Neural Plasticity, Muscle Spasm and Tissue Manipulation: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

It is recognised that the sensation of pain may be associated with changes in parts of the central nervous system responsible for processing nociceptive information. Some of these changes reflect long term, possibly permanent increases in the excitability of neurons within the ventral and dorsal horns of the spinal cord. Experimental evidence supports a relationship between neural plasticity, muscle spasm and voluntary recruitment of motor units. Passive muscle stretch, joint manipulation and muscle massage all result in a significant decrease in the excitability of neurons within the lower motoneuron pool. These therapeutic interventions may be appropriate to reduce or prevent high levels of neural activity caused by noxious stimulation.

Keywords:

• Neural Plasticity
• Pain
• Muscle Spasm
• Manipulation
• Muscle Stretch