What is the cause of chronic muscle tension and what is the best relief

Hello--

I have carefully researched your questions and have the answers.

Chronic muscle tension is commonly referred to as Fibromyalgia &
Chronic Myofascial Pain. The medical definition of this is "pain that
last three months or more in all four quadrants of your body: upper
right and left and lower right and left body parts.

What causes chronic muscle tension? There currently are no documented
direct causes of chronic muscle tension.

Many researchers have theories. The first is lack of sleep. Are you
getting enough sleep? Or maybe you're not getting the right kind of
sleep. Many people with chronic muscle tension are diagnosed with
having a delta sleep abnormality. They fall asleep but don't fall into
the deep sleep that heals their bodies and reinfigorates their
neurotransmitters.

Another cause of chronic muscle tension is joint restriction. This is
called myofascia. When your joints aren't moving properly, your body
exerts extra energy to move. Over time if myofascia is not corrected,
it can lead to chronic muscle tension.

A third cause that's widely discussed is injuries sustained in
automobile accidents. If a person developed an infection following an
accident, he may eventually develop chronic muscle tension if it's not
correctly treated.

You can read more about the causes of chronic muscle tension at a web
site dedicated to Fibromyalgia (FMS) & Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP).
The link is http://www.sover.net/~devstar/physinfo.htm

Another good web site that you might want to check out is the
Fibromyalgia Network. The link is
http://www.fmnetnews.com/pages/basics.html

What is the best relief of chronic muscle tension?

The first thing many physicians encourage patients of chronic muscle
tension to do is to improve their quality of sleep and reduce their
pain. Stage 4 sleep is critical to the health of many parts of the
human body. Your physician likely will recommend medicine that will
improve your level of sleep and may require you to undergo a sleep
test.

In addition, medicines that increase your body's level of serotonin
and norepinephrine are typically prescribed to relief the pain. These
are neurotransmitters that improve your level of sleep.

If you're diagnosed with chronic muscle tension, you may also be
prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen. This will help
ease the pain in your muscles and joints.

Other treatments that tend to work well are physical therapy to work
the muscles and joints that you're having difficulty with. Relaxation
techniques can help. Therapeutic massage, an exercise program, and
chiropractic care can also help.

You can read about ibuprofen at the RxList web site. The link is
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/ibup.htm

You can read some simple relaxation techniques online. One good link
is http://wso.williams.edu/orgs/peerh/stress/relax.html

Another place you can find relaxation techniques is on the HealthWorld
web site. The link is
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1205

You can read some tips on how to improve your sleep online. A good
link is http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mecfs/general/sleep.html

To conduct this research, I searched the following terms: cause
"chronic muscle tension, cause fibromyalgia, treatment fibromyalgia,
treatment "chronic muscle tension, ibuprofen, "relaxation techniques,"
"improve your sleep"

I hope this helps! If you need any clarification, please don't
hesitate to ask!

darrel-ga

---

Clarification of Answer by darrel-ga on 03 Nov 2002 20:10 PST

Hello--

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you responded like you did. 

I just called a friend of mine who's a doctor. She said chronic muscle
tension and fibromyalgia are easily confused, but that they are not
the same thing. So I'm glad you caught that. I now understand!

They have nearly identical symptoms and treatments. But I've found
some information to help clarify my initial answer.

Chronic muscle tension is believed to be caused by events in daily
living. When you drive or ride in daily commutes and sit in the same
position for long periods of time, muscles tense. Repeated physical
labor like gardening, home improvements, and heavy lifting also can
lead to extended periods of pain. If you play sports like golf or
tennis for extended periods, your arms and legs might be in pain from
exerting the same muscles repeatedly. It's normal to have aches and
pains now and then. But chronic muscle tension occurs when the same
muscle problems occur for extended periods of time.

It's important to heal chronic muscle tension as soon as possible.
Muscles are known to shorten with this condition. Over the long term
it can lead to poor posture, misalignment, and a loss of flexibility
in joints.Muscles shorten with chronic tension.

WebMD has some good information about chronic pain and theories behind
it. The link is http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.50737

Another site you would find interesting is a posting on "How Stress
Can Affect Health." The link is
http://www.healthyawareness.com/_Archives/_cdisc28/0000026a.htm

You would also be interested in reading about how stress relates to
chronic muscle tension. The link is
http://www.manulife.com/canada/ilc2.nsf/Public/stress

There's a book about Back Pain Relief. You can read some information
about back pain and what can cause it on a site about the book. The
link is http://www.backpainalternatives.com/chapter1_12.htm

"What stress does to the body" is adapted from Engs, R.C. Alcohol and
Other Drugs: Self Responsibility. This article is published in
conjunction with Indiana University.
The link is http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/stress1.htm

Stress relief, proper sleeping habits, massage therapy, physical
therapy, chiropractic care, relaxation techniques, local electrical
stimulation and acupuncture are common treatments.

Local electrical stimulation applies electrical stimulation to nerve
endings. This can act as remarkable pain relief. There are also
medications that can be used like an ibuprofen that can help relieve
muscular and nerve pain.

Here is what WebMD suggests for treatment of chronic pain:

"Conventional Medicine 
Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can control
milder cases of musculoskeletal pain and reduce inflammation. Your
doctor may prescribe stronger drugs, such as muscle relaxants,
antianxiety drugs (such as diazepam), antidepressants, prescription
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a short course of
stronger painkillers (such as opioid analgesics). A limited number of
corticosteroid injections at the site of an injury can reduce swelling
and inflammation. Also, anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist
can alleviate pain at least for the short run. Oral doses of the amino
acid D-phenylalanine appear to release endorphins, the brain's natural
painkillers, which can relieve all types of pain.

For injuries that require immobilization to heal, a doctor may also
advise wearing a brace, collar, splint, or surgical corset that binds
your torso for short periods of time only. Extreme cases of injuries
requiring immobilization might call for traction or surgery.

Rubbing a dilution of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil on the affected
area may have a temporary numbing effect. Topically applied dilutions
of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) oil -- which contains methyl
salicylate, an ingredient similar to those found in aspirin -- may
have an analgesic effect. Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum) and
white willow (Salix alba) bark are natural painkillers. Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) is an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Consult an herbalist to determine the best treatment for your specific
condition. You must also take special precautions if you are pregnant.

Before using any herbal remedies, be sure to consult your doctor
first. One herbal remedy, capsicum, is recommended by neurologists for
the treatment of neuropathic pain. Capsicum, the active ingredient in
cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), is believed to increase blood flow to
joint tissues, thereby reducing inflammation. An over-the-counter
ointment made with cayenne may bring temporary relief of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, although it is very hot and
should be used for only short periods."

You may read this full article on the WebMD web site. The link is
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1832.50232

The National Institutes of Health has published an article called
"Integration of Behavioral and Relaxation Approaches Into the
Treatment of Chronic Pain and Insomnia." The link is
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.50524

The Maryland Pain Care Center web site has some good information about
treating chronic muscle tension through acupuncture and a procedure
called Intramuscular Stimulation. Through IMS therapy, nerves,
muscles, and joints are stimulated and freed of stress. The link is
http://www.marylandpaincare.com/chronic.html

I found some good information about different massage techniques. The
site is a commercial one, but it does have some interesting items. You
might be able to find one you think would work and find a therapist in
your area who performs it. The link is
http://www.holistichealthtools.com/bodywork.html

Another site with massage techniques. The link is
http://www.angelfire.com/tn2/healthtools/bodywork.html

If you have a specific body part that's causing you problems or that
you need particular information about, please let me know. I want to
correct my earlier error. I hope this helps!

darrel-ga

How do I find out if you reposted my question?

I didn't ask about fibromyaligia....I asked about chronic muscle
tension....two different things!

Hello-- 
 
Chronic muscle tension is believed to be caused by events in daily
living. When you drive or ride in daily commutes and sit in the same
position for long periods of time, muscles tense. Repeated physical
labor like gardening, home improvements, and heavy lifting also can
lead to extended periods of pain. If you play sports like golf or
tennis for extended periods, your arms and legs might be in pain from
exerting the same muscles repeatedly. It's normal to have aches and
pains now and then. But chronic muscle tension occurs when the same
muscle problems occur for extended periods of time.
 
It's important to heal chronic muscle tension as soon as possible.
Muscles are known to shorten with this condition. Over the long term
it can lead to poor posture, misalignment, and a loss of flexibility
in joints.Muscles shorten with chronic tension.
 
WebMD has some good information about chronic pain and theories behind
it. The link is http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.50737
 
Another site you would find interesting is a posting on "How Stress
Can Affect Health." The link is
http://www.healthyawareness.com/_Archives/_cdisc28/0000026a.htm
 
You would also be interested in reading about how stress relates to
chronic muscle tension. The link is
http://www.manulife.com/canada/ilc2.nsf/Public/stress
 
There's a book about Back Pain Relief. You can read some information
about back pain and what can cause it on a site about the book. The
link is http://www.backpainalternatives.com/chapter1_12.htm
 
"What stress does to the body" is adapted from Engs, R.C. Alcohol and
Other Drugs: Self Responsibility. This article is published in
conjunction with Indiana University.
The link is http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/stress1.htm 
 
Stress relief, proper sleeping habits, massage therapy, physical
therapy, chiropractic care, relaxation techniques, local electrical
stimulation and acupuncture are common treatments.
 
Local electrical stimulation applies electrical stimulation to nerve
endings. This can act as remarkable pain relief. There are also
medications that can be used like an ibuprofen that can help relieve
muscular and nerve pain.
 
Here is what WebMD suggests for treatment of chronic pain: 
 
"Conventional Medicine  
Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can control
milder cases of musculoskeletal pain and reduce inflammation. Your
doctor may prescribe stronger drugs, such as muscle relaxants,
antianxiety drugs (such as diazepam), antidepressants, prescription
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a short course of
stronger painkillers (such as opioid analgesics). A limited number of
corticosteroid injections at the site of an injury can reduce swelling
and inflammation. Also, anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist
can alleviate pain at least for the short run. Oral doses of the amino
acid D-phenylalanine appear to release endorphins, the brain's natural
painkillers, which can relieve all types of pain.
 
For injuries that require immobilization to heal, a doctor may also
advise wearing a brace, collar, splint, or surgical corset that binds
your torso for short periods of time only. Extreme cases of injuries
requiring immobilization might call for traction or surgery.
 
Rubbing a dilution of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil on the affected
area may have a temporary numbing effect. Topically applied dilutions
of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) oil -- which contains methyl
salicylate, an ingredient similar to those found in aspirin -- may
have an analgesic effect. Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum) and
white willow (Salix alba) bark are natural painkillers. Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) is an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Consult an herbalist to determine the best treatment for your specific
condition. You must also take special precautions if you are pregnant.
 
Before using any herbal remedies, be sure to consult your doctor
first. One herbal remedy, capsicum, is recommended by neurologists for
the treatment of neuropathic pain. Capsicum, the active ingredient in
cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), is believed to increase blood flow to
joint tissues, thereby reducing inflammation. An over-the-counter
ointment made with cayenne may bring temporary relief of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, although it is very hot and
should be used for only short periods."
 
You may read this full article on the WebMD web site. The link is
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1832.50232
 
The National Institutes of Health has published an article called
"Integration of Behavioral and Relaxation Approaches Into the
Treatment of Chronic Pain and Insomnia." The link is
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.50524
 
The Maryland Pain Care Center web site has some good information about
treating chronic muscle tension through acupuncture and a procedure
called Intramuscular Stimulation. Through IMS therapy, nerves,
muscles, and joints are stimulated and freed of stress. The link is
http://www.marylandpaincare.com/chronic.html
 
I found some good information about different massage techniques. The
site is a commercial one, but it does have some interesting items. You
might be able to find one you think would work and find a therapist in
your area who performs it. The link is
http://www.holistichealthtools.com/bodywork.html
 
Another site with massage techniques. The link is
http://www.angelfire.com/tn2/healthtools/bodywork.html
 
If you have a specific body part that's causing you problems or that
you need particular information about, please let me know. I hope this helps!
 
darrel-ga

Hello darrel,

Just wanted to comment that I thought your answer was excellent. I
think it deserved closer to a 4 or 5 star rating. I guess it must have
been rated before your clarification. Do you think we should restate
the medical disclaimer?

rcd-ga researcher

rcd--

I'm glad I could help. Yes, I need to be sure to post that I am not a
physician and do not claim to give medical advice. This research
should not take the place of physician diagnosis and treatment. If you
believe you have chronic muscle tension, please see your physician.

Please let me know if you need further information.

Thanks,

darrel-ga