Definition
The term tensions describes painful conditions of the musculature, which are mainly caused by hardening of the muscles. The hardening is caused by an increase in muscle tone that persists over a longer period of time. Short-term muscle tensions are normal and loosen again after a short time. In the case of tensions, they no longer loosen and the blood supply to the muscle is restricted. The resulting pain further promotes the tension.
Causes
Tensions are to be seen as a multi-causal process. When several stress factors come together, tensions arise quickly. An important trigger for tensions are bad postures.
These bad postures quickly come about in everyday work or private life. Particularly in monotonous work with one-sided processes and one-sided actions, certain muscle areas are subjected to a permanently increased strain. A popular example is working at a desk.
There, tensions from a variety of incorrect postures are promoted. It starts with sitting in an office chair, working with shoulders drawn up because the height of the desk is not perfectly adjusted. In addition, the one-sided use of the mouse causes tension to increase.
This is just one example of how incorrect postures can lead to tension. In addition to poor posture at work, unfavorable sleeping positions or sitting positions when relaxing on the sofa can also promote tension. Tension is particularly frequent when monotonous movements at the workplace are accompanied by a lack of balance in everyday life.
Often the change from desk to TV or game console is not associated with a change of posture. In addition to bad posture, overexertion can also be a reason for tension. This overexertion can be of a physical nature due to excessive sport or permanent strain during sports or work.
However, they can also be of a psychosomatic nature. Mental health can have a great influence on physical well-being and so the influence of overstrain, stress at work or in private life, anxiety or depressive phases on the body should not be underestimated. This mental tension can be transferred to the body or unconsciously lead to incorrect postures, which in turn can lead to tension. Another cause of tension can be pre-existing conditions that lead to postural deformities, such as osteoarthritis or a slipped disc. These painful pre-existing conditions lead to a lasting change in posture, and the pain leads to an avoidance posture, which can also trigger tension.
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