Myogeloses are hardenings of the muscle that can be palpated in the form of a knot or bulge. Usually, myogeloses are painful in response to pressure and cause restricted movement. These pea- to olive-sized muscle thickenings occur along the fibrous course of the muscle. The development of these hardenings is a process that can take months. But what is their cause? And how can myogeloses be treated?
Causes of myogelosis
There is disagreement about the exact cause of myogelosis, which is often diagnosed in chronic pain patients. What is certain is that there are local metabolic changes in the muscle and inflammation that causes the pain.
When the muscle is subjected to increased stress, for example during sports, the oxygen demand of the cells increases and metabolic products are produced that cause an acidic environment (lactate). If the body cannot keep up with the oxygen supply and the acidic substances cannot be removed, cell death gradually occurs and the muscle fibers atrophy. The muscle is gradually replaced by connective tissue, it becomes firm and knotty – myogelosis has formed.
This is the case with constant overexertion, but can also be promoted by incorrect loading.
Myogelosis from cervical to lumbar spine.
The musculature of the holding apparatus is susceptible to myogelosis, as it is stressed throughout the day, even without additional athletic strain; long, sedentary forced postures at work, a general poor posture or even a faulty sleeping position particularly affect the back, shoulder and neck muscles.
Myogelosis can also occur as a consequence, and often as the only symptom, of another underlying disease. In the sense of a protective function, the muscles then tense up in response to a constant stimulus, for example in the case of a herniated disc or a malocclusion.
But this – initially sensible – reflex can result in other problems, such as tension headaches or radiating pain into the arms and legs.
Therapy of myogeloses
Early treatment is important to counteract muscle remodeling and the development of chronic pain. Symptomatic therapy consists of prescribing pain medication, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy, but often these measures are not sufficient. In cases of severe pain, local anesthesia is also an option.
Treating myogelosis with massage
Healing opportunities are offered by alternative treatment methods, for example osteopractic. Osteopractic combines chiropractic, acupuncture and massages and thus offers several starting points at once. The aim in each case is to promote blood circulation in the muscles in order to remove acidic metabolic products. Some diets also promise success by reducing acid intake through selected foods.
A method that investigates the causes is occupational therapy. The situation in everyday life, at work and during sports is analyzed and incorrect postures are corrected.
Myogelosis treatment: tips for at home.
If you want to do something yourself against myogelosis, simple measures often help: Heat is good for muscles with tension. Hot compresses or alternating showers stimulate blood circulation and relax the muscles.
If you want to prevent myogelosis, you should pay attention to your posture and regularly run and stretch during sports – this keeps the muscles supple.
