Doc, “It’s Just a Pulled Muscle…”

           How often have we bent over to pick up something, turned too quickly, or slept awkwardly, and felt pain, muscle soreness, or restriction of motion?  This scenario has or will likely happen to all of us at some point in time.  At least once a week, I will have someone tell me that they did something on the weekend and their “low back is sore…but I think it’s just a pulled muscle, Doc.”  But is it just a pulled muscle or could there be something else going on?

The muscles attach to the bones, in this case the spine, and are responsible for moving the vertebra in different directions.  Remember, “Structure dictates function.” So what happens if the muscle tenses or spasms?  Or, if the vertebra becomes subluxated (out of place), will it cause the muscles to then tighten?  It’s kind of like the chicken and the egg.  Which came first?

When the muscles tense up or spasm, it is a natural guarding mechanism of the body.  The body will try to restrict your movement in this area or produce pain if you do try to move.  It is no different than if you sprain your ankle.  It swells and tightens up, and restricts motion.  But if the muscles tighten or spasm enough, they can pull the vertebra out of alignment, which then irritates the nerve (subluxation) and causes pain.

The opposite is also true.  If the spine becomes subluxated, it may lead to the muscles becoming, sore, tense or spastic.  Again, this is a natural reaction to an injury, on the part of the body.  If the subluxation remains and nothing is done to correct it, further neurological impairment can occur.

Don’t take a chance with your health on “just a pulled muscle.”  Come in, get it checked out, and save yourself trouble in the future!!  Looking forward to keeping you all healthy!