What helps with tension?

Tension is often painful and restricts movement. The tightness in the muscles can often be felt, and can cause neck and shoulder pain, and headaches and dizziness, among other issues. 

Tension occurs mostly in the neck, back and shoulder area. It can also affect other areas of the body. For example, if you grind your teeth because you are stressed, you may also feel tension in your jaw.

Tension is a functional impairment of the body. If the muscles are constantly tensed, blood circulation is impaired. They don’t get enough oxygen and they harden. This leads to pain in the affected area of the body.

Bad posture and muscle imbalance

Sitting down all the time is not healthy for your back. Furthermore, if you have bad posture when you are sitting, this can lead to tension, which then tempts you to adopt a relieving posture. This further shortens and tightens the muscles.

It’s worth noting that unilateral strain often begins with the feet. Check if the soles of your shoes wear down evenly. 

Strain and overload

Strain can occur during sport and other types of physical exertion. If the muscles are overstretched or even pulled, other muscles start to compensate for them. This causes a muscular imbalance, whereby the muscles continue to shorten or stiffen.

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium and calcium ensure that the muscles can tense and relax properly. A magnesium deficiency can contribute to muscle tension.

Lack of exercise

Exercise is important to strengthen the back muscles and to prevent or reduce pain in the long term. Weak back muscles tense up when overloaded.

Good to know: the positive effects of exercise don’t become immediately apparent. Furthermore, it’s also possible for the pain to get worse at the beginning. The muscles have to get used to the exertion first. Keep going!

Mental strain

When you are stressed or experience other kinds of mental strain, you subconsciously tense certain muscle groups. Typically, you bring your shoulders up or clench your teeth. This overloads the affected muscles. Just like with bad posture, the overloaded person adopts a relieving posture. This tenses and hardens other muscles.

In the case of tension, circulation needs to be increased in the affected areas. Warmth, movement, massage and various medicinal herbs can help.

When your muscles are tense, you shouldn’t just alleviate the symptoms; you should also find out what the triggers are. This will allow you to prevent the tension and pain from becoming chronic. You can focus on improving your posture, for example, not only by training your back, but also your core muscles. Make sure to take enough breaks from sitting, or change your position when seated.

Warmth

Warmth can help to relieve pain caused by acute tension. It promotes circulation and relaxes the muscles. A warming ointment, cherry stone cushion or a bath can help.

Stretching and relaxing

Stretch the affected muscle groups until you can feel a gentle pull. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds and then return to the starting position while inhaling. Do this several times a day.

Example: circle your shoulders in a clockwise direction 10 times, and then in an anticlockwise direction. 

Massage

A massage relaxes the muscles and the soul, and promotes better circulation. You can treat tension yourself through massage, or by using a tennis ball, fascia roller or acupressure mat.

Relaxation

Is stress the reason behind your tension? Then try some relaxation exercises and mindfulness training such as yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation.

Ointments and medication

Pain medication helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Gels and ointments for pain have a similar effect.

Please note: pain medication can help relieve acute complaints in the short term. However, do not take these for more than three days without seeking advice from a doctor.

Medicinal plants

Various medicinal plants such as nettle, willow bark and arnica can help relieve tense muscles. They promote circulation and reduce inflammation.

Magnesium

Make sure you get enough magnesium. Some examples of food that contain magnesium are: oats, nuts, wholegrain products and bananas.