Inflammation 101
Dec 11, 2022
The term inflammation is often misunderstood.
The majority of people consider inflammation as 'swelling', but this is only part of it.
So, what happens in our body when we get injured? There are many types of injuries that can occur to our musculoskeletal system. The most common are as follows:
- Muscle strains,
- Joint or ligament sprains,
- Intervertebral disc strains,
- Tendon strains or overuse
Our body detects the injury, then sends chemicals via the bloods to that area. These chemicals create a cascade of effects that help protect, and then prepare the body to repair the area. This cascade of effects trigger three main things to occur:
1. Pain. This is our warning. if we experience pain, we are unlikely to move and further injure the area.
2. Swelling. Our body creates an influx of fluid to the area. If swelling occurs, our movement is restricted. Then we are unable to further injure the area.
3. Muscle spasm. This is an involuntary contraction of the surrounding muscles. If this occurs, we are unable to move the area and hence unable to injure it further. In fact, the muscles tighten so hard sometimes, it actually causes further pain to try to move them.
This process is a wonderful way to deal with injury. If we were in the deepest, jungles of Africa, with no interventions available, we would get better. But not as quickly, and not as effectively as we could with intervention.
Our body goes overboard with the process of inflammation and often holds itself in that state for too long. This is the protective nature of it. We do have ways of intervening, that can help us overcome this acute phase faster, but sometimes these interventions, can actually prolong things. I will explain these interventions in another blog, at a later date.
So, in summary, if you sprain a ligament or joint, strain/tear a muscle or tendon or rupture an intervertebral disc, your body pretty much reacts in the same way every time, in order to initially protect the area.
I will talk further on how our body begins to repair itself next week.
Your body is in your favour. It's your body's nature to strive to return to full healthy function. So, be aware of what your body is doing. All for your protection and benefit.
Have you joined my Free exclusive and Private Facebook Group yet? 3-Steps to a Better Back. If not, click here to join and connect with similar people interested in getting free from the cycle of back pain.
If you would like me to help you gain freedom from the cycle of back pain, click here so we can have a brief 1:1 chat to work out what's best for you and your individual circumstance.
Click the link below to joint my Free Facebook Group to gain access to video's tips and useful health information
Your Ultimate Self
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
