How immobilization affects your body

The negative effects of immobilization (lack of proper motion) begin as soon as four hours after an injury! These negative effects are not just a problem for the muscles and joints, but they also affect your heart, lungs and nervous system. These changes can become nearly irreversible if they continue beyond eight weeks.

The direct effects of immobilization on the joints include shrinking of the joint capsule which leads to joint contracture. Other negative effects are decrease in bone density, decrease in collagen thickness, and a lowered failure point of ligaments. Specific effects on the discs of the spine include decrease in oxygen and other nutrients, ligamentous intolerance, and increased compressive loading.

Immobilization causes weakness of muscles at a rate of 20 percent loss of muscle strength per week. Specifically, it leads to decreased muscle mass and atrophy, decreased flexibility, and incoordination. Ligaments become stiff due to an increase in connective tissue fibrosis.

The direct effects of deconditioning on the nervous system include decreased proprioception (ultimately affecting balance and joint coordination) and a decrease in central neuromotor control of movement and posture. The deconditioning on the cardiopulmonary system (heart & lungs) includes an increase of the heart rate and a decrease in your maximal oxygen consumption potential.

The acute phase of the injury (when immobilization may be necessary) lasts 72 hours. At the end of the first 72 hours the repair phase begins, fibroblasts are being laid down as the foundation for scar tissue. Scar tissue will become fibrotic rather than absorbed if inflammation is allowed to persist. During this phase, it is essential to begin passive or active exercises as motion is shown to have a positive effect on soft tissue healing.

A report in Spine Magazine confirms that neck pain patients have better results with early activity and mobilization rather than rest, use of a soft collar, and gradual introduction of exercises.

Chiropractic care and exercise can help reverse these negative effects from immobilization by mobilizing the joints and facilitating the re-education and physiology of the tissues.

For more information, contact Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.