., Nishida, N., Funaba, M., Imajo, Y., Yukata, K., & Sakai, T. (2022). Current Concept of Quantitative Sensory Testing and Pressure Pain Threshold in Neck/Shoulder and Low Back Pain. Healthcare (Basel), 10(8). doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081485
For individuals experiencing lower back pain can understanding the anatomy and function of the multifidus muscle help in injury prevention and in the development of a highly effective treatment plan?
Contents
Multifidus Muscle
The multifidus muscles are long and narrow on either side of the spinal column, which helps stabilize the lower region of the spine or lumbar spine. (Maryse Fortin, Luciana Gazzi Macedo 2013) Sitting too much, practicing unhealthy postures, and lack of movement can progress to the multifidus muscle weakening or atrophy, which can lead to spinal instability, vertebral compression, and back pain. (Paul W. Hodges, Lieven Danneels 2019)
Anatomy
Known as the deep layer, it is the innermost layer of the three muscle layers of the back and controls the movement of the spine. The other two layers, known as the intrinsic and superficial, are responsible for the thoracic cage/rib cage and shoulder movement. (Anouk Agten et al., 2020) The multifidus has attachment points at:
The thoracic spine of the middle back.
The lumbar spine of the lower back.
The iliac spine – the base of the wing-shaped iliac bone of the pelvis.
Sacrum – series of bones at the base of the spine connected to the tailbone.
When standing or moving, the multifidus muscle works with the transversus abdominus and pelvic floor muscles to stabilize the lumbar spine. (Christine Lynders 2019)
Muscle Function
The main function is to stabilize the lower back, but it also helps extend the lower spine whenever reaching or stretching. (Jennifer Padwal et al., 2020) Because the muscle has numerous attachment points and is serviced by a specific branch of nerves known as the posterior rami, it allows each vertebra to work individually and more efficiently.
The multifidus muscle works with two other deep muscle groups to stabilize and move the spine. (Jeffrey J Hebert et al., 2015)
The rotatores muscle enables unilateral rotation, turning from side to side, and bilateral extension or bending backward and forward.
The semispinalis muscle above the multifidus allows extension and rotation of the head, neck, and upper back.
The multifidus muscle ensures spinal strength because it has more attachment points to the spine than the other layers, which reduces spinal flexibility and rotation but increases strength and stability. (Anouk Agten et al., 2020)
Lower Back Pain
A weak multifidus muscle destabilizes the spine and provides less support to the vertebra. This adds pressure on muscles and connective tissues between and adjacent to the spinal column, increasing the risk of lower back pain symptoms. (Paul W. Hodges, Lieven Danneels 2019) The loss of muscle strength and stability can cause atrophy or wasting away. This can cause compression and other back problems. (Paul W. Hodges et al., 2015) Back problems associated with multifidus muscle deterioration include (Paul W. Hodges, Lieven Danneels 2019)
Herniated discs – also bulging or slipped discs.
Nerve entrapment or compression pinched nerve.
Sciatica
Referred pain – nerve pain originating from the spine felt in other areas.
Osteoarthritis – wear-and-tear arthritis
Spinal osteophytes – bone spurs
Weak abdominal or pelvic floor muscles can compromise the core, increasing the risk of chronic lower back pain and injury.
Individuals are recommended to consult a physical therapist and chiropractor who can help develop the appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and strengthening plan based on age, injury, underlying conditions, and physical abilities.
Can Core Exercises Help with Back Pain?
References
Fortin, M., & Macedo, L. G. (2013). Multifidus and paraspinal muscle group cross-sectional areas of patients with low back pain and control patients: a systematic review with a focus on blinding. Physical therapy, 93(7), 873–888. doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20120457
Hodges, P. W., & Danneels, L. (2019). Changes in Structure and Function of the Back Muscles in Low Back Pain: Different Time Points, Observations, and Mechanisms. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 49(6), 464–476. doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2019.8827
Agten, A., Stevens, S., Verbrugghe, J., Eijnde, B. O., Timmermans, A., & Vandenabeele, F. (2020). The lumbar multifidus is characterised by larger type I muscle fibres compared to the erector spinae. Anatomy & cell biology, 53(2), 143–150. doi.org/10.5115/acb.20.009
Lynders C. (2019). The Critical Role of Development of the Transversus Abdominis in the Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain. HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery, 15(3), 214–220. doi.org/10.1007/s11420-019-09717-8
Padwal, J., Berry, D. B., Hubbard, J. C., Zlomislic, V., Allen, R. T., Garfin, S. R., Ward, S. R., & Shahidi, B. (2020). Regional differences between superficial and deep lumbar multifidus in patients with chronic lumbar spine pathology. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 21(1), 764. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03791-4
Hebert, J. J., Koppenhaver, S. L., Teyhen, D. S., Walker, B. F., & Fritz, J. M. (2015). The evaluation of lumbar multifidus muscle function via palpation: reliability and validity of a new clinical test. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 15(6), 1196–1202. doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.08.056
Hodges, P. W., James, G., Blomster, L., Hall, L., Schmid, A., Shu, C., Little, C., & Melrose, J. (2015). Multifidus Muscle Changes After Back Injury Are Characterized by Structural Remodeling of Muscle, Adipose and Connective Tissue, but Not Muscle Atrophy: Molecular and Morphological Evidence. Spine, 40(14), 1057–1071. doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000000972
Can individuals with osteoarthritis find the relief they deserve through electroacupuncture to restore knee and hip mobility?
Contents
Introduction
The lower extremities provide movement and stability to the body, allowing people to be in motion. The hips, lower back, knees, and feet each have a function to do, and when traumatic issues start to affect the spinal structures, it can cause numerous symptoms to pop up and cause pain-like symptoms. Additionally, degenerative factors are natural to the joints of the lower extremities as many people make repetitive motions to their bodies that lead to the degenerative process. One of the most common degenerative issues that affect the lower extremities is osteoarthritis, which can make many people feel miserable. Today’s article looks at how osteoarthritis affects the lower extremities and how treatments like electroacupuncture reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and restore knee and hip mobility. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to understand better how osteoarthritis affects their lower extremities. We also inform and guide patients on how electroacupuncture therapy can help reduce the inflammatory effects of osteoarthritis affecting the hips and knees. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about reducing the progression of osteoarthritis through non-surgical treatments. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Osteoarthritis Affecting The Lower Extremities
Have you been dealing with stiffness in your knees, hips, and lower back in the mornings? Do you feel like you are wobbling a bit too much when walking? Or do you think radiating heat and swelling in your knees? When people experience these inflammatory pain issues in their joints, it is due to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder affecting the cartilage between the bones and the tissue components surrounding the joint. Osteoarthritis is multifactorial, meaning it can be idiopathic or secondary while influenced by heredity factors. (Bliddal, 2020) The most common places where people experience osteoarthritis are the lower back, hand, hips, and, most commonly, the knees. Some of the major environmental factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis include:
Obesity
Age
Repetitive motions
Family history
Injuries
When people are dealing with osteoarthritis, environmental factors can lead to weight overloading on the joints, which results in compression and inflammation. (Nedunchezhiyan et al., 2022)
When inflammation is associated with osteoarthritis, it can cause the joints and surrounding muscle tissues to swell and feel hot to the touch. At the same time, osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability that can become a socio-economic issue for many people. (Yao et al., 2023) This is because many individuals with osteoarthritis have comorbidities that are associated with the effects of inflammatory cytokines, which can cause them to be physically inactive and miserable. (Katz et al., 2021) However, there are various ways to reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce the inflammatory effects on the joints.
Electroacupuncture Reducing Inflammation Associated With Osteoarthritis
When it comes to inflammation reduction associated with osteoarthritis, many people seek out surgical and non-surgical treatments that can help decrease the progression of this degenerative joint disease. Many people will do aqua therapy to relieve pressure off the joints and improve their mobility. At the same time, others use spinal decompression to create negative pressure on the joint space. However, many people have found that electroacupuncture can help reduce the inflammatory effects of osteoarthritis. Electroacupuncture combines electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture by highly trained professionals that can help decrease the pain intensity in the joints and provide functionality. (Wu et al., 2020) Additionally, since osteoarthritis is associated with inflammation, electroacupuncture can promote blood circulation and adjustment of muscle tension on the joints, and improve mobility. (Zhang et al., 2023)
Electroacupuncture Restoring Knee & Hip Mobility
Electroacupuncture can help with hip and knee mobility as this non-surgical treatment helps promote pain limitations and muscular atrophy from biomechanical overloading, thus improving cartilage viscoelasticity. (Shi et al., 2020) This allows the joints to retain mobility in the hips, knees, and lower back. When people go through consecutive treatment for osteoporosis, they can recover their muscle strength over time to restore their mobility and reduce the progression of osteoarthritis. (Xu et al., 2020) By doing so, many people can find the relief they are looking for with electroacupuncture, which can enable them to make small changes in their daily routine to ensure they can function throughout the day.
Katz, J. N., Arant, K. R., & Loeser, R. F. (2021). Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review. JAMA, 325(6), 568-578. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.22171
Nedunchezhiyan, U., Varughese, I., Sun, A. R., Wu, X., Crawford, R., & Prasadam, I. (2022). Obesity, Inflammation, and Immune System in Osteoarthritis. Front Immunol, 13, 907750. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.907750
Shi, X., Yu, W., Wang, T., Battulga, O., Wang, C., Shu, Q., Yang, X., Liu, C., & Guo, C. (2020). Electroacupuncture alleviates cartilage degradation: Improvement in cartilage biomechanics via pain relief and potentiation of muscle function in a rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis. Biomed Pharmacother, 123, 109724. doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109724
Wu, S. Y., Lin, C. H., Chang, N. J., Hu, W. L., Hung, Y. C., Tsao, Y., & Kuo, C. A. (2020). Combined effect of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture in knee osteoarthritis patients: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore), 99(12), e19541. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000019541
Xu, H., Kang, B., Li, Y., Xie, J., Sun, S., Zhong, S., Gao, C., Xu, X., Zhao, C., Qiu, G., & Xiao, L. (2020). Using electroacupuncture to recover muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty: a study protocol for a double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. Trials, 21(1), 705. doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04601-x
Yao, Q., Wu, X., Tao, C., Gong, W., Chen, M., Qu, M., Zhong, Y., He, T., Chen, S., & Xiao, G. (2023). Osteoarthritis: pathogenic signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther, 8(1), 56. doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01330-w
Zhang, W., Zhang, L., Yang, S., Wen, B., Chen, J., & Chang, J. (2023). Electroacupuncture ameliorates knee osteoarthritis in rats via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing pyroptosis. Mol Pain, 19, 17448069221147792. doi.org/10.1177/17448069221147792
Can individuals dealing with neck pain find relief with electroacupuncture therapy while reducing pain symptoms to restore neck function?
Contents
Introduction
The cervical region of the body consists of the neck region, which allows the head to be mobile and stabilized from discomfort or pain. The neck has numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the cervical facet joints and spinal discs. However, when the neck muscles are overstretched or ached from environmental factors or traumatic injuries that cause the head and the neck muscles to whip back and forth rapidly, it can force individuals to deal with not only pain and discomfort from the neck but also the head and shoulders are affected as well. When this happens, many individuals try to find various relief methods to reduce the pain and its associated symptoms. Today’s articles look at how the pain symptoms are associated with the neck, how there are non-surgical treatments for neck pain, and how electroacupuncture can help restore neck function. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to understand better why they are experiencing neck pain. We also inform and guide patients on how non-surgical treatments like electroacupuncture can help restore neck function to the body. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about reducing the impact of neck pain while trying to incorporate various therapeutic reliefs into their bodies. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Are Pain Symptoms Associated with the Neck?
Do you experience stiffness or pain on your neck’s left or right side? Do you constantly get headaches that you have to lie in a dark room to reduce the pain? Or do you experience numbness or tingling sensations on your shoulders and arms? Many of these pain-like scenarios are associated with neck pain. Now similar to back pain, neck pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal condition that can lead to a socio-economic burden that causes many people to have reduced productivity and job-related problems that can be an issue. (Kazeminasab et al., 2022) Neck pain can be in acute or chronic stages as multiple factors can play the developmental part of neck pain. Some of the environmental factors and traumatic injuries associated with neck pain include:
Poor posture
Whiplash
Degenerative issues
Slouching/hunching position
Sprains or strains
Spinal fractures
When these environmental and traumatic injury factors start to cause issues in the neck region of the body, they can cause pain-like symptoms.
So, how is pain associated with the neck? Well, many individuals dealing with neck pain can either have specific or non-specific neck pain with various symptoms depending on the severity of the pain. While specific neck pain deals with the cervical spine, non-specific neck pain deals with the surrounding muscles and ligaments. To that point, many individuals who are dealing with neck pain are also experiencing somatic referred pain and radicular pain that is associated with neurological signs that make a diagnosis difficult to classify. (Misailidou et al., 2010) This can cause many individuals to experience referred pain in their shoulders and arms or have neurological issues like headaches and tension within their upper body regions, which then causes personal discomfort, disability, and impaired quality of life. (Ben Ayed et al., 2019) But all is not lost, as many individuals seek treatment to reduce the effects of neck pain.
Movement As Medicine- Video
Non-Surgical Treatments For Neck Pain
When it comes to reducing neck pain from environmental factors or traumatic injuries, many people will seek treatments that are affordable and effective in not only decreasing neck pain but also its associated pain-like symptoms. Non-surgical treatments are an excellent way to reduce the effects of neck pain, and they can be combined with other therapies. Some of the non-surgical treatments that are suitable for neck pain include:
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture
Spinal decompression
Massage therapy
Physical therapy
Many individuals dealing with acute neck pain can incorporate non-surgical treatments since they are not only effective through consecutive treatment but are affordable as well. (Chou et al., 2020) This allows many individuals to be more mindful of what factors affect the neck and make small changes to prevent them from returning.
Electroacupuncture Restoring Neck Function
One of the oldest forms of non-surgical treatment is through acupuncture, which originates from China and is performed by highly trained professionals. Depending on how severe the pain is in the neck, many individuals seek out acupuncture therapy or electroacupuncture to reduce the pain. The difference between the two is that acupuncture incorporates thin, solid needles to the specific acupoints in the body that involve the central nervous system. In contrast, electroacupuncture incorporates electric stimulation to become a transformation of energy to block the pain signals that are causing pain in the neck region. (Liu et al., 2022)
Additionally, when the cervical area of the spine has been affected by traumatic forces, it can cause the neck to lose functionality. So, when people incorporate electroacupuncture to restore neck functionality, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that regulate the endocannabinoid system. (Wang et al., 2021) This means that the pain receptors from the nerve roots are blocked, and relief forms in the neck. Depending on the severity, many people with neck pain can utilize electroacupuncture consecutively to regain neck mobility and reduce the pain-like effects that are causing them to be miserable. When people think about their health and wellness, they can make small changes to reduce their environmental factors and start living life to the fullest extent possible.
References
Ben Ayed, H., Yaich, S., Trigui, M., Ben Hmida, M., Ben Jemaa, M., Ammar, A., Jedidi, J., Karray, R., Feki, H., Mejdoub, Y., Kassis, M., & Damak, J. (2019). Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Neck, Shoulders and Low-Back Pain in Secondary-School Children. J Res Health Sci, 19(1), e00440. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31133629
Chou, R., Wagner, J., Ahmed, A. Y., Blazina, I., Brodt, E., Buckley, D. I., Cheney, T. P., Choo, E., Dana, T., Gordon, D., Khandelwal, S., Kantner, S., McDonagh, M. S., Sedgley, C., & Skelly, A. C. (2020). In Treatments for Acute Pain: A Systematic Review. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33411426
Kazeminasab, S., Nejadghaderi, S. A., Amiri, P., Pourfathi, H., Araj-Khodaei, M., Sullman, M. J. M., Kolahi, A. A., & Safiri, S. (2022). Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 26. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04957-4
Liu, R., Li, S., Liu, Y., He, M., Cao, J., Sun, M., Duan, C., & Li, T. (2022). Acupuncture Analgesia in Patients with Postoperative Neck Pain: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2022, 1226702. doi.org/10.1155/2022/1226702
Misailidou, V., Malliou, P., Beneka, A., Karagiannidis, A., & Godolias, G. (2010). Assessment of patients with neck pain: a review of definitions, selection criteria, and measurement tools. J Chiropr Med, 9(2), 49-59. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2010.03.002
Wang, J., Zhang, J., Gao, Y., Chen, Y., Duanmu, C., & Liu, J. (2021). Electroacupuncture Alleviates Hyperalgesia by Regulating CB1 Receptor of Spinal Cord in Incisional Neck Pain Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2021, 5880690. doi.org/10.1155/2021/5880690
Can individuals with low back pain use electroacupuncture therapy to reduce pain and restore mobility back to their bodies?
Contents
Introduction
Many people worldwide have dealt with low back pain from numerous factors and traumatic injuries that can cause pain-like symptoms around the spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerve roots. This is because the body goes through repetitive motions that cause the surrounding muscles and ligaments to be overstretched and tight, aggravating the nerve roots and causing referred pain. Or it can be traumatic injuries that affect the spinal discs in the lumbar region that can become herniated or degenerate to aggravate the nerve roots and lead to low extremity pain. Regardless of the outcome, low back pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, and many people will often seek treatment to reduce its pain-like effects and help many people have their mobility restored. Today’s article examines why low back pain is a global issue, how electroacupuncture can help reduce it, and how it can regain mobility. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to understand better why low back pain is an issue in their bodies. We also inform and guide patients on how electroacupuncture therapy can help reduce low back pain and even help with restoring body mobility. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about reducing the impact of low back pain and find various therapies to incorporate. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Why Low Back Pain Is A Global Issue?
Do you feel stiffness in your lower back after carrying or lifting a heavy object? Do you feel radiating pain traveling down to your legs? Or do you feel muscle aches in your lower back from being hunched for an extended period? Many of these pain-like issues are correlated with environmental factors that can cause the body to develop low back pain. When it comes to low back pain, it is a socio-economic issue that globally impacts many individuals, especially working individuals. When many people do various motions or perform tasks, these motions can gradually loosen the ligaments in the lower back. This causes the body to sense that something is wrong with the lower back and the vital structures of the spine, thus adopting other methods to maintain the spine’s stability. (Hauser et al., 2022)
Additionally, most low back pain symptoms are nonspecific, and motions of heavy lifting, bending, twisting, and whole-body vibrations are occupational risk factors that lead to the development of low back pain. (Becker & Childress, 2019) This causes many people with low back pain to deal with the burden of missing work or putting a hold on their daily routine. When this happens, many individuals begin to seek treatment to reduce the symptoms caused by low back pain.
Unlocking Pain Relief- Video
Electroacupuncture For Low Back Pain
When it comes to reducing low back pain, many individuals will go to various treatments to relieve the pain in their lower back and their associated symptoms. Hence, this is why non-surgical treatments like electroacupuncture can help alleviate lower back pain and help the lower extremities regain mobility. Electroacupuncture is another form of acupuncture that uses electric stimulation on the body’s acupoints to block pain signals. Electroacupuncture has been widely used for musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain, as they have been used as a therapeutic option to reduce medication usage while being an effective option when combined with other therapies. (Sung et al., 2021)
Additionally, electroacupuncture is performed by highly trained professionals and, when being used to treat low back pain, allows stimulation on large areas of the body that are around the acupoint to allow parameters that include the intensity, duration, and frequency to enable the pain to the location to be identified by health care professionals. (Francescato Torres et al., 2019) Electroacupuncture can help reduce the pain in the lower back and support many individuals through various techniques to restore mobility. (Kong, 2020)
Electroacupuncture Restoring Mobility
When restoring body mobility from low back pain, electroacupuncture can provide therapeutic effects by blocking the pain signals, causing the body to be immobile, and allowing the muscles to relax. (Sheng et al., 2021) Electroacupuncture combined with other therapies like physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen the surrounding back muscles and ligaments to reduce the aggravating pain affecting mobility and make many people more mindful of what motions are causing low back pain. When people start making small or big changes to their health and wellness, they will begin to notice how they carry themselves while preventing the same repetitive motions that are causing their lower back issues and living healthier lives.
References
Becker, B. A., & Childress, M. A. (2019). Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Return To Work. American Family Physician, 100(11), 697-703. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31790184
Francescato Torres, S., Brandt de Macedo, A. C., Dias Antunes, M., Merllin Batista de Souza, I., Dimitre Rodrigo Pereira Santos, F., de Sousa do Espirito Santo, A., Ribeiro Jacob, F., Torres Cruz, A., de Oliveira Januario, P., & Pasqual Marques, A. (2019). Effects of electroacupuncture frequencies on chronic low back pain in older adults: triple-blind, 12-months protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(1), 762. doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3813-6
Hauser, R. A., Matias, D., Woznica, D., Rawlings, B., & Woldin, B. A. (2022). Lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy: A review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 35(4), 701-712. doi.org/10.3233/BMR-210097
Kong, J. T. (2020). Electroacupuncture for Treating Chronic Low-Back Pain: Preliminary Research Results. Med Acupunct, 32(6), 396-397. doi.org/10.1089/acu.2020.1495
Sheng, X., Yue, H., Zhang, Q., Chen, D., Qiu, W., Tang, J., Fan, T., Gu, J., Jiang, B., Qiu, M., & Chen, L. (2021). Efficacy of electroacupuncture in patients with failed back surgery syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 22(1), 702. doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05652-4
Sung, W. S., Park, J. R., Park, K., Youn, I., Yeum, H. W., Kim, S., Choi, J., Cho, Y., Hong, Y., Park, Y., Kim, E. J., & Nam, D. (2021). The effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture for nonspecific chronic low back pain: A protocol for systematic review and/or meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 100(4), e24281. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000024281
Can individuals dealing with various musculoskeletal pain incorporate the positive benefits of electroacupuncture to restore function?
Contents
Introduction
As the world changes and more people try to make small changes to their health and well-being, they won’t experience pain or discomfort. Numerous treatments help many people dealing with various musculoskeletal pain that are associated with environmental factors. The human body has multiple muscle groups in the upper and lower body portions that protect the spinal structure and vital organs. When environmental factors correlate with pain and discomfort, it can significantly impact a person’s daily routine. At the same time, musculoskeletal pain can lead to referred pain-like symptoms that many individuals are experiencing pain in two different body locations. However, when the pain becomes unbearable, many will seek various treatment options to not only reduce the pain but also restore body functionality. Today’s article looks at the multiple factors of musculoskeletal pain, treatments like electroacupuncture that reduce musculoskeletal pain, and the benefits of electroacupuncture. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how various factors can contribute to musculoskeletal pain in the body. We also inform and guide patients on how electroacupuncture therapy can help reduce the pain effects of musculoskeletal pain and help improve body functionality. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about how to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
The Various Factors That Correlate With Musculoskeletal Pain
Have you been dealing with areas of complaints within your neck, shoulders, or back after a long day? Do you feel numb or tingling in your upper and lower extremities? Or have you experienced muscle and joint pain that makes it difficult to do your daily routine? When it comes to many individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain in their bodies can dampen their day due to how much pain they are in. Musculoskeletal pain is a multifactorial condition involving various environmental factors that many people in society have experienced. (Caneiro et al., 2021) Musculoskeletal pain can be chronic or acute depending on the ecological factors or traumatic injuries that the body occurs from and can affect not only the muscles but also the bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerve roots that provide sensory-motor functions that make the body mobile.
Some environmental factors that contribute to the development of musculoskeletal pain include:
Excessive sitting/standing
Fractures
Poor posture
Joint dislocation
Stress
Obesity
Repetitive movements
Additionally, many individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain can be problematic when pain and chronic diseases could be predisposed, causing many people to deal with comorbidities, thus increasing their chances of being an issue. (Dzakpasu et al., 2021) Plus, when people are dealing with musculoskeletal pain, it can vary from person to person and can have a huge negative effect on their mental health. (Welsh et al., 2020) This is because many people are dealing with referred pain and their associated pain-like symptoms that they will try home remedies to reduce the musculoskeletal pain temporarily before making the repetitive motions again and being in more pain. To that point, many individuals will often seek various treatments to relieve musculoskeletal pain and restore their body function.
Optimize Your Wellness- Video
The Benefits of Electroacupuncture
When it comes to reducing and treating musculoskeletal pain, many individuals seek out non-surgical treatments to relieve the pain-like symptoms. Non-surgical treatments are excellent for musculoskeletal pain as they can be personalized to the person’s pain and can be cost-effective. Non-surgical treatments range from chiropractic care to acupuncture. One of the various forms of non-surgical treatments is electroacupuncture therapy. Electroacupuncture therapy incorporates the application of electric and acupuncture stimulation to relieve acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain. (Lee et al., 2020) This therapy can activate the bioactive chemicals and block the pain signals from affecting the body.
Additionally, electroacupuncture can be effective and benefit the body by reducing neuropathic pain associated with musculoskeletal. Electroacupuncture provides additional benefits by stimulating the neurotransmitters from the central nervous system to minimize nociceptive pain caused by musculoskeletal pain. (Xue et al., 2020)
So, regarding musculoskeletal pain, electroacupuncture could be the answer to reducing its comorbidities. When a person is experiencing musculoskeletal pain, the affected areas where the pain is located can be inflamed. So when highly trained acupuncturists find the acupoints of the body and utilize electroacupuncture, the stimulation intensity varies from person to person. High-intensity stimulation activates the sympathetic nervous system, while low-intensity stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system. (Ulloa, 2021) Electroacupuncture can even help improve muscle function in the musculoskeletal extremities by relieving pain and adjusting the biomechanical properties to improve abnormal joint loading. (Shi et al., 2020) When people think about their health, they can consider electroacupuncture as part of their health and wellness routine to improve body functionality and live pain-free lives.
References
Caneiro, J. P., Bunzli, S., & O’Sullivan, P. (2021). Beliefs about the body and pain: the critical role in musculoskeletal pain management. Braz J Phys Ther, 25(1), 17-29. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.06.003
Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Carver, A., Brakenridge, C. J., Cicuttini, F., Urquhart, D. M., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 18(1), 159. doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01191-y
Lee, Y. J., Han, C. H., Jeon, J. H., Kim, E., Kim, J. Y., Park, K. H., Kim, A. R., Lee, E. J., & Kim, Y. I. (2020). Effectiveness and safety of polydioxanone thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) and electroacupuncture (EA) treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with postoperative pain: An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot trial. Medicine (Baltimore), 99(30), e21184. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000021184
Shi, X., Yu, W., Wang, T., Battulga, O., Wang, C., Shu, Q., Yang, X., Liu, C., & Guo, C. (2020). Electroacupuncture alleviates cartilage degradation: Improvement in cartilage biomechanics via pain relief and potentiation of muscle function in a rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis. Biomed Pharmacother, 123, 109724. doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109724
Ulloa, L. (2021). Electroacupuncture activates neurons to switch off inflammation. Nature, 598(7882), 573-574. doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-02714-0
Welsh, T. P., Yang, A. E., & Makris, U. E. (2020). Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults: A Clinical Review. Med Clin North Am, 104(5), 855-872. doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2020.05.002
Xue, M., Sun, Y. L., Xia, Y. Y., Huang, Z. H., Huang, C., & Xing, G. G. (2020). Electroacupuncture Modulates Spinal BDNF/TrkappaB Signaling Pathway and Ameliorates the Sensitization of Dorsal Horn WDR Neurons in Spared Nerve Injury Rats. Int J Mol Sci, 21(18). doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186524
For individuals starting to lift weights, motor units are important for muscle movement. Can building more motor units help build strength and maintain muscle mass?
Contents
Motor Units
Motor units control the skeletal muscles and are the force behind every body movement. (C J. Heckman, Roger M. Enoka 2012)
This includes voluntary movements like lifting weights and involuntary movements like breathing. When lifting objects and weights, the body adapts to motor unit needs, meaning that individuals must consistently increase the weight to progress.
Lifting weights regularly trains the body to generate more motor units and force.
General guidelines recommend lifting weights for all muscle groups two to three non-consecutive days a week.
Consistency helps maintain muscle mass.
Regular progression increases the risk of plateauing.
What They Are
Exercise increases the body’s muscle strength, while sedentariness and inactivity weaken them. A motor unit is a single nerve cell/neuron that supplies the nerves to innervate a group of skeletal muscles. The neuron receives signals from the brain that stimulate all the muscle fibers in that particular motor unit to generate movement.
Muscles comprise different fiber types.
They are attached to the bones with connective tissue, which is stronger than the muscle.
Multiple motor units are dispersed throughout the muscle.
The motor units help ensure muscle contraction force is evenly spread throughout the muscle.
Motor units are different sizes and operate differently depending on where and what they do.
Small motor units might only innervate five or ten fibers. For example, to blink or sniff.
Large motor units can comprise hundreds of muscle fibers for swinging or jumping movements.
How They Work
The number of units activated depends on the task. Stronger muscle contractions require more. However, fewer units are needed to accomplish the movement for individuals expending less effort.
Contraction
Once a unit receives a signal from the brain, the muscle fibers contract simultaneously.
The force generated depends on how many units are required to accomplish the task. (Purves D. et al., 2001)
For example, picking up small objects like a pen and paper requires only a few units to generate the force needed.
If picking up a heavy barbell, the body needs more units because more force is needed to lift the heavier load.
The body can generate more force with stronger muscles.
This happens when lifting weights on a regular basis and overloading the muscles with more weight than they can handle.
This process is known as adaptation.
Adaptation
The purpose of lifting weights is to challenge the muscles so they adapt to the new challenge and grow in strength and mass. Motor units are a major part of the adaptation process. (Dr. Erin Nitschke. American Council on Exercise. 2017)
As individuals continue working out, their ability to generate more force increases and units activate more rapidly.
This makes movements more efficient.
Individuals can increase motor unit recruitment by consistently increasing the weight challenge to their muscles.
The development creates movement memory.
A relationship between the brain, muscles, and motor units is established even if the individual stops working out. The pathways are still there no matter how long the individual takes off.
When returning to training, the body will remember how to ride a bike, do a bicep curl, or squat.
However, the muscles will not have the same strength as the strength needs to be built back along with endurance that may have been lost.
It is the movement memory that remains.
Military Training and Chiropractic Care: Maximizing Performance
References
Heckman, C. J., & Enoka, R. M. (2012). Motor unit. Comprehensive Physiology, 2(4), 2629–2682. doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c100087
Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al., editors. (2001). Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. The Motor Unit. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10874/
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
