In today’s big data informational era, there are many disorders, diseases, and clinical presentations that demonstrate concomitant associations, coincidences, correlations, causations, overlapping profiles, overlapping risk profiles, co-morbidities, and risks of associated disorders that clinically intermingle in presentations and outcomes.
The clinician is mandated by the depth of our present clinical understandings and our oath to our patients to see the complete clinical picture within these integrated clinical paradigms and to treat accordingly.
Somatic dysfunction is defined as the “impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures, and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements.”
A viscerosomatic reflexis the resultant of the effect of afferent stimuli arising from a visceral disorder on the somatic tissues. The reflex is initiated by afferent impulses from visceral receptors; these impulses are transmitted to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where they synapse with interconnecting neurons. These, in turn, convey the stimulus to sympathetic and peripheral motor efferents, thus resulting in sensory and motor changes in somatic tissues of skeletal muscle, viscera, blood vessels, and skin.
As an example only,visceral afferents play an important part in the maintenance of internal equilibrium and the related mutual adjustments of visceral function. They are also responsible for the conduction of pain impulses that may be caused by distention of a viscus, anoxia (particularly of muscle), irritating metabolites, stretching or crushing of blood vessels, irritation of the peritoneum, contraction of muscular walls, and distention of the capsule of a solid organ.” Because pain-sensitive nerve end- ings are not numerous in viscera, pain sensation or a visceral reflex response may result from the combined input of several different types of receptors rather than as a specific response to a particular receptor. A variety of visceral receptors have been mucosal and epithelial receptors, which respond to mechanical and epithelial stimuli; tension receptors in the visceral muscle layers, which respond to mechanical distention, such as the degree of filling; serosal receptors, which are slow adapting mechanoreceptors in mesentery or
serosa and which monitor visceral fullness; Pacinian corpuscles in mesentery and pain receptors; and free nerve endings in viscera and blood vessels.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Our information scopeis limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez DC or contact us at 915-850-0900.
The various muscle groups in the body allow the host to move around and function through many actions without feeling any discomfort or pain. The body has two sections: upper and lower portions that have different functions, from turning the neck from side to side to allowing the legs to enable the body to move around. When various issues or factors begin to affect the body over time, like muscle injuries or normal factors like poor posture and prolonged sitting, it causes overlapping risk profiles that can lead to chronic musculoskeletal conditions. When musculoskeletal disorders affect the body, it can lead to muscle and joint pain that can cause misalignment in the spine and cause the muscle fibers to become short and tense. Luckily there are available treatments that allow the body to realign itself and stretch those short muscles. Today’s article looks at how muscle pain affects the body and how different variations of the MET technique are used to reduce and stretch muscle pain. We mention and provide valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who use techniques like the MET and therapy for individuals with muscle strain associated with body pain. We give encouragement to patients by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnostic findings. We support that education is a marvelous way to ask our providers the most interesting questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Does Muscle Pain Affect The Body?
Have you been dealing with muscle strain or pain in different body areas? Are you experiencing any referred pain in other body locations? Or are your muscles feeling extremely tight that it is causing you pain? When the body is dealing with various issues that are causing the muscle fibers to be tensed, it can lead to muscle pain and cause many people to suffer. Studies reveal that muscle pain is caused when painful conditions like mechanical forces, ischemia, and inflammation stimulate the body’s free nerve endings. Many of these factors also correlate with musculoskeletal disorders like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain that can develop trigger points (palpable, small nodules) in the muscle fibers to cause the muscles to become stiff and contract. Additional studies also reveal that when the muscles begin to cramp up, especially the calves, it can become extremely painful and involuntary as it affects the entire muscle group, the muscle itself, or any selected muscle fibers. This causes the individual to be in pain in an acute setting as the muscle relaxes; however, if the muscle fibers are still in constant contraction, it can lead to chronic issues that affect the muscle group.
Overcoming Pain With Chiropractic Care-Video
Regarding muscle pain in the body, studies reveal that the nociceptive nerve endings in the muscles and tissue fibers can cause the neuron signals from the central nervous system to become hyperexcitable, and hyperactivity can lead to muscle pain. This causes the muscle group and the surrounding muscles to tense and invokes pain when in motion. To that point, it can cause the individual dealing with muscle pain to try and find various treatments to alleviate the pain and continue their lives. When it comes to pain can be relieved through treatments like chiropractic care and massage therapy to reduce the effects of the muscle pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The video above explains how treatments like chiropractic care incorporate different techniques to realign the body from subluxation and help stretch the tight, short muscles using manual manipulation and the MET technique.
Variations Of The MET Technique
When the muscles in the musculoskeletal system are dealing with pain in different locations or one location in the body, it can cause the individual to be in constant pain. Luckily treatments like chiropractic care are non-invasive and therapeutic as they utilize different techniques to realign the spine and stretch the tight muscle groups. In “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by, Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., stated that when muscle pain affects tone muscle or causes structural changes to the joint’s ROM (range of motion) can lead to shortness and stress to the muscle group. Studies reveal that MET is a stretching technique therapists use to contract the affected muscle in a precisely controlled direction voluntarily. Many stretch variations of the MET technique allow the muscles to be stretched, strengthening and improving local circulation while mobilizing joint restriction. Down below are some of the variations of stretching techniques with MET.
Isometric Contraction: Reciprocal Inhibition In Acute Setting
The isometric contraction technique is used for reciprocal inhibition in an acute setting where the affected muscles are dealing with symptoms of muscle spasms. The isometric contraction allows the therapist to help relax acute muscular spasms and mobilize restricted joints while preparing the joints for manipulation.
Starting point: When acute muscles or joint problems affect the body’s functionality, therapists must commence an easy restriction barrier.
Modus Operandi: The affected muscles are used in an isometric contraction, allowing the short muscle to relax.
Forces: The therapist and individual forces are matched and involve 20% of the individual’s strength to increase no more than 50%.
Duration: Initially7-10 seconds while increasing up to 20 seconds.
Action following contraction: The area of the muscle and joint are taken to a new restricted barrier without stretching after complete relaxation. Therapists should perform the movement to a new restricted barrier on exhalation.
Repetitions: Repeat three to five times until no further gain in the range of motion is possible.
Isometric Contraction: Post-isometric Relaxation In Chronic Setting
The isometric contraction technique is used for post-isometric relaxation in a chronic setting where the muscles are severely contracted. The isometric contraction technique is known as post-facilitation stretching, where therapists stretch chronic or subacute restricted, fibrotic, contracted soft tissues or muscle tissues affected by myofascial trigger point pain.
Starting point: Short of resistance barrier
Modus Operandi: The affected muscles are used in the isometric contraction that allows the shortened muscles to relax and let an easier stretch.
Forces: Both the therapist and individual forces match and increase about 30% of the patient’s strength and increase to 50% of contractions up to 20 seconds.
Duration: Initially 7-10 seconds and increasing up to 20 seconds.
Action following contraction: The rest period is 5 seconds so the body can relax completely before being stretched, and during exhalation, the muscle goes through a painless, new restriction barrier position that is held for at least 10-60 seconds.
Repetitions: Repeat three to five times.
Isotonic Eccentric Contraction
The isotonic eccentric contraction is an isolytic technique to strengthen weak postural muscles that are tensed or tight from prolonged sitting or poor posture.
Starting point: At the restriction barrier
Modus Operandi: When the muscle is contracted and prevented, the therapist uses this technique to slowly overcome and reverse the contracting muscle so it can be stretched to full resting length.
Forces: Therapists use greater forces on the individual and build up subsequent contractions for the affected muscle (*Utilize this stretch on individuals who are not dealing with osteoporotic issues in their muscles and joints)
Duration: Five to seven seconds
Repetitions: Repeat three to five times if discomfort is not excessive.
Isokinetic
The isokinetic technique is a combination of isotonic and isometric contractions that many pain specialists like chiropractors and massage therapists use to tone weakened musculature, build strength in all the surrounding muscles that are involved in a particular joint function, and help train and balance the effects on the body’s muscle fibers.
Starting point: Easy mid-range position
Modus Operandi: The individual uses moderate resistance as the therapist puts the joint through a rapidly full range of movement as this technique is different than simple isotonic exercises, and resistance varies from each person. This technique progressively increases as the procedure progress.
Forces: The therapist uses moderate forces to prevent movement from the individual and then progresses to full forces.
Duration of contraction: Up to four seconds.
Conclusion
Different stretching techniques in MET therapy allow the affected muscles to be stretched and lengthened while reducing muscle pain affecting a body’s location. It is important to be mindful of the movements that can cause the muscles to be overstretched or cramped up, which can cause pain. Treatments incorporating these various stretching techniques allow the affected muscles to relax and restore naturally.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Faqih, Anood I, et al. “Effects of Muscle Energy Technique on Pain, Range of Motion and Function in Patients with Post-Surgical Elbow Stiffness: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal : Official Publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu Li Chih Liao, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6467834/.
Gregory, Nicholas S, and Kathleen A Sluka. “Anatomical and Physiological Factors Contributing to Chronic Muscle Pain.” Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4294469/.
Mense, Siegfried. “The Pathogenesis of Muscle Pain.” Current Pain and Headache Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2003, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14604500/.
The muscles surrounding the hips in the lower extremities provide stability to the lumbar spine and pelvis while allowing mobility, flexibility, and rotation to the groin, legs, and thighs. The muscles surrounding the groin consist of three large muscle groups: the abdominals, iliopsoas, and adductors, which have a casual relationship with the various ligaments and soft tissues that can be succumbed to injuries or other symptoms that can lead to pain and misalignment to the body. This happens to many individuals who participate in sports or frequently exercise, which can cause strain near the groin and the surrounding muscles. Today’s article focuses on the causes of a groin strain, how it affects the hips and pelvis, and how available treatments can help reduce groin strain. We mention and provide valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who use techniques like the MET and therapy for individuals with a groin strain and causing mobility issues when functioning. We give encouragement to patients by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnostic findings. We support that education is a marvelous way to ask our providers the most interesting questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Causes Of Groin Strain
Have you experienced any mobility issues when walking? Do you feel pain near your hips or groin? Or do you feel muscle weakness in your thighs when exercising? Many of these issues are associated with a muscle strain near the groin affecting your lower body. The muscles surrounding the groin allow the legs and thighs to move around in flexion, rotation, and extension without feeling pain. However, when a person starts to feel pain radiating around their groin, it can become an issue if not taken care of. Studies reveal that some of the causes, like adductor strain or injuries from physical activities, can cause the muscle fibers in the three muscle groups of the groin to be in pain. In “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” authors Leon Chaitow and Judith Walker DeLany, stated that chronic joint and soft tissue conditions predate presenting acute symptoms to the groin muscle regions. To that point, if a person has predisposed injuries in the groin muscles, it can affect how a person walks and functions when in motion, potentially leading to issues affecting the hips and pelvis.
How Groin Strain Affect The Hips & Pelvis
Studies reveal multiple pathologies that can coexist in the hips and pelvis that could cause similar symptoms to the hips and pelvis that can correlate with several organ systems like the gut and reproductive system that causes referred pain to the groin. Additional studies also mentioned that groin pain is widely known as an issue among professional and amateur athletes. They could experience different symptoms and injuries from groin pain associated with the hips and pelvis. An example would be if an individual is participating in a sports event, they could be experiencing myofascial trigger points related to the groin, affecting the pelvis and hips. Some of the symptoms associated with groin strain include:
Stiffness
Swelling
Muscle weakness
Groin discomfort
Bruising around the area
Leg discomfort when flexing
Walking issues
Lower stomach or back symptoms
Many of these symptoms that affect the hips and pelvis can lead to many issues that cause people to be in constant pain or discomfort until they find relief.
Chiropractic Care: The Ancient Healing Art for Modern Life- Video
Have you been experiencing mobility issues? What about pain in your hips, pelvis, or groin? Or do you often feel discomfort when stretching? Many of these issues are associated with groin strain along the hips and pelvic region. Groin strain occurs in the three large muscle groups: the abdominals, iliopsoas, and adductors, when they are overstretched and cause referred pain to the hips and pelvis. This causes many individuals to have instability and mobility issues. Some of the present symptoms that occur to these muscles include:
Pain in active movement
Pain during palpation
Localized swelling
Pain while stretching the muscle-tendon
When pain is causing issues in the groin, many individuals will go to available treatments to help reduce the pain and regain mobility when exercising. One of the available treatments is chiropractic care. The video above shows how chiropractic care is incorporated into modern life as it uses non-invasive hands-on treatment to realign the body and help lengthen the affected muscles.
Available Treatments To Reduce Groin Strain
Numerous treatments can help reduce groin strain from affecting the lower extremities and help bring mobility back to the surrounding muscles. Many individuals would utilize ice packs, resting and elevating the leg to prevent future injuries from re-occurring. However, if left untreated, it can worsen and lead to chronic conditions. Luckily treatments like chiropractic care combined with soft tissue stretching techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) can help to mobilize restricted joints and relax acute muscular spasms or contractions while preparing the joint for manipulation. A chiropractor will utilize these techniques to realign the spine from subluxation and loosen stiff joints and surrounding muscles that have been affected. Chiropractors will also inform their patients to incorporate various exercises and stretches to help strengthen the affected muscle group and become more aware of their bodies.
Conclusion
Overall, the various muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the lower extremities, like the thighs, legs, and groin, allow mobility, flexibility, and rotation to the lower portion of the body. When injuries begin to affect these extremities, it can lead to referred pain to the hips and pelvis, causing groin strain and invoking pain. If not treated right away, it can develop into chronic conditions that cause mobility and stability issues in the lower body. The upper body would have to compensate for the pain causing subluxation to the spine. Luckily, treatments like chiropractic care combined with stretching techniques like MET can help reduce the pain in the groin muscles while lengthening the short muscles. These techniques allow mobility back to the lower extremities and realign the body so the individuals can be pain-free.
References
Bisciotti, Gian Nicola, et al. “Groin Pain Syndrome: An Association of Different Pathologies and a Case Presentation.” Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Oct. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4617224/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Kiel, John, and Kimberly Kaiser. “Adductor Strain.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 21 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493166/.
With the body being a complex machine with various muscle groups and sections that work to keep the body mobile, it is important to know that weak muscles in the upper and lower portions of the body can cause unwanted pain-like symptoms that can lead to dysfunction over time. When numerous environmental factors and habits affect the muscle groups, it can lead to overlapping risk factors that cause tightness in the affected muscles and lead to injuries. In the lower portions of the body, the hips, thighs, hamstrings, and glute muscles help stabilize the pelvis region. When these factors start to cause issues with these muscles, it can lead to injuries and problems for those muscle groups. Today’s article will examine how hamstring injuries occur, how it affects the lower body, and how treatments and techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) are utilized to relieve hamstring injuries. We mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who provide therapy techniques like the MET and care treatment for individuals with hamstring injuries associated with the lower body portions. We give encouragement to patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnostic findings. We provide the support that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Do Hamstring Injuries Occur?
Have you noticed that your hamstrings are feeling tight? Are you constantly sitting down for an extended period? Or are you experiencing low back pain that is affecting your hamstrings? Many individuals will usually experience low back pain along the thigh with associated symptoms of muscle weakness that causes the muscle fibers to be tighter and sore. When the muscle fibers are tight consistently, it causes the back of the leg muscles uncomfortable and can make movement difficult. Studies reveal that the back of the leg muscles or hamstrings is highly susceptible to injuries, especially in athletes. The hamstring muscles comprise three major muscles in the posterior location of the thigh. When a person is overstretching the hamstrings or having muscle tightness from being sedentary can cause these injuries and discomfort to the lower extremities. Additional research studies mentioned that hamstring injuries could range from acute muscle strain to chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy associated with muscle ruptures.
How Does It Affect The Lower Body?
Since the hamstring muscles succumb to injuries from overstretching or becoming weak, how would it affect the lower body and cause mobility issues? Well, when the hip flexors or the hamstrings become tight and tense, it can cause an altercation to the pelvis region and cause spinal misalignment. To that point, it can lead to muscle stiffness and pain in the hamstrings while correlating to low back pain and can cause the individual to be confused as they think it is sciatica instead of a hamstring injury. Studies reveal in “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., states that when there is a range of other biomechanical features that could be predisposed to hamstring injuries that can cause a chain of reactions that can involve not only the hamstrings but the toes, the spine, the trunk, and the upper extremities. Losing the ability to function in the lower extremities can cause dysfunction, muscle weakness, and instability in an individual.
Natural Healing: Chiropractic Care for Injury Recovery- Video
Have you been experiencing stiffness or pain in your hamstrings? What about feeling discomfort in one side of your hips and glutes? Or are you experiencing muscle strain? Many of these issues are correlated with hamstring injuries that can cause muscle weakness and instability in the body. Fortunately, when dealing with a hamstring injury, techniques like gentle stretching and warming up the muscles allow the injury to recover and bring relief. Another way a person can get pain relief from a hamstring injury is through chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help relieve the problem without using medications, injections, or surgery through spinal manipulation and incorporating various techniques to stretch the stiff muscles and realign the body. The video above explains how chiropractic care is utilized for injury recovery.
Treatments For Hamstring Injuries
When dealing with hamstring injuries, it is important to rest to prevent future injuries from occurring and incorporate gentle stretches of the targeted muscles to avoid cramping and pain. If gentle stretching doesn’t bring relief, then it is recommended to have a personalized treatment and program with a chiropractor. A chiropractor uses hands-on therapy to loosen and relieve tense muscles, thus reinforcing flexibility and range of motion back to the hamstrings. Chiropractic care also incorporates stretching techniques like MET to improve hamstring flexibility. Studies reveal that the MET technique uses soft tissue mobilization to increase the hamstring’s ROM (range of motion) while bringing mobility back to the hips and reducing pain. Furthermore, these stretches and treatments can help decrease instability and allow the individual to be pain-free.
Conclusion
The hamstrings are located along the back of the thigh and just below the knees, as they can succumb to injuries due to overstretching or other factors that cause symptoms of pain and weakness. Hamstring injuries are common and can range from acute to chronic, depending on the injury. Many people with hamstring injuries often deal with overlapping issues of sciatica and low back pain that can lead to instability in the lower body. Luckily, different treatments and stretching techniques can help lengthen the hamstring muscles, promote flexibility back to the hamstrings, and cause relief to the affected muscle.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Chu, Samuel K, and Monica E Rho. “Hamstring Injuries in the Athlete: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Return to Play.” Current Sports Medicine Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003616/.
Gunn, Leanna J, et al. “Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques Improve Hamstring Flexibility Better than Static Stretching Alone: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338275/.
Poudel, Bikash, and Shivlal Pandey. “Hamstring Injury – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 28 Aug. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558936/.
We are constantly on the move throughout the day, from walking, running, or standing doing errands, all because of the lower and upper portions of our bodies. The body is a complex, unique machine with upper and lower portions with specific jobs and functions. The body’s upper portion provides mobility and functionality to the neck, shoulders, head, arms, and hands. At the same time, the lower portion of the body offers stability and motor functions to the hips, legs, knees, and feet. When there are issues that affect the body, it can, over time, causes stress in the musculoskeletal system and affect the joints in the lower extremities, thus invoking pain and disability. Today’s article looks at tibial stress fractures, how they affect the lower body, and how treatments like the MET technique can help the lower body. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer therapy techniques like the MET combined with treatment care for individuals with tibial stress fractures in their lower body extremities. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Are Tibial Stress Fractures?
Have you been dealing with heaviness in your legs and feet? What about unwanted pain radiating from your knees to your shin? Or do your feet constantly feel tired? Many of these issues could be due to muscle overload on the lower extremities associated with tibial stress fractures. Research studies reveal that when the lower extremities are subjected to repeated mechanical stress, that can cause microscopic fractions in the tibia. This condition is most common in military recruits, athletes, and runners. In the book “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques” by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., stated that two types of stress fractures can occur in the tibia that is the result of tibial stress fractions. They are:
Fatigue stress fracture: Caused by repeated abnormal muscular stress (torque) applied to the normal bone, which has appropriate elastic resistance potential and density.
Insufficiency stress fracture: Caused by normal muscular forces applied to mineral-deficient or abnormally inelastic bone.
How Do They Affect The Lower Body?
Numerous factors can cause stress fractures in the lower body extremities, affecting motor-sensory and mobility function. Some of the factors associated with stress fractures in the tibia include:
A sudden increase in training or activities
Uneven surfaces
Inappropriate footwear
Inappropriate running style
Misalignment in the lower limbs
Studies have revealed that when these risk factors cause the development of stress fractures in the legs, it can lead to symptoms like pain and swelling in the legs and feet. If it continues without treatment over time can cause the bones to weaken and can be confused with musculoskeletal disorders like osteoporosis or shin splits.
Gain Mobility Back With Chiropractic Care-Video
Have you been dealing with pain in your legs or feet? Do you feel that you have mobility issues when walking or standing? Or have you noticed that your legs are extremely tired a few days after intense training? Many people experiencing these issues are associated with stress fractures on the lower extremities. Repetitive motions cause stress fractures in the lower extremities over time that causes small, hairline fractures in the bone. This causes the surrounding muscles around the joint to overload the bone and cause muscle and joint pain symptoms. Luckily, there are ways to reduce stress fractures on the lower extremities and restore leg mobility. Treatments like chiropractic care can help many musculoskeletal disorders correlated with stress fractures in the lower body extremities. The video above talks about how non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care incorporates different techniques and manipulations to realign the spine and reduce the pain associated with stress fractures.
How The MET Technique Helps The Lower Body
Incorporating stretching techniques and chiropractic care can help reduce stress fractures in the tibia and prevent future musculoskeletal injuries. Regarding reducing the effects of stress fractures in the lower extremities, available treatments like chiropractic care can help relieve the pain. Using stretching techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) can help stretch and lengthen muscle fibers to reduce muscle fibers pain. The MET technique allows chiropractors to utilize mechanical and neuromuscular stretches to enhance the range of motion through isometric stretching to loosen stiff muscles and will enable the body to heal itself naturally. Other treatments like ice massages, electrotherapy, and non-impact activities (swimming and cycling) combined with chiropractic care can enhance recovery and let the individual know how much stress impacts their joints.
Conclusion
The lower portions of the body allow mobility and stability to enable the individual to move around and perform various actions without pain. However, many risk factors that cause the musculoskeletal system to cause overload power to the lower extremities could develop stress fractures in the bone and cause pain and discomfort. Stress fractures can, over time, cause pain and swelling to the legs and can affect a person by making them unable to walk without feeling pain in every step they take. Luckily, treatments like chiropractic care and stretching techniques like MET can help loosen up, lengthen stiff muscles, and relieve the legs. Through continuous treatment, many individuals become aware of how much overloading pressure they put on their legs and can become more mindful of their daily activities pain-free.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
May, Todd, and Raghavendra Marappa-Ganeshan. “Stress Fractures – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 17 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554538/.
Robinson, Patrick G, et al. “Stress Fractures: Diagnosis and Management in the Primary Care Setting.” The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428476/.
The human body and the musculoskeletal system have a unique relationship as they help the host move around, rest and provide many actions without feeling pain or discomfort. The musculoskeletal system has two portions, the upper and lower sections, with various muscles that allow mobility and stability while protecting the spine from numerous injuries the body has endured. However, many environmental factors and issues pertaining to the musculoskeletal system can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing the muscle fibers to be short or overused from repetitive motions. To that point, which can lead to muscle injuries and pain that can be relieved from treatments and numerous stretching techniques. Today’s article focuses on how injuries are associated with overused muscles, how it affects the body, and how chiropractic care incorporates techniques like MET to relieve overused muscles. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer therapy treatments like the MET combined with chiropractic care for individuals with musculoskeletal pain correlated with overused injured muscles. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Injuries Associated With Overused Muscles
Have you been feeling aches and pains in your muscles? Do your legs feel tired constantly? Or have you suffered an injury causing your muscles to stiffen up? If you have been experiencing these pain-like symptoms, it could be due to overusing your muscles. When the musculoskeletal system has been dealing with stress overload from numerous repetitive motions, it causes the muscle fibers to develop symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and referred pain. Studies reveal that various risk factors associated with the musculoskeletal system correlate with overuse-related injuries. What this means is that when the injuries cause the involved body structures to develop symptoms of stress fractures associated with mechanical overload from repetitive trauma. Additional research studies mentioned that the influences from repetitive trauma could lead to a prolonged state of low-grade systemic inflammation in the joint and muscles in the body.
How Does It Affect The Body?
So what happens to the body when the muscle fibers are being overused? The referred pain associated with the musculoskeletal system causes dysfunction. Research studies have found that overuse of muscle injuries related to repetitive motion in the body causes microtrauma symptoms in the muscle, tendon, bone, or bursa. This causes the body to have insufficient recovery and produces painful arcs of motion on any joints. Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T.’s book “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques” stated that when the muscles are overused and injured, the “stress overload” has localized effects, which causes the musculoskeletal system to reach a point to break down. This causes symptoms to manifest as chronic fatigue and reduced performance efficiency. The book also stated that overuse injuries could involve certain muscles/tendons or bones to develop repetitive microtrauma over time. This causes the body to be dysfunctional and makes the individual feel tired, overworked, and stressed out due to not allowing the muscles to rest.
Chiropractic Care: The Nonsurgical Solution- Video
Have you been dealing with symptoms of muscle pain and weakness? Does your body feel exhausted after a long day doing errands? Or have you noticed any unexpected joint pain in certain parts of your body? Many people dealing with questionable musculoskeletal pain could be due to their muscles being overused and causing injuries. When the body goes through constant repetitive motions, it causes microtrauma in the musculoskeletal system, which correlates with muscle and joint pain. When this happens, pain-like symptoms develop over time and can cause the body to be overworked and different muscle groups to compensate for the pain by shifting the body. Luckily, numerous treatments are non-surgical that utilize techniques to reduce the pain and help gently stretch the muscles to return to normalcy. One of the treatments that are used for musculoskeletal pain is chiropractic care. The video above explains how chiropractic care incorporates various neuromuscular techniques to help realign the body from subluxation and reduce pain-like symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
How The MET Technique & Chiropractic Care Relieves Overuse Muscle Injuries
Treatments like chiropractic care are non-invasive and use neuromuscular techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) and manual manipulation to realign the body and help loosen up stiff muscles from experiencing more pain. Chiropractors or doctors of chiropractic will thoroughly examine while listening to the patient on where they are experiencing pain. After the examination, the chiropractor will utilize MET and various stretching techniques to loosen up the muscle fibers and restore their range of motion. Chiropractic care can help reduce the pain in the muscle while letting individuals be aware of their bodies. This can help many people to have a different mindset and listen to their bodies to reduce the effects of pain from returning and not repeat the actions in the future.
Conclusion
It is important to ensure that the musculoskeletal system is in pristine condition, as any pain-like symptoms can cause the muscle fibers to become overused, resulting in injuries and causing the body to be dysfunctional. When the body continuously goes through repetitive motions, it causes microtrauma tears in different body locations, causing the host to feel exhausted and deal with chronic pain. However, incorporating treatments like chiropractic care can help the body recover faster and prevent future injuries. This allows the body to naturally heal, restore itself from pain, and become functional again.
References
Aicale, R, et al. “Overuse Injuries in Sport: A Comprehensive Overview.” Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6282309/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Neme, Jamil R. “Balancing Act: Muscle Imbalance Effects on Musculoskeletal Injuries.” Missouri Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9324710/.
Orejel Bustos, Amaranta, et al. “Overuse-Related Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System: Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis of Injuries, Locations, Risk Factors and Assessment Techniques.” Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Apr. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8037357/.
An exercise routine is highly important for anyone trying to get a kick start on their health and wellness journey. It could be simple as walking around the park for 30 minutes, going to the community pool to swim, or taking a group fitness class with friends. Incorporating an exercise regime can even help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated symptoms from causing pain in the muscles and joints in the body. Even though many individuals have busy lives, it is important to ensure that their bodies are getting enough exercise to feel less joint and muscle pain while improving other systems that benefit from training. Today’s article looks at how to keep a constant exercise routine, how exercise can help musculoskeletal disorders, and how the MET technique is combined with physical activity. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer available therapy treatments like the MET technique combined with physical activities for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain disorders. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on the patient’s diagnosis findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Keeping A Constant Exercise Routine
Have you been feeling sluggish throughout the day? Do you believe you don’t have enough time to exercise and feel stressed? Or have you been experiencing unwanted pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints? Many individuals experiencing these issues in their bodies could not be getting enough exercise to reduce these musculoskeletal disorders. When it comes to many individuals trying to keep a constant exercise routine to better their health may be difficult but not impossible. There are many ways to incorporate a daily consistent exercise routine by making small changes in your daily life routine. Walking with friends or pets, attending a group fitness class, or doing squats at home can benefit muscle growth and promote motivation to continue these small changes. However, some of the reasons that many people need to exercise more are to need more time. Studies reveal that most people often refrain from any form of exercise due to needing more time out of their busy schedules. People who do not exercise regularly are potentially at risk of developing health-related problems and disorders linked to the musculoskeletal system.
Exercise For Musculoskeletal Disorders
When the musculoskeletal system is linked to health-related problems due to physical inactivity, when the body is not getting enough exercise, it can cause muscle and joint pain and other associated symptoms that can affect mobility. Research studies have revealed that pain in specific areas of the body, which includes the back, neck, and shoulders, is often due to extended periods of sitting down and inactivity that cause many people to develop musculoskeletal disorders. When pain and discomfort affect the body, it can cause visceral-somatic pain in different body areas. Not only that, but the various muscles in the upper and lower extremities of the body will become shortened and weak over time, leading to disability and poor posture. Now all is not lost, as there are ways to reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders and incorporate exercise as part of a person’s daily routine.
Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Chiropractic Healing-Video
Have you been dealing with back, neck, or shoulder issues? Have you been feeling sluggish after a long, hard day at work? Or do you want to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine? Many individuals have been dealing with musculoskeletal issues in their bodies due to being physically inactive or not having enough time in their day. When this happens, it causes numerous disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system that correlate with the pain. However, making small changes in a routine is achievable by setting time aside for a few minutes and moving around to prevent issues from affecting the body. Studies reveal that performing exercise interventions for a few minutes may help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal complaints and boost work abilities. Additionally, exercises combined with chiropractic care can further reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders that are taking effect in the various joint and muscles by restoring the body and causing it to heal naturally. The video above explains how chiropractic care is incorporated into musculoskeletal disorders and helps relieve the pain-like symptoms associated with spinal subluxation.
The MET Technique & Exercise
Now, an exercise regime can help reduce pain-like effects on the musculoskeletal system and help with muscle growth. According to “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., each variation of exercise training, like strength and endurance training involves different muscle fibers in the body and helps with muscle growth. Now it is best to start slowly and build up to improving the body’s endurance to prevent injuries from affecting the muscle groups. Hence why available treatments utilize the MET technique combined with exercise to help stretch and strengthen the muscles and revitalize the joints. According to research studies, combining the MET technique and stretching before exercising has improved muscle and joint mobility and increased the body’s range of motion without pain. Incorporating stretching and exercise can help the body from developing future musculoskeletal issues and can be part of any daily routine for the busy worker.
Conclusion
With people having a busy schedule, incorporating a few minutes of exercising can benefit the individual and their musculoskeletal system. When the body is dealing with musculoskeletal issues associated with physical inactivity, it can lead to future disorders that can cause the body to deal with pain and immobility. Hence, small changes in a routine, like walking or exercising for a few minutes, can benefit the body in the long haul. Additionally, incorporating treatment techniques like the MET combined with exercise helps stretch and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, allowing the body to restore itself naturally to prevent further injuries.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Iversen, Vegard M, et al. “No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review.” Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8449772/.
Phadke, Apoorva, et al. “Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Static Stretching on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal : Official Publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu Li Chih Liao, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6385145/.
Shariat, Ardalan, et al. “Office Exercise Training to Reduce and Prevent the Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: A Hypothesis.” The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025063/.
Tersa-Miralles, Carlos, et al. “Effectiveness of Workplace Exercise Interventions in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers: A Systematic Review.” BMJ Open, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8804637/.
Constipation is a leading cause of low back pain in America and can cause a chain reaction in the rest of the body. When the digestional tract swells, it generates added stress on the back and surrounding nerves. Prolonged constipation and pressure can cause sciatica symptoms. Constipation sciatica can be relieved through chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage, non-surgical spinal decompression, and functional medicine to alleviate symptoms and restore optimal body function.
Constipation Sciatica
Sciatica is irritation, compression, and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which supplies the thighs, lower legs, and feet. It is usually caused by a pinched/compressed of one or more spinal nerve roots between the vertebrae of the lower back. The buildup of stool in the intestines can cause a dull aching sensation in the low back that can radiate to surrounding areas. Common causes of constipation include:
Bowel movements vary for everyone, and not having a movement daily does not mean constipation is occurring. Some individuals have only three movements a week, while others have multiple movements daily. A recommended indicator of constipation is if there has been a sudden decrease in typical bowel movements. The digestive tract occupies a significant region of the lower torso. Back pain symptoms can present after the rectum becomes obstructed or stools have solidified in the colon. Once constipation has developed, the blockage presses against the nerves and muscles of the back. This causes a range of discomfort signaling by the brain, which worsens as the backup grows. Symptoms of general constipation include:
Feeling full despite not eating anything.
Bloating.
Swelling.
Abdominal cramping.
Infrequent bowel movements.
Discomfort or aching when trying to pass a stool.
Hard and/or lumpy stool.
Constipation is considered chronic when two or more of the following symptoms occur for at least three months:
Further decreased bowel movements.
Straining to defecate.
Stools do not loosen without the use of laxatives.
Passage of hard pebble/pellet stools.
Consistent abdominal pain that is relieved by even slight movement.
Feeling as if the bowels are not fully emptied or a blockage in the rectum.
Feeling the need to assist the release by pressing on the abdomen.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment can realign the spine, release compressed nerves, increase the frequency of bowel movements, and through the massage and relaxation of the muscles, help to soften stools. Intestinal muscles push the stool to the anus, where it leaves/evacuates the body. Special nerve cells in the intestine, known as ganglion cells,innervate the muscles to push. These nerves connect to the celiac ganglion, which connects to the spinal cord through nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region. The celiac ganglion innervates the liver, stomach, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, and the ascending and transverse colon. Treatment for constipation and back pain depends on the cause of the symptoms. For example, if the constipation is caused by dehydration, a chiropractor will instruct the patient on water intake as part of the personalized treatment plan.
Diagnosis to Recovery
References
Fernandes, Walkyria Vilas Boas, et al. “The effect of a six-week osteopathic visceral manipulation in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and functional constipation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 19,1 151. 2 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2532-8
Panarese, Alba, et al. “Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency.” World journal of gastroenterology vol. 25,14 (2019): 1729-1740. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i14.1729
Rédly, Monika. “The effects of chiropractic care on a patient with chronic constipation.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association vol. 45,3 (2001): 185–191.
Trager, Robert James, et al. “Association between radicular low back pain and constipation: a retrospective cohort study using a real-world national database.” Pain reports vol. 6,3 e954. 26 Aug. 2021, doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000954
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