Dr. Liliana Cáceres explains how to address muscle knots and pain using phytomedicine as a complementary treatment.
Muscle pain and knots are a part of everyday life; they can arise after physical exertion, repetitive movements, long hours in front of a screen, or even due to stress. While many discomforts are mild, knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial.
Speaking to Salud & Bienestar, Dr. Liliana Cáceres—an otolaryngologist specializing in phytomedicine—explained that pain is more than just a nuisance.
“Pain also serves as a protective and alarm system for our body, signaling that a specific area requires attention,” she noted.
Types of Pain
The specialist explained that acute pain serves a protective function; sprains and blows are common examples. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for more than three months and may involve heightened sensitivity in the nervous system.
Neuropathic pain can cause sensations of burning, searing heat, electric shocks, or stabbing pains. Nociplastic pain can occur when the nervous system becomes sensitized.
Muscle pain is among the most common types and can stem from intense exercise, repetitive movements, a sedentary lifestyle, or tension. Spending long periods in front of a computer or looking at a mobile phone can lead to stiffness and discomfort in the neck, upper back, and lower back. Stress can also increase tension in the neck, shoulders, back, and jaw.
Movement and Self-Care
To prevent these issues, Dr. Cáceres recommended staying active, combining aerobic activity with strength and flexibility exercises, and avoiding remaining rigid for hours at a time. For those with sedentary jobs, taking breaks to walk, stretch, and move the neck is important. She also advised gradually increasing physical activity, getting good sleep, staying hydrated, and maintaining a varied diet that includes protein.
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