Category: Steven Rigler

A specialized massage technique, neuromuscular therapy focuses on trigger points, or localized areas of muscular tension. Also known as knots, trigger points are taut bands of muscle and fascia tissue that restrict the flow of nutrients and blood to the tissue. This disrupts the metabolism of muscles, which require oxygen and various nutrients for growth and healing, and makes them painful to the touch.

Common causes of trigger points include repetitive movements, stress, insufficient nutrition, and poor posture. They may also develop as a result of trauma or impact related to incidents such as a fall, blow, or vehicle accident. In addition to being pressure-sensitive, trigger points are associated with stiffness and a limited range of motion, which may make it challenging to complete daily activities.

There are three different types of trigger points: passive, satellite, and active. The latter are very painful to direct touch, while satellite trigger points are less so. Passive trigger points may or may not be painful to the touch, but when touched can transfer pain to other regions of the body.

Neuromuscular therapy involves applying pressure to the trigger points and releasing the tension bundled in individual muscle cells. As the muscles relax and return to their normal length, pressure in the muscle’s collagen sheath is released, which releases tension on neighboring muscles as well.

Inflammation occurs when the immune system recognizes and acts to get rid of foreign or harmful stimuli and initiate the process of healing. Unfortunately, the resulting inflammation can cause pain. However, an anti-inflammatory diet may help.

When inflammation becomes chronic, it stops the body from functioning optimally. Then, it may contribute to other health problems. For example, inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can impact the joints.

Some chronic inflammation may stem from eating the wrong foods, but an anti-inflammatory diet might help. Some patients benefit from an integrative pain management approach or alternative techniques that include stress management, exercise, acupuncture, and osteopathic manipulation therapy.

Foods with anti-inflammatory properties include fatty fish, leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and broccoli. Each option provides the body with critical anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, polyphenols, and prebiotics. On the other hand, foods to avoid include red meat, fried food, processed foods, carbohydrates such as white pasta and white bread, foods with added sugars, soda, and excess alcohol.

Hand and wrist injuries commonly occur in association with vehicle accidents and often involve the driver or passenger positioning the hands to protect against impact. The result may be bruising or torn ligaments or a more serious underlying issue, such as a fractured bone.

Fractures are often identifiable by extreme pain that flares when moving the hand and attempting to form a fist with the fingers. Bruising, swelling, tenderness in the area of the injury, and a crooked finger can also indicate a fracture, which requires medical treatment to ensure proper healing.

Torn ligaments often take the form of a hand sprain, with the ligaments that connect the bones torn or stretched beyond their normal range. Torn ligaments often occur around the knuckles, and classic signs include swelling, bruising, and pain when moving the digits.

Joint dislocations are a third common type of injury associated with car accidents. This time, instead of ligaments between the knuckles becoming separated, it is the knuckle itself that is dislocated. With the middle knuckle on each hand most vulnerable, the range of motion is impacted, and numbness and difficulty moving the affected finger are common. When untreated, a dislocated joint can impact one’s ability to perform the daily tasks of living in a major way.

Some diets can contribute to lower back pain, so it is important to understand how your food choices may affect your comfort. Fried foods, trans-fat foods, refined flour, processed meats, and most grain-fed meats can cause the immune system to work without turning off, which can harm the body. These foods often promote contraction of various muscles, including those in the lower back. Perpetual contraction of muscles without relaxation may trigger chronic, low-grade inflammation that results in irritation of the lower back muscles and spasms.

Additionally, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and sugar can increase levels of cortisol, a hormone, contributing to back pain. According to an article published by PainMedicineGroup.com, to minimize back pain caused by diet, doctors recommend diversifying food choices daily and eliminating inflammatory foods from the diet for at least three weeks to allow the body to detoxify. Further, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3-rich foods and colorful fruits and vegetables, may help alleviate lower back pain and promote overall well-being.