Respect the Pops, Pings, & Twinges
Don't Ignore That Pop: Why Twinges Matter
Ever felt a sudden pop or twinge while moving? It may come out of no where. Or be slowly building. Sometimes that pop or twinge doesn’t create pain, you just hear it. And turn to the next person with wide eyes and you say, “Did you hear that?!?!”
Or it may be a full outburst explosive hamstring spasm. Ever had one of those?!?! Comes on with a vengence, and suddenly you are writhing and flexing your ankle to try and make it stop.
It might be tempting to brush it off, thinking it's just an annoyance. However, ignoring these sensations can have serious consequences. A pop or twinge could be a sign of a developing injury, and if left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and future injuries.
When you ignore a pop or twinge, you are essentially giving the injury a chance to worsen. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more difficult it becomes to treat. Chronic pain, which can develop from untreated injuries, can significantly impact your quality of life. It can make it difficult to perform daily activities, sleep, and enjoy life.
Additionally, ignoring pops and twinges can increase your risk of future injuries. If you don't understand the underlying cause, you may continue to engage in activities that aggravate the injury. This can lead to a cycle of pain and injury that is difficult to break. Remember the saying:
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Pops and twinges are often indicative of movement compensation patterns. These patterns occur when the body attempts to adapt to an underlying issue, such as muscle weakness, tightness, or misalignment. For example, if a muscle is weak, the body may compensate by relying more heavily on other larger more superficial muscles, leading to strain and potential injury.
Similarly, if a joint is misaligned, the surrounding muscles may need to work harder to stabilize it, leading to increased tension and the possibility of pops or twinges. Identifying and addressing these compensation patterns is crucial for preventing future injuries and improving overall movement efficiency.
Remember, prevention is key. By paying attention to your body and addressing any discomfort promptly, you can avoid more serious injuries and maintain your overall well-being. It's like taking care of your car; if you notice a strange noise or vibration, it's best to get it checked out before it becomes a bigger problem. Similarly, if you feel a pop or twinge, don't ignore it. It could be a sign that something is amiss, and addressing it early can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. So, be mindful of your body, listen to its signals, and take proactive steps to protect the resiliency of your body.
