Muscle tension, whether from normal activity or from awkward movement or stress, contributes to muscle fatigue and pain by compressing nerve fibers in the muscle. Prolonged contraction interferes with the removal of chemical wastes in the muscles and surrounding tissues, and can cause frequent nerve and muscle pain. If not properly addressed these body tensions have a tendency to build into chronic patterns of stress.

  Prolonged tension can often cause pain in other parts of the body. For example, headaches are often caused by overly tense muscles in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Even contracted abdominal muscles can trigger headaches in certain people (a common complaint of women with menstrual difficulties).

  An expert on headache relief Robert D. Milne, M.D., of Las Vegas, Nevada, finds that massage can break up muscular waste deposits and stimulate circulation. He adds that accumulated metabolic wastes often form "trigger points" within muscles. These are specific areas that are painful to the touch. Dr. Milne explains they feel like knots or ropes within the muscle and perpetuate muscle tension. By applying deep pressure to these points, the tension or spasm can often be eliminated.