Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Fermentation is a process where bacteria and yeast are used to break down foods. The fermentation process has been around for centuries and was initially produced to preserve foods, improve flavor and eliminate toxins. Research has found that eating fermented foods can also increase the beneficial bacteria/probiotics in the gut. Functional medicine practitioners recommend these foods for their health benefits, including improved digestion, increased immunity, and weight loss and maintenance.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods and beverages undergo controlled microbial growth and fermentation in which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria break down food elements like sugars/glucose into other products like organic acids, gases, or alcohol. The process gives fermented foods unique taste, aroma, texture, and appearance. There are many different types of fermented foods, including:
Whole foods like vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy, meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds can go through fermentation. These foods are nutritious in their original form, but through fermentation, they can provide probiotic and prebiotic health benefits.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit the gut by creating a more favorable digestive environment. This helps:
Digest food easier.
Support a healthy immune system.
Support organ health – lungs, reproductive organs, skin.
Improves mood.
However, not all fermented foods contain probiotics, especially commercially produced foods that are pasteurized, killing bacteria and their associated health benefits.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are food ingredients that the microorganisms like gut bacteria consume to grow and live, leading to improving the digestive environment. These include:
Milk
Honey
Tomato
Garlic
Onions
Asparagus
Wheat
Barley
Rye
However, most fruits, vegetables, and legumes contain prebiotics.
The Benefits of Fermented Foods
Fermented foods’ health benefits include reduced risk of:
Diabetes
Inflammation
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
They have also been linked to:
Better weight management
Improved brain activity
Increased bone health
Faster recovery after exercise and physical activity
There are currently no official guidelines regarding how often individuals should eat fermented foods. It is recommended to consult a nutritionist or dietician to figure out the best nutrition plan for the individual and their needs.
The Science
References
Aslam, Hajara, et al. “Fermented foods, the gut, and mental health: a mechanistic overview with implications for depression and anxiety.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 23,9 (2020): 659-671. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2018.1544332
Dimidi, Eirini, et al. “Fermented Foods: Definitions and Characteristics, Impact on the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Gastrointestinal Health and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 11,8 1806. 5 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11081806
King, Sarah, et al. “Effectiveness of probiotics on the duration of illness in healthy children and adults who develop common acute respiratory infectious conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” The British journal of nutrition vol. 112,1 (2014): 41-54. doi:10.1017/S0007114514000075
Kok, Car Reen, and Robert Hutkins. “Yogurt and other fermented foods as sources of health-promoting bacteria.” Nutrition reviews vol. 76, Suppl 1 (2018): 4-15. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuy056
Parker, Elizabeth A et al. “Probiotics and gastrointestinal conditions: An overview of evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration.” Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) vol. 45 (2018): 125-134.e11. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2017.06.024
Şanlier, Nevin, et al. “Health benefits of fermented foods.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition vol. 59,3 (2019): 506-527. doi:10.1080/10408398.2017.1383355
When it comes to the human body in motion, the arms can carry, lift, and move items from one place to another without pain. The arms have different muscles that work together to protect the arm and shoulder joints while providing mobility and movement. One of the muscles that help the arms carry items is the brachialis muscles, which work together with the bicep and tricep muscles. As part of the forearm, it can succumb to various injuries affecting the muscle, tendons, and ligaments. When this happens, referred pain can affect the arm and develop trigger points to overlap chronic conditions that can potentially cause more pain. Today’s article looks at the brachialis muscle’s function, how trigger points affect the muscle, and various ways to manage brachialis trigger points. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in arm pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the brachialis muscles along the upper arms. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great solution to asking our providers profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC takes note of this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Brachialis Muscle Function?
Have you been experiencing muscle strain in your forearms? What about stiffness in your wrist? Or do your arm muscles begin to spasm out of nowhere? Many people who have experienced these pain symptoms might be caused by trigger points associated with the brachialis muscle. The brachialis is an important muscle that flexes the forearm at the elbow. This muscle works with the biceps as it can carry heavy items, like the deltoid, and is the opposite of the tricep muscles. However, it can become overused and succumb to injuries that can invoke pain in the arm muscles, thus leading to the development of trigger points along the brachialis muscle.
How Does Trigger Points Affect The Brachialis Muscle?
When the brachialis muscle becomes injured, many people will experience pain when flexing their elbows inward or outward. According to Dr. Travell, M.D., these pain symptoms may be due to referred pain and tenderness from brachialis trigger points or radial nerve entrapment. During heaving lifting, the forearm flexion stress overload activates trigger points along the brachialis. Studies reveal that excessive sudden physical stress or repetitive activities may result from a muscle sprain or tear in the brachialis muscle. To that point, these symptoms associated with trigger points can cause overlapping risk profiles that can mask the condition. Some of the conditions that can overlap and activate trigger points include:
Carrying heavy groceries
Holding power tools
Tennis elbow
Playing a string instrument
Studies also reveal that active trigger points along the affected muscle can increase weight coefficients and alter motor control without co-contraction patterns. This is due to trigger points becoming tricky to diagnose and mimic other conditions affecting the arms’ muscle group. Many people with pain-like symptoms associated with trigger points often complain about numbness or deep pain in their arms and hands. To that point, trigger points can also be involved with nerve entrapment in the brachialis muscles.
The Brachialis Trigger Points Release-Video
Have you been experiencing stiffness in your hands and arms? What about muscle spasms near your elbow? Or does constant pain affect your forearm muscles when you bend your arm? Many of these symptoms are associated with trigger points affecting the brachialis muscle that is causing pain in the forearms. Trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome can affect a person’s well-being by impairing their mobility in the affected areas, causing pain, and even reducing their overall sense of life. Trigger points affecting the brachialis muscles can mimic chronic conditions like nerve entrapment that can affect the motor function of the forearm. Luckily, trigger points are treatable, and there are ways to reduce the pain-like symptoms from the affected brachialis muscles. The video above shows how to treat trigger points along the forearm. Incorporating non-invasive treatments to reduce future trigger points to form can reduce the pain symptoms and release the trapped nerves that are causing motor function problems in the arms.
Ways To Manage Brachialis Trigger Points
As stated earlier, trigger points are tricky to diagnose since they can mimic other chronic conditions along the affected muscles. When the affected muscle succumbs to injuries and is not treated, it can develop tiny knots along the taut muscle band fibers known as trigger points over time. To that point, it can cause referred pain-like symptoms along the muscle group. Luckily, treatments can help reduce pain-like symptoms and prevent trigger points from forming along the muscle fibers. Studies reveal that trigger point injections are one of the various treatments that can help reduce pain in the brachialis muscle. With gentle stretching and physical therapy, allow mobility back to the arm. One way to manage brachialis trigger points that many people can use is to place a pillow at the angle of the elbow to prevent the arms from tightening or use a hot pack to relax the forearm muscles to relieve muscle strain and aches. Another way is not to overuse their forearms when playing an instrument or carrying items on their forearms. This can prevent trigger points from forming in the future and reduce pain-like symptoms from affecting the forearms.
Conclusion
The brachialis is the main muscle that is important to the forearms. This large muscle works with the bicep and tricep muscles to help the host carry heavy objects while bending at the elbows. However, like all the muscles in the body, the brachialis muscles can succumb to injuries and develop trigger points along the brachialis muscle fiber bands. Trigger points along the brachialis muscle are associated with pain-like symptoms that can mimic conditions like tennis elbow or nerve entrapment in the forearms. Fortunately, various treatments are utilized by doctors to help many patients dealing with trigger points along the brachialis muscle and can help reduce pain in the forearms. This allows mobility back to the arms and prevents future trigger points from forming.
References
Geri, Tommaso, et al. “Myofascial Trigger Points Alter the Modular Control during the Execution of a Reaching Task: A Pilot Study.” Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group UK, 5 Nov. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6831581/.
Plantz, Mark A, and Bruno Bordoni. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Brachialis Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 22 Feb. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551630/.
Sharma, Pankaj, et al. “Isolated Traumatic Brachialis Muscle Tear: A Case Report and Review of Literature.” Bulletin of Emergency and Trauma, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Oct. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694606/.
Suh, Mi Ri, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Myofascial Trigger Point Injection into Brachialis Muscle for Rotator Cuff Disease Patients with Upper Arm Pain: A Pilot Study.” Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, Oct. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4221396/.
The upper arms allow the individual to move the arms, hands, and fingers, enabling them to do everyday activities without feeling pain or injuries. Different muscles in the upper arms allow precise movements, from threading a needle to throwing a ball across the field. These muscles also work with the shoulders, allowing a full range of motion and flexion. One of the muscles that help the upper arms is the bicep brachii, which provide flexion to the arm. However, like all the muscles in the body, they can succumb to pain caused by trigger points. Today’s article looks at the bicep muscles’ function, how trigger points affect the muscles, and how to manage trigger points associated with the bicep muscles. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in arm pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the bicep brachii muscles along the upper arms. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great solution to asking our providers profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC takes note of this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Are The Bicep Muscles Function?
Have you been dealing with radiating pain down to your elbow? Do your upper arm muscle ache when carrying items from place to place? Or have you experienced muscle spasms in your arms and hands? Many people experiencing these symptoms might risk developing trigger points along their bicep muscles. The bicep brachii is a large, thick muscle that covers the joints and is located in the upper arms. The bicep muscle consists of two attachments: the short head (caput breve) and the ling head (caput longum). It works together with the coracobrachialis muscle to support stability to the shoulders.
Studies reveal that these two muscle bands work together to provide multiple actions between the shoulder and elbow joints by being in conjunction with the other muscles. The main function of the bicep muscles is that it is one of the three muscles that can flex the elbow and shoulders. The biceps also allow flexion and supination or outward rotation of the forearms at 90 degrees. This muscle is very important for athletes that require lifting, carrying, or throwing and can make the individual stronger. To that point, the bicep muscle can also succumb to injuries that can cause pain to the upper arms and shoulders.
How Does Trigger Points Affect The Bicep Muscles?
When the bicep muscles succumb to injuries, it can be due to overusing the long head of the bicep muscles and can lead to bicep tendon rupture. When the bicep muscle succumbs to a tendon rupture, it is due to excessive eccentric force that brings the arms to an extension rather than flexion. Other issues affecting the biceps can correlate to rotator cuff pathology and can be associated with being a common source of shoulder pain. Studies reveal that since the bicep is closely associated with the rotator cuff, tendinopathy can form due to repetitive traction, friction, and rotation of the shoulder joints. To that point, it can lead to the development of trigger points along the bicep muscles. Trigger point pain can be complicated to diagnose since it can mimic other chronic conditions. For trigger points to occur along the bicep muscles, pain-like symptoms are caused when the arm is above the shoulder. To that point, it causes symptoms of aches, stiffness, and muscle weakness in the bicep muscles.
Trigger Points Affecting The Bicep Brachii- Video
Have you experienced muscle aches and stiffness when lifting your arms above your shoulders? Do you find difficulty to bend your elbows? Or have you been experiencing radiating pain along the shoulders, arms, and hands? These pain-like symptoms are associated with trigger points along the bicep muscles and can evoke motor dysfunction in the upper arms. The video above gives an overview how trigger points affect the bicep brachii and cause symptoms like “frozen shoulder” to affect the entire arm. Studies reveal that trigger points are the most frequent causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain that causes the muscle tissue to become hyperirritable. Trigger points can also cause referred pain to the affected muscles, causing limited range of motion to the joints. When the bicep muscles are being affected by trigger points, it can cause stress on the muscle and cause hyper-extension to the arm. According to Dr. Travell, M.D., when trigger points affect the bicep brachii muscles and cause referred pain and tenderness on the ball-and-socket joint, the symptoms associated with trigger points are mistaken as a rheumatic joint disease unless the affected bicep is examined for trigger points. Thankfully, there are ways to manage trigger points associated with the bicep muscles to reduce pain in the upper arms.
Managing Trigger Points Associated With The Bicep Muscles
When individuals are suffering from pain along their bicep muscles, it can cause them to be miserable as they cannot participate in various activities that require their arms; when trigger points are formed along the taut muscle band of the bicep muscles, the radiating pain from the shoulder to the elbow, causing stiffness and muscle aches. Fortunately, various techniques can help manage trigger points associated with the bicep muscles. Studies reveal that many people can manage trigger points related to the bicep muscles to reduce shoulder pain by resting, modifying their activities, and seeking more non-invasive treatments to reduce the pain associated with the bicep muscles. Many people can do various arm and shoulder stretches to reduce the stiffness of the bicep muscles. This allows gentle stretching along the upper arm muscles and releases tension through slow, even breathing and prolonged shortening of the bicep muscles.
Conclusion
The bicep has two attachments that provide mobility and are a large thick muscle that covers the upper arm joints. The bicep muscles also work together with the coracobrachialis muscle to help support the shoulders by making them stable. When the bicep muscles become overused and succumb to injuries, they can develop trigger points along the bicep muscles, causing referred pain to the arms and shoulders. When this happens, the muscles become stiff and can become painful when doing simple actions like lifting their arms or playing a sport. When this happens, many individuals become miserable since they can’t participate. Fortunately, various techniques can help reduce the pain symptoms in the arms and prevent future injuries. Gentle stretching and muscle massages can release the trigger points from the bicep muscles and improve arm mobility to the biceps.
References
Akamatsu, Flávia Emi, et al. “Trigger Points: An Anatomical Substratum.” BioMed Research International, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355109/.
Landin, Dennis, et al. “Actions of the Biceps Brachii at the Shoulder: A Review.” Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, Elmer Press, Aug. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5505302/.
McDevitt, Amy W, et al. “Physical Therapy Interventions for the Management of Biceps Tendinopathy: An International Delphi Study.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, NASMI, 1 June 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9159730/.
Raney, Elise B, et al. “Pain and the Pathogenesis of Biceps Tendinopathy.” American Journal of Translational Research, e-Century Publishing Corporation, 15 June 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489872/.
Tiwana, Manpreet S, et al. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Biceps Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 Aug. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519538/.
The upper extremities of the body, which include the head, neck, shoulders, chest, and arms, all have a specific job of keeping the body functioning and helping move from place to place. The head and neck work together to allow the host to have the mobility to turn, rotate from side to side, and lean from one side. The shoulders work with the arms to let the muscles have a full range of motion and even help stabilize the upper body. The shoulders have various muscles, tendons, and ligaments to protect the skeletal joints and even work to do everyday activities like carrying or lifting items. When injuries begin to affect the muscle groups of the upper body, it can lead to pain-like symptoms that can lead to chronic conditions developing over time if not treated right away. One of the muscles in the upper body is called the coracobrachialis muscle, which can be affected by injuries. Today’s article observes the coracobrachialis muscle, how trigger points affect the upper arm muscles, and how to manage trigger points associated with the coracobrachialis muscle. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in shoulder pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the coracobrachialis muscles along the upper arms. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great solution to asking our providers profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC takes note of this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Coracobrachialis Muscle?
Have you been dealing with pain from the upper arms to the hands? Do simple arm and shoulder stretches seem to be difficult to do? Or have you been dealing with symptoms of pain, stiffness, or tenderness in your upper arms? Experiencing these pain-like symptoms could overlap other conditions affecting the upper arms and develop trigger points along the muscles, including the coracobrachialis. The coracobrachialis is the smallest muscle located in the front of the upper arm’s anterior that originated in the shoulder coracoid process. This small muscle is connected to the tendon located at the short head of the bicep brachii, and according to Dr. Janet Travell, M.D., the coracobrachialis muscle function helps flex and adduct the arms at the shoulders while working together with the surrounding muscles of the upper arm and shoulders. This allows the arms to move forward slightly and inward. This means that the coracobrachialis muscle will enable individuals to place their arms behind their back without pain. However, like any muscle in the body, injuries can occur in the upper arms and lead to the development of trigger points along the upper arm muscles affecting the coracobrachialis muscle.
How Trigger Points Affect The Upper Arm Muscles?
When the upper arm and the coracobrachialis muscle suffer from pain, tiny nodules along the muscle fiber bands known as trigger points can cause referred pain to the upper arms. Now trigger points are tricky to diagnose due to mimicking overlapping conditions affecting the upper arms. Studies reveal that non-specific arm pain could potentially be one of the causes that trigger points mimic due to strenuous physical activities or work-related activities that can overuse the upper arm muscles.
Studies reveal that individuals with idiopathic arm pain deal with high variable upper-extremity dysfunction, which could play a factor in pain-like symptoms along the surrounding muscles of the arms and shoulders. Many people often experience pain when reaching behind their back for the coracobrachialis affected by trigger points. Since the coracobrachialis works with the surrounding muscles in the shoulders and upper arms, trigger points associated with the coracobrachialis correspond to those muscles causing overlapping risk profiles. Trigger points affecting the coracobrachialis muscle can also mimic nerve entrapment since the coracobrachialis helps the bicep muscles when flexing. Pain associated with trigger points could potentially irritate the surrounding nerves in the muscle fibers, which causes radiating pain along the arms.
Treating The Coracobrachialis Muscle-Video
Does your arm feel stiff when trying to reach behind your back? Do your shoulders ache for no apparent reason? Or have you experienced sharp, shooting pain down your arm? Many people experience pain along their shoulders and arms, affecting their mobility to hold and carry items. They deal with overlapping symptoms associated with trigger points along the coracobrachialis muscle. Trigger points along the coracobrachialis muscle are developed when the upper arm muscles have been overused and irritate the surrounding nerves. This causes radiating referred pain down the arms and can affect a person’s ability to hold items. Thankfully there are ways to manage trigger points along the coracobrachialis and its surrounding muscles. The video above demonstrates a massage technique that works along the coracobrachialis muscle to release nerve entrapment and manage trigger points along the surrounding muscles.
Ways To Manage Trigger Points Affecting The Coracobrachialis
There are various techniques that many specialists, like chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists, can use to identify and manage trigger points in the body. Since trigger points are tricky to diagnose due to causing referred pain along the surrounding muscles, treatments like stretching, massages, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the pain and reduce future trigger points from forming. Studies reveal that pain specialists could manage trigger points associated with shoulder pain along the coracobrachialis through treatments of manual compression and other various techniques. Once treatments have been incorporated to relieve trigger point pain along the affected muscle, many people can further prevent the symptoms from returning by not lifting or carrying heavy objects and not forcing their coracobrachialis to be a substitute for their bicep muscles.
Conclusion
The coracobrachialis is a short muscle that works with the bicep muscle and helps with mobility and motor functions for the arms and shoulders. This muscle allows the arms to move forward and can be placed in the back without pain. When muscle injuries affect the surrounding muscles that work with the coracobrachialis, it can develop trigger points associated with pain along the upper arms. When this happens, it can lead to symptoms of stiffness, pain, and tenderness in the upper arms, causing mobility issues. Pain specialists for trigger points can utilize various treatments to relieve the pain and reduce the effects that trigger points cause on the affected muscle. This allows the upper arms to gain mobility back and the host to do various activities without feeling pain.
References
Bron, Carel, et al. “Treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.” BMC Medicine, BioMed Central, 24 Jan. 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039607/.
Georgiev, Georgi P, et al. “Coracobrachialis Longus Muscle: Humeroepitrochlearis.” Cureus, Cureus, 13 May 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044495/.
Moradi, Ali, et al. “Nonspecific Arm Pain.” The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery Co., Dec. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151410/.
Ring, David, et al. “Idiopathic Arm Pain.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2004, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15252084/.
Nutritionists are medical professionals in food and nutrition and work one-on-one to develop an optimal nutrition plan for their body type, age, and health conditions. They explain the right foods to eat, how different foods impact the body, and what foods to avoid. Individuals can benefit from working with a nutritionist to help achieve a healthier lifestyle through education and healthy choices.
Working With A Nutritionist
Nutritionists work with individuals to enhance their knowledge about general nutrition, food, and health. Their focus is on food behavior, which includes developing and implementing meal plans to improve the individual’s or family’s nutrition. Nutritionists work in:
Clinical settings – hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, fitness and health, and chiropractic clinics.
Government – local health departments.
School districts – regarding school nutrition standards.
Private business – independent work in combination with other medical professionals.
Research – with various health and/or sports organizations.
Benefits
Working with a nutritionist will determine what factors are challenging an individual’s eating habits and triggers and find ways to overcome those barriers. Benefits include:
Nutrition plans are based on nutritional needs, current health, and lifestyle.
Nutrition plans cut down on grocery bills.
Shopping with a specific list cuts down on the extra foods being purchased.
Proper nutrition can help manage chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, combined with a primary care doctor or specialist treatment.
Nutritionists can help individuals dealing with food allergies or who have been diagnosed could require a diet change.
Nutritionists can help motivate when struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Responsibilities and Daily Activities
Nutritionists help individuals reach various goals, like weight loss, healthier eating habits, and stress management, and can be responsible for the following:
Evaluating health needs.
Screening for nutritional risk.
Discussing nutrition and eating habits.
Providing educational resources.
Developing personalized nutrition plans.
Talking about nutritional issues with individual families.
Discussing nutrition plans with primary doctors and other healthcare teams.
Equipping individuals with food behavior modification tools.
Adjusting plans as needed.
Monitoring progress.
Treating conditions and disease management through nutrition.
Functional Nutrition
References
Carrard, Isabelle et al. “Un outil pour évaluer les comportements alimentaires: ESSCA” [A tool for assessing eating behaviors: ESSCA]. Revue medicale suisse vol. 12,511 (2016): 591-6.
Golan, M, and A Weizman. “Reliability and validity of the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire.” European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 52,10 (1998): 771-7. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600647
Greenwood, Jessica L J, et al. “Healthy eating vital sign: a new assessment tool for eating behaviors.” ISRN obesity vol. 2012 734682. 22 Jul. 2012, doi:10.5402/2012/734682
Kelley, Claire P et al. “Behavioral Modification for the Management of Obesity.” Primary care vol. 43,1 (2016): 159-75, x. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.10.004
The shoulders help stabilize the upper extremities of the body and provide a wide range of movements for the arms. The shoulders have many muscles, ligaments, and tendons that help support the joints from injuries and utilize the motor function to do everyday actions like throwing a ball or stretching for long distances. Even though the shoulders help stabilize the upper extremities, they are still prone to injuries since the shoulder muscles are constantly used throughout the day. One of the shoulder muscles that are continuously utilized is the deltoid muscle, which can lead to the development of trigger points when it becomes injured. Today’s article examines the deltoid muscles, how trigger points affect the deltoids and shoulders, and managing trigger points associated with the deltoid muscles. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in shoulder pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the deltoid muscles along the shoulders. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We ensure that education is a great solution to asking our providers insightful questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC observes this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Deltoid Muscle?
Have you been feeling pain on the top of your shoulders? Do your shoulders feel stiff when rotating them? Or do you feel radiating pain along your upper arms? Individuals with shoulder pain may be experiencing trigger points affecting their deltoid muscles. The deltoids are large triangular-shaped muscles that are associated with the shoulder girdle. The deltoids sit on top of the shoulder girdle and have anterior and posterior sections that work together with the rotator cuff muscles that provide a full range of motion to the arms. Studies reveal that the deltoid muscles have a more complex structure since the intramuscular tendons from the deltoids help provide different functions when it comes to the shoulders and arms’ motor function. According to Dr. Janet G. Travell, M.D., the anterior sections of the deltoid muscles are used in sports activities. In contrast, the posterior section works with the rotator cuff muscles for mobility. Injuring the deltoid muscles can lead to the development of trigger points associated with shoulder pain.
How Do Trigger Points Affect The Deltoids & Shoulders?
Regarding the shoulders, they can succumb to various injuries that can become an issue over time, lead to the development of trigger points in the shoulder muscles, and cause referred pain to the upper arms. Trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome along the deltoid muscles may invoke referred pain to the shoulders. Studies reveal that myofascial pain syndrome is often described as the sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms caused by trigger points that cause tender spots on the hardened muscle to produce pain. Trigger points are a bit tricky to diagnose since they mimic other chronic conditions in the body. The deltoid muscles are superficial, and trigger points can cause referred pain to the muscles that mimic arthritis in the shoulder joints. Some of the other symptoms associated with trigger points along the shoulders and deltoids include:
Limited range of mobility
Tenderness in the shoulder muscles
Muscle spasms
Muscle pain
Stiffness in the deltoid muscles
Pain in the shoulders can cause the body to become unstable and cause many individuals to develop a hunched position over time to reduce the pain they are feeling; fortunately, there are various ways to manage the pain associated with trigger points along the shoulders and deltoid muscles.
Trigger Point Release On The Deltoid Muscle- Video
Have you been feeling stiffness along the shoulders or the deltoid muscles? Have you experienced muscle tenderness in your upper arms? Or do you feel like being hunched over reduces the pain in your shoulders? If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be the development of trigger points associated with shoulder pain along the deltoid muscles. Trigger points cause referred pain to the affected muscle area and are developed when the muscles are overused. For the deltoid muscles, when active trigger points affect the deltoids’ anterior or posterior sections, it can cause the muscles to twitch and later cause moderate tension. The video above explains where the trigger points are located on the deltoid muscles and how to release them through palpations and massages. This is one of the techniques that can help manage trigger points from affecting the shoulders and deltoid muscles.
Managing Trigger Points Associated With The Deltoid Muscles
When dealing with trigger points associated with the deltoid muscles can be managed through various techniques that many people can utilize to reduce the pain symptoms along the upper arms and shoulders. Studies reveal that dry needling is one of the techniques that can relieve trigger points to ease the pain intensity and irritability to the shoulders. Other techniques that many people can utilize are to correct how they carry heavy objects to reduce the load on their shoulders, stretch the arms and shoulders to minimize soreness and alleviate tight muscles, and even take a hot shower to relax the shoulder muscles, can reduce the chances of trigger points from forming in the future.
Conclusion
The deltoid is located on top of the shoulder girdle and is a large triangular-shaped muscle that works together with the rest of the shoulder and the rotator cuff muscles. The shoulders have many muscles, ligaments, and tendons that provide stability and perform everyday functionality to the body. When the shoulders become injured, the affected muscles could potentially develop trigger points to cause referred pain to the shoulders and upper arms. When trigger points affect the deltoid muscles, it can cause them to have symptoms of stiffness, tenderness, and pain that mimic other chronic conditions affecting the shoulders and arms. Thankfully, various techniques relieve referred pain from the arms and help manage trigger points along the deltoid muscle. This allows the deltoid muscle to relax and reduce trigger points from developing further on the shoulders.
References
Bron, Carel, and Jan D Dommerholt. “Etiology of Myofascial Trigger Points.” Current Pain and Headache Reports, Current Science Inc., Oct. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440564/.
Calvo-Lobo, César, et al. “Dry Needling on the Infraspinatus Latent and Active Myofascial Trigger Points in Older Adults with Nonspecific Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (2001), Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5728593/.
Elzanie, Adel, and Matthew Varacallo. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Deltoid Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 15 May 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537056/.
Many individuals do not realize they are in pain until they begin to feel symptoms of stiffness or tenderness in certain areas of their body. Many people have two most common complaints: back and shoulder pain. The shoulder and the back have a casual relationship that stabilizes the upper body and protects the spine’s thoracic region. When injuries or ordinary factors affect not only the shoulders but the back, it can lead to symptoms of pain and stiffness along the muscles, causing the development of trigger points along the upper back and shoulder muscles. One of the muscles affected by trigger points is the rhomboid muscles located in the upper back behind the scapula (shoulder blades). Today’s article looks at the rhomboid muscle, how superficial backaches and round shoulders can affect the rhomboid muscle, and managing trigger points associated with the rhomboid muscle. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in back pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the upper back along the rhomboid muscles. We also guide our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We ensure that education is a great solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Jimenez DC observes this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Rhomboid Muscle?
Do muscle stiffness in your shoulders seem to be causing you pain? Have you noticed that your shoulders seem more rounded than usual? What about the unexplainable upper backaches after being in a hunched position for a long period? Many individuals with these pain symptoms could be associated with the rhomboid muscles. The rhomboid muscles are a collective group of muscles important for upper limb movement and stability for the shoulder’s girdle and scapula. The rhomboid muscles consist of two separate muscles: the rhomboid minor and the rhomboid major, deep within the trapezius muscle and behind the scapula (shoulder blades). The functionality of the rhomboid is that they provide stability to the shoulder and when they are active, the upper arms move back and forth while walking.
How Superficial Backaches & Round Shoulders Affect The Rhomboid
While the rhomboid muscles provide stability to the shoulders, they can succumb to pain like any muscles in different body sections. Ordinary factors like a bad sitting posture can cause the upper back and shoulder muscles to contract and strain. Studies reveal that the effects of bad sitting posture can lead to the development of a forwarding head posture with rounded shoulders, causing pain in the rhomboid muscles. When the shoulder muscles, like the rhomboid muscles, experience this sort of change over time, it can increase muscle tone and continuous stress in the neck and shoulders. To that point, it can lead to various symptoms like pain, numbness, loss of functionality in the upper limbs, and nerve root symptoms. Other issues like back pain can also be one of the symptoms that can lead to referred pain in the rhomboid muscles and can potentially lead to the development of trigger points along the shoulders and rhomboid muscles.
Other issues that can affect the rhomboid muscles are trigger points. Trigger points can be latent or active as they are tiny knots formed in the body’s muscle fibers. For the rhomboid muscles according to Dr. Janet G. Travell, M.D., when a person hears snapping and crunching noises during the movement of the shoulder blades, it may be due to the trigger points in the rhomboid muscles. Studies reveal that since trigger points can be either active or latent and elicit local referred pain, that can lead to muscle imbalance, weak and impaired motor function, and expose the joints to suboptimal loading. This means that trigger points in the rhomboid muscles can cause referred pain to the shoulder and mimic other chronic symptoms.
Stretching The Rhomboid Muscle & Managing Trigger Points-Video
Do you hear any snapping or crunching noises when rotating your shoulders? What about muscle stiffness along your shoulders or upper back? Or do you feel muscle aches from being hunched over for a long time? These symptoms could potentially involve trigger points associated with the rhomboid muscles. The rhomboid muscles help stabilize the shoulders and provide movement to the arms. When people overuse their shoulder muscles, it can cause the surrounding muscles to develop trigger points and inflict pain-like symptoms on the shoulders and upper back. Thankfully, all is not lost, as various treatments are available to relieve shoulder and upper back pain associated with trigger points along the rhomboid muscles. The video above explains where the trigger points are located on the rhomboid muscles and how to stretch that muscle to relieve trigger points from causing referred pain to the shoulders.
Managing Trigger Points Associated With The Rhomboid Muscle
Since the rhomboid muscles can become stiff due to overuse and could develop trigger points to inflict pain along the upper back and shoulders, this can cause many symptoms associated with pain and make the individual feel hopeless. Thankfully, various treatments can help manage trigger point pain associated with the rhomboid muscles. Studies reveal that thoracic spinal manipulation can relieve pain pressure sensitivity of the rhomboid muscles. Chiropractors are excellent when finding trigger points along the musculoskeletal system by utilizing spinal manipulation on the thoracic spine to loosen up the stiff muscles along the shoulders and upper back. Another way to manage trigger points associated with the rhomboid muscle is to stretch the shoulder muscles after a hot shower. This allows the muscles to relax and prevent future trigger points from forming along the rhomboid muscles.
Conclusion
The rhomboid muscles are a collective muscle group that has an important function in stabilizing the shoulder’s girdle and scapula (shoulder blades) while providing upper limb movement. The rhomboid muscles consist of two separate muscles: rhomboid minor and rhomboid major, which are behind the shoulder blades and deep within the trapezius muscles. When ordinary factors like poor posture or shoulder injuries affect the rhomboid muscles, it can develop trigger points that can cause stiffness in the rhomboid muscles. Various techniques can alleviate the referred pain along the shoulders, causing trigger points to develop along the rhomboid muscles. When these treatments are utilized on the rhomboid muscles, they can help prevent future shoulder issues.
References
Farrell, Connor, and John Kiel. “Anatomy, Back, Rhomboid Muscles.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 20 May 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534856/.
Haleema, Bibi, and Huma Riaz. “Effects of Thoracic Spine Manipulation on Pressure Pain Sensitivity of Rhomboid Muscle Active Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34410234/.
Ribeiro, Daniel Cury, et al. “The Prevalence of Myofascial Trigger Points in Neck and Shoulder-Related Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 25 July 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6060458/.
Yoo, Won-Gyu. “Effects of Pulling Direction on Upper Trapezius and Rhomboid Muscle Activity.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, June 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5468195/.
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