Common Causes of Hypertonic Muscles

Most muscle and joint pain result from hypertonic muscles which are muscles held in a state of contraction for prolonged periods of time.

Hypertonic muscles spasms are found in round muscles that have an excess of lactic acid accumulation in the core of the muscle. An excess of lactic acid sickens the muscle spindle, which sends a weak message to the brain, determining the amount of tone in the muscle. A continuous weak message eventually tightens the muscle resulting in muscle and joint pain. In contrast, when the brain receives a strong message it tells the muscle to relax, increasing blood flow and making it healthy.  A healthy supple muscle is soft at rest and allows the nerves and the cerebellum to freely communicate without interruption.

The amount of tension in a muscle while relaxed is called muscle tone.  Muscle tone holds the skeleton together and determines the way the body is shaped. The resting tension or tone of muscle is controlled by the communication between the cerebellum and the nerves, which are distributed throughout the skeletal muscles called muscle spindles.  

These tight muscles, if left untreated can result in misalignment that puts pressure on nerves causing numbness and/or tingling, followed by muscle and joint pain such as sciatica, a crick in the neck, back pain, carpal tunnel, etc. All of these symptoms are the result of hypertonic muscle condition.

Muscle Matters

Two thirds of the body is muscle. NMT is a muscle treatment for the over toned, overused, tight, locked down muscles that irritate the nervous system. Some of the problems muscle spasms create are degenerative disc disease, bursitis, rotator cuff injury, TMJ disorder, sinusitis, back pain, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, tennis elbow, knee injuries, and other nerve impingement. Although all these problems are often the result of hypertonic muscles, health practitioners rarely consider this muscle condition as the cause. It is often treated with unnecessary surgery, pharmaceuticals, or strengthening exercises. Many of these treatments do not directly address the cause of the problem, but rather mask the symptoms.  

Muscle Tone and Aging

Hard over toned bodies accelerate the aging process. Supple hydrated svelte bodies are healthy and youthful. Throughout life as more muscle gradually succumbs to a state of permanent contraction the body’s vitality and ability to move easily and freely is hindered; vertebrae can become compressed, misaligning the spine and putting pressure on the discs and nerves running through the spine. Circulation is then slowed down allowing toxins to accumulate in the muscles; nerves are entrapped, and other symptoms of aging begin. Certain muscles in spasm can elevate blood pressure and heart rate; excess lactic acid in the system can increase plaque in veins and arteries; In addition, over toned lumbar muscles can produce acid indigestion, constipation, and irritable bowels; and spasms in sub-occipital muscles affect sinuses and overall body chemistry.  

To schedule an appointment for a treatment or consultation call: (818) 991-9405