What is muscle tension?

Muscle tension is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles, characterized by stiffness, muscle pain, and spasms.

What is Muscle Tension?

Muscle tension refers to a process of numbness and stiffness in the muscles caused by recurring contractions, even while at rest. It usually affects the neck, trapezius, lower back, and lower limbs, and is more common among athletes and sedentary individuals.

Muscle tension can be caused by injuries and trauma, but also by joint and neurological conditions, psychological issues, prolonged poor posture, functional overload, and stress, among other factors such as:

• Dehydration
• Excessive sports training
• Lack of potassium and magnesium
• Cervical spine injuries
• Circulatory problems

Muscle tension is characterized by the presence of small, palpable bumps or nodules. When stress becomes chronic, muscles remain in constant tension, accumulating lactic acid and toxic metabolites. Combined with reduced blood flow and oxygenation, this worsens the condition.

The areas most commonly affected by muscle tension due to chronic stress are:

• Neck
• Between the eyebrows
• Shoulders
• Jaw

Symptoms of Stress-Related Muscle Tension

Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location but generally include:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Cramping (especially in the legs)
• Fatigue
• Muscle contractures
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Limited mobility
• Inflammation
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Bruising
• Redness
• Muscle heaviness
• Numbness

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is one of the most common signs of muscle tension and can range from mild discomfort to deep pain.

This type of pain typically results from muscle overuse due to excessive physical activity, poor posture, or repetitive movements.

How to Relieve Muscle Tension

After analyzing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will perform a physical examination and, if necessary, request diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out underlying conditions.

Treatment for muscle tension focuses on symptom management through:

• Heat packs
• Medication
• Massage therapy
• Physical therapy
• Thermal therapy
• Relaxation and breathing techniques

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center of ABC Medical Center, we offer specialized care. Contact us!