Muscle contracture

avoid muscle contracture

Muscle contracture is among the most common injuries that can be suffered. Although to a large extent they are related to sports practices, anyone is exposed to suffering from a muscle contracture.

The natural functioning of the human musculature is based on constant contraction and relaxation. The problem appears when one or a group of muscles is kept in tension continuously and involuntarily. This creates discomfort and pain.

Generally speaking, these are not serious injuries. Although not all cases are the same, most episodes last a week on average. As long as the affected person contributes decisively to their own recovery.

How do contractures occur?

The causes that can give rise to the appearance of a muscular contracture are very varied. In many cases They can be related to excess activity or, on the contrary, due to lack of exercises and movements.

Among the most common factors are the following:

  • Exercise excessively. In general, demanding very strong intensities from the muscles usually causes this type of inconvenience. We must not abuse excess weight in gyms and in our daily lives; especially if you do not have the necessary preparation.
  • Bad nutrition. A balanced diet is a necessary component for the health and good condition of the human body. The muscles do not escape this need. Specifically, potassium and magnesium deficiencies are usually related to different types of injuries.
  • Dehydration. It is very important to drink a good amount of water a day For anyone and more so if they are athletes, proper hydration is a source of health.

Other factors influencing contractures

  • A sedentary lifestyle is always accompanied by a high number of inconveniences. Examples are body deformations and loss of strength and endurance. It is quite common for men and women who lead a very sedentary life to suffer from muscle contractures.
  • Stress is another of the frequent triggers. Tension tends to accumulate in areas such as the neck or the upper part of the back, leading to discomfort as strong as it is persistent.
  • Some people have episodes of involuntary contraction of a muscle during the winter. For protection, the nerves contract in an effort to keep warm. The drawback occurs when they do not stretch again for a while, due to little physical activity.

Oral problems: unexpected origin

Although it may not be so common to hear of muscle contractures derived from oral problems, this is another factor that can give rise to this problem. This question is especially related with the cases of Postural Occlusion Syndrome.

It is a severe alteration of the alignment of the teeth, in addition to the progressive loss of tone in the muscles of the mouth. Patients with more advanced cases, in addition to having bite problems and frequent headaches, may also suffer from constant neck and back discomfort.

To treat this clinical picture, the affected person should seek the help of both a dentist and a physiotherapist. Although they are not the most frequent episodes, some patients suffer from pain in the legs and feet.

massage for contracture

Who can have episodes of muscle contracture?

Anyone, regardless of gender or age, is exposed to suffer from this type of injury. Although statistically speaking, it is relatively normal that from the age of 20 people are more likely to present these pictures. Among other things, because they increase levels of competitiveness, sports activity and stress often makes its appearance.

Many physiotherapists have viewed with concern the increased cases in children. At the origin of these problems would be the excessive use of equipment such as video game consoles or smartphones. The poor diet of the little ones in the house can also cause more vulnerability to the appearance of contractures.

Types of muscle contracture

The most common are those that occur due to excessive physical exertion or afterwards.. There are also the residual calls, which are accompanied by an additional injury. Other nomenclatures, according to the origin, are:

  • Post-traumaticAlso known as defensive contractures. They are generated after one or a group of muscles suffers a strong impact. Although they are the most annoying, They are usually relieved without medical intervention within two to three days.
  • Postural: most of the time they are caused by bad habits when sitting. However, some incorrect postures for walking or standing can also be to blame for these conditions. They are injuries that are generated progressively.
  • By hypotonia: popularly known as "muscle spasms". It is suffered by people with weak muscles or with low toning. They usually appear when the muscle is required to contract a stronger than usual.

Treatments

The best treatment for a muscle contracture is to do everything in your power to avoid it.. This happens by maintaining a good diet and proper hydration. Also by correctly stretching and warming up the muscles before exercise, in addition to avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.

When the condition is already a fait accompli, the first measure to take is to rest and put the affected area at rest. If the episode occurs during physical activity, it must be stopped immediately.

It is always advisable to see a specialist, as well as avoid self-medication. A visit to the physiotherapist will be essential if the condition extends beyond a week or affects the daily routine. The same happens if there are pricks, tingling and sleep disturbances.

Natural remedies for muscle contractures

There are several home tricks to treat muscle contractures:

  • Many plants give off healthy scents, with a calming effect in reducing stress and muscle tension. Among those plants are thyme, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, calendula, and many more.
  • Therapeutic baths. They are made with different types of salts, combined with essential oil.
  • Creams and ointments. Coconut oil, arnica flowers and seeds, and even cayenne powder can be part of very beneficial creams and ointments for treating contractures.
  • Exercises and sports. Sports and exercises such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates have been shown to decrease the risk of injury.

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