What Causes A Muscle Strain?

Poor Flexibility

Poor flexibility has a strong correlation with muscle strain injuries. Individuals might be surprised by the number of injuries for which poor flexibility is a contributing factor. Sometimes individuals experience muscle strains if they engage in stretches that tighten their muscles. A little stretching is good, as it helps to elongate the muscle and release tension. But stretching too far can cause the muscle to become overstretched and torn. In addition to these cases, however, poor flexibility can also be a contributor to common shoulder and backaches. Studies have indicated the more flexible an individual is, the lower the chances they will experience chronic or occasional back pain are. When individuals don't stretch for a long time, their muscles tighten up and become tenser, which can easily lead to soreness and overuse injuries. The best way to increase flexibility is by engaging in gentle stretches every day. As the stretches get easier, individuals can increase the difficulty level and range of motion. Eventually, individuals will find their body's original range of motion restored.

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Trauma To The Muscle

A muscle strain can sometimes occur if individuals experience trauma to the muscle. This trauma can take many forms. Depending on the type of trauma, a singular muscle strain might not be the only injury individuals suffer. If there's any chance a blunt impact has fractured any bones or dislocated any joints, it's important to see a doctor for imaging tests. The trauma from an impact won't always cause a muscle strain, but it might if the impact wrenches the individual's body in such a way that the muscle is stretched beyond its normal range of motion. One example would be if the individual's arm was accidentally wrenched behind their back in ways it shouldn't be. Some individuals experience muscle strain in their necks after an automobile crash because the force of the impact leads to whiplash. Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the head snaps backward and forward quickly and violently enough to cause damage to the neck muscles. Regardless of the injury, unexpected trauma is a rarer but not impossible cause of muscle strains.

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