Associated symptoms

The main symptom of tension is muscle pain, which is quickly felt and usually occurs when these muscle areas are strained. Besides the pain, the affected muscles are hardened, this symptom is called hard tension. A relaxed muscle can be pressed in, this pressing is also not painful.

In contrast, a tense muscle impresses by its hardness, it often appears as hard as a board or there are hard knots to feel. Even slight pressure on the muscle causes pain. Furthermore, increasing immobility is a symptom of tension.

The affected musculature is restricted in its mobility by the tension. The freedom of movement is restricted by the pain and also by the shortened musculature. These pains can radiate into neighboring areas or lead to further poor posture due to relieving postures. In addition, tension in the neck or shoulder area in particular often triggers tension headaches. This can also lead to dizziness due to tension.

Diagnosis

As a rule, the tensions become noticeable through the pain. In order to relieve this pain and prevent the development of further pain, early diagnosis is important. In addition to questions about the tension, it is also important for the doctor to know what occupation one is pursuing and what sport one is doing.

Following a conversation, the doctor will also examine the person affected, especially the tense regions. In a few cases, tension initially triggers other symptoms that are not even associated with possible tension. A thorough physical examination by the doctor will then usually reveal the tension.In some serious cases, an orthopedic examination or further tests may be advisable.

Treatment

The most important long-term treatment option is to treat the cause and not just the symptoms. Only in this way can tensions be permanently relieved and avoided. In discussions with the doctor, it is necessary to determine what triggers the tension and to work out how renewed tension can be avoided.

First of all, it is helpful to relieve the tense body region and loosen the tension with light massages. The massages lead to a better blood supply to the muscles, fasciae and skin at the site and the muscles are better supplied. Heat also leads to increased blood circulation.

The heat can be supplied to the area using various methods. Nowadays, there are numerous warming ointments available in pharmacies that address the heat receptors with natural extracts of chili or pepper and the active ingredient capsaicin. These ointments can be applied with a light massage, both of which help to ease tension.

When using warming ointments, it is important to make sure that the ointments are not applied to wounds or mucous membranes or get into the eye. During application you should therefore put on gloves or wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. The heat can also be applied using heat patches, such as Thermacare® or similar.

But also household remedies such as hot-water bottles, fango, hot mud packs or cherry pit pillows can alleviate the discomfort with their heat. A hot bath also has a relaxing effect on the muscles, body and mind. In addition, painkillers and muscle-relaxing agents can be taken.

However, these drugs should only be taken in cases of severe tension and muscle pain. The maximum daily dosage must be observed and these drugs should not be taken over a long period of time. They may solve the problem of pain, the deeper problem of tension and they may not eliminate the cause of the tension.

In case of very severe pain, the family doctor or treating orthopaedic surgeon can inject painkillers so that the active substance acts directly at the site of the pain. In the case of severe complaints, the attending physician can prescribe co-therapy with physiotherapy. In this case, the patient can learn exercises that should help to prevent tension and the physiotherapy loosens existing tensions.

As a preventive measure, back training can also help to improve posture and thus prevent and relieve back tension. The goal of physiotherapy and back school is to help the patient recognize his or her unhealthy behavior, to integrate the exercises into everyday life, and thus alleviate or avoid the symptoms. Even light movement ensures that tensions are relieved or arise.

A walk or stretching exercises can gently relax the muscles. Especially patients whose tensions are caused by psychological stress benefit from learning relaxation techniques and pain management strategies. Various meditation and relaxation techniques can be applied here.

These include yoga, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation. Here, too, the focus is not only on short-term pain relief but also on the long-term prevention of further tension. Stress management and coping with stress not only relieves tension but also prevents many other physical and mental illnesses such as burnout or depression.

Alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture or osteopathy can also help to relieve tension. The environment of the patient affected by tension should also be designed more ergonomically. The workplace can be better adjusted to individual needs, the mattress and pillow can be replaced and adapted to the respective requirements.

In summary, a holistic approach should be taken to the treatment of tension. In addition to the acute relief of pain and the easing of tension, the focus should also be on the sustained prevention of renewed tension. The musculature of the back is strained every day.

It keeps us upright, supports, carries, enables rotation. Back pain is one of the most common reasons in Germany to see a doctor. They often arise from tension.This is because the back is susceptible to incorrect movements, incorrect lifting or back-unfriendly sitting positions.

If the back is permanently incorrectly or excessively strained, tensions arise. Especially tall people are affected by tension in the back. Especially in the back it is important to relax the musculature again, otherwise it shortens. In this case, training in the sense of a back school is very important, because a healthy back counteracts disease patterns such as herniated discs. In a back training or physiotherapy, numerous stretching exercises can also be learned, which help to prevent tension.