Did you know structural lesions, such as bony growths, worn-down joints, joint narrowing, joint inflammation are rarely the cause of pain? The most common cause of chronic pain is MUSCLES, not Bones, joints, or ligaments. How you ask? Chronic pain is caused by prolonged muscle contraction. This muscle “spasm” leads to fatigue which ultimately affects the body posture and movements. Therefore the site of pain is not necessarily the cause of the pain.
To understand the progression of pain and joint immobility it is best described by Dr. Janda the renowned physician who specialized in pain syndromes. The first "level" of musculoskeletal pain will eventually lead to worsening conditions. That's why catching pain early is the best practice.
We begin with...
MUSCLE IMBALANCE: A chronically tight muscle will cause its paired antagonist muscles to become weaker, which increases the risk of pain. This can happen with or without injury, or due to a cycle of adaptive changes or dysfunctions. Yes, simply getting out of bed, or washing the car can trigger these imbalanced muscles. If the pain continues we move to...
POSTURAL AND MOVEMENT PATTERN CHANGES: When the body responds to pain the response is to protect the area. This decreases the range of motion, alters movement and reflexes. Have you ever had such a stiff neck you had to turn your torso, in order to look behind you?
MOTOR LEARNING: Repetitive “altered movement” for too long can actually supersede normal movement patterns. Often times you aren't even aware of this change in your movements.
