At least once, you must have heard about “lamig sa katawan.” But, what exactly is lamig sa katawan at likod? Is it really caused by being exposed to cold? Here are 6 questions about lamig sa katawan at likod, answered by our doctor.
What is the medical term for lamig sa katawan at likod?
“Lamig” is Filipino slang for coolness or chilly.
This impression is created when a muscle feels painfully hard to the touch.
The reason it is referred to as “lamig” is because traditional healers, or manghihilot, assert that exposure to cold or a quick loss of heat in the muscle, which causes a loss of circulation or spasm-like change in the muscle, are to blame for this hard muscle.
A muscular spasm, myofascitis, or myofascial trigger point are the medical terms for this.
Why do they happen?
A myofascial trigger point is a hyper-irritable area that is painful upon compression. It can also cause referred pain, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena. It typically exists within a taut (pulled tight) band of skeletal muscle.
Some of the potential mechanisms that can cause the development of myofascial trigger points are:
- Slight muscle contractions
- Muscle contractures
- Direct injury or trauma
- Overload to the muscle
- Postural stress
- Eccentric contractions that are out of the ordinary
- Eccentric contractions in unconditioned muscle
- Maximal or submaximal concentric contractions
The development of the stretched or pulled band, which is technically a motor anomaly, appears to be the first change in muscle that is connected to myofascial pain.
The “Integrated Hypothesis,” first proposed by Simmons, is the most widely accepted explanation for this motor anomaly among the various processes that have been proposed.
- According to Simmons DG, the taut band resulted from an anomalous hormone release that caused high tension of the muscle fiber.
- The tight band then restricts blood flow, which results in less oxygen reaching tissues or hypoxia.
- Activating pain receptors causes a cascading process of cell and tissue breakdown and the release of sensitizing chemicals.
Occasionally, there could be sustaining elements that contribute to myofascial pain. These elements could intensify the discomfort and tenderness.
Mechanical perpetuating factors include:
- Scoliosis
- Leg length discrepancies
- Joint hypermobility
- Muscle overuse
Systemic or metabolic factors include:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Infectious disease
- Psychosocial factors like stress and anxiety
How can they be treated?
For treatment, the practitioner must identify every trigger point where the pain – or lamig sa katawan at likod – is coming from and then deactivate it using one of the several techniques now in use in order to effectively manage myofascial trigger point pain. Deeply applied techniques are among them.
Are there home remedies?
To lessen discomfort and enhance your quality of life, there are various actions you can take at home.
These include:
- Taking a warm bath
- Beginning an exercise routine like yoga, Pilates, or another stretching technique
- Getting your muscles moving every day
- Using a traction device
- Wearing a back brace when doing heavy lifting
- Selecting a better chair at work
- Improving your posture. Try adjusting the height of your computer so that it is in line with your natural eye line. Alternatively, try a new mattress or change your sleeping posture.
What about massage?
Massage is a particularly effective treatment for the trigger points and other sensitive areas associated with myofascial pain.
The main characteristic of the trigger sites is muscle stiffness. Blood flow is boosted and muscles are warmed up during massage therapy. Both stiffness and pain may be lessened as a result. Your trigger points may be pressed by the massage therapist using their thumb, which will make the discomfort worse before releasing the tension in your muscles.
How can we prevent lamig sa katawan at likod?
Maintaining adequate sleep, hygiene, lowering stress, getting exercise, avoiding avoidable muscular injuries, practicing relaxation techniques, and eating a healthy, balanced diet are just a few of the pain management tactics recommended as preventative measures.
Learn more about Musculoskeletal Pain here.
