Muscle tightness is a common complaint that can arise from various causes, each with unique underlying mechanisms. If it can limit mobility and cause pain, not everything that’s tight is a problem and not everything that’s tight needs to be stretched.
To understand this a bit better let’s review some of the issues that can be felt like “muscle tightness”.
Hypertonicity refers to an increased muscle tone that is often persistent. This condition can result from neurological disorders, overuse of muscles, or postural imbalances. When muscles are hypertonic, they are in a constant state of contraction, leading to stiffness and reduced flexibility.
This is the body’s protective response to pain or injury. When a muscle or nearby tissue is injured, the body reflexively contracts muscles around the area to limit movement and prevent further damage. Guarding is typically involuntary and can be seen in acute injuries, such as joint sprains. If you have ever had an injury to a joint in your back you may be familiar with the extreme muscle contractures that follow. This is the body’s best effort at protecting that area and these issues don’t always love stretching.
Spasms are sudden, involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. They can be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, or underlying medical conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Spasms are often painful and can lead to significant temporary tightness and restriction in movement.
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to prolonged muscle tension. The body’s stress response triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare muscles for action. While this response is helpful in acute situations, chronic stress can keep muscles in a heightened state of tension, leading to tightness and discomfort.
Poor posture, such as from sitting at a desk all day, can cause certain muscles to become overly tight while others weaken. Sitting for extended periods can lead to certain adaptations that can cause us to feel extreme tension in certain muscles. We are not fully aware of the underlying cause here, but it’s likely a combination of the chronic strain we place on certain muscles, the lack of movement while sitting, and the strain that’s created on our joints. We know that a lack of sufficient movement AND exercise has a number of negative effects on our physiology which can lead to higher levels of body stress, and therefore muscle tension.
Sedentary lifestyles can cause muscles to tighten through a number of different mechanisms. Not just stretching or mobilising, but regular movement is crucial for maintaining muscle mobility and muscle flexibility. Without adequate movement, muscles can become stiff and less pliable. This means not sitting for too long at one time. Literally just changing postures and positions can be extremely beneficial. Muscles and connective tissue also like to be challenged and challenging them with strength training is beneficial in maintaining good mobility and flexibility.
Muscle tightness can stem from various sources, and addressing the underlying cause is key to relieving it. Regular exercise, proper hydration, good nutrition, and stress management can all play a role in maintaining muscle health and preventing tightness.
If muscle tightness persists, make sure to book an evaluation with Coastal Wellness so we can help you identify and treat any underlying issues. Click here to schedule an appointment, or talk to our team on WhatsApp.
