A recent study by John Z. Srbely, DC PhD, Howard Vernon, DC, PhD, and David Lee, DC., investigated if chiropractic can provide immediate relief in myofascial tissues.
What are Myofascial Tissues?
Myofascial tissue is a type of thin, strong, fibrous connective tissue that extends throughout your body to provide support and protection to your muscles and bones.
Essentially, myofascial tissue fibers are made up of collagen andelastin fibers that are arranged in a web-like structure and that are suspended in a fluid called ground substance. With a tensile strength of more than 2000 pounds, it provides a strong support for the muscles, while at the same time allowing for flexibility. You can think of myofascial tissue as being similar to a mesh bag that contains your groceries. It is pliable, and can expand and contract as the contents of the bag change. It envelops your body like a wet suit, from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.
The Study Showing Chiropractic’s Effectiveness for Immediate Pain Relief
Researchers recruited 36 participants, which included 19 men and 17 women, all under the age of 30, with clinically identifiable myofascial trigger points. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups:
Group One: Participants in the test group received chiropractic treatments targeted to the C5-C6 spinal segment.
Group Two: Participants in the control group received sham chiropractic treatments.
The purpose of the study was to investigate chiropractic’s impact on muscle pain by by increasing pressure pain thresholds over myofascial trigger points in healthy young adults.
Results of the Study
The researchers discovered that chiropractic treatments evoked immediate increases in pressure pain thresholds. Compared to the group that did not receive real treatment, the test group experienced decreased pain sensitivity at their trigger points. The researchers concluded that spinal adjustments can reduce myofascial pain in healthy young adults.
This study demonstrates how many of the prevailing conditions that patients regularly seek medical care for through prescription medications or trigger point injections can actually be helped with chiropractic. In fact, research by Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons, has shown that trigger points are the primary cause of pain at least 75 percent of the time and are a factor in nearly every painful condition.
Chiropractic and Muscle Pain
Many chiropractors are trained in myofascial release therapy, which can relieve pain from many conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, headaches and fibromyalgia. They will stretch and loosen the tightened fascia that are restricting blood flow to the area, which will increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and take the pressure off nerves that have been compressed at trigger points.
Trigger points can certainly be painful, but treatable with specialized techniques. As one of the few Chiropractors in Augusta GA that are able to provide treatments tailored for myofascial trigger points, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if your muscle pain would be a candidate for our customized treatments.
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments to Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA patients. Visit the main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA.
Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call (706) 814-5053 or use our online form.
