Did you know that dysfunction is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain?
What is dysfunction? Dysfunction is abnormal function or movement of a body part.
- Joints are meant to move in a certain plane to work optimally and pain-free. When there is a weakness or abnormal tightness of any of the muscles that move a joint, then the joint will tend to move outside its optimal plane.
- When a joint is not operating in its optimal plane, then there may be wearing down of joint surfaces, compression of tendons or nerves, or increased tension of muscular tissue may occur which if cumulative can ultimately lead to pain.
- A one-time or short-lived dysfunctional movement does not always lead to pain. Though a significant one-time abnormal movement can lead to injury. For example, a forced hyper-extension of the knee can tear an ACL. But, when it comes to everyday gradual onset of pain, many times it is dysfunctional movements that are the cause.
A great example of cumulative dysfunction is a patient with knee pain but no real mechanism of injury.
Cumulative dysfunction needs to be prevented to reduce pain.
- They sit at their job all day which tightens up the hamstrings and hip flexors and weakens the glutes.
- Due to the weakness of the glutes, their knee tends towards a valgus (inward bend) position. This is not a happy position for the knee joint.
- This same person will repeatedly tend towards a valgus knee in everyday activities. For example, when moving in and out of a chair, or when going up and down steps.
- This cumulative valgus knee position in turn causes the patella to track abnormally which irritates the area under the kneecap.
Steps to prevent dysfunction to prevent or reduce pain.
- Start with good ergonomics to promote healthy postures at work and at play.
- Improve strength/mobility to improve function.
- Avoid prolonged static postures that increase weakness and muscle tightness.
- Learn proper everyday form and focus on your joints moving in a healthy way.
How to know your personal areas of dysfunction and learn to move in a healthy way:
- Get a remote ergonomics assessment.
- Get an in-person ergonomic assessment.
Want to learn more about keeping yourself or your workforce healthy? Contact us today.
