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Creep is a phenomenon in which a material, such as human tissue, tends to deform or elongate slowly when subjected to persistent mechanical stress or load. In the context of muscles, creep refers to the gradual deformation of spinal tissues and muscles, which can lead to muscle fatigue and changes in muscle activity. This can result in spinal instability and contribute to low back pain and disorders. Understanding creep in muscles is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining spine health, especially with prolonged static or cyclic loading of lumbar viscoelastic tissues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Creep is a deformation mechanism that may or may not constitute a failure mode. |
| Creep in Humans | Human tissues under a low load over sustained periods will deform permanently if not changed to reverse the load or relieve it. |
| Creep in Muscles | Creep in muscles can cause muscle fatigue, spasms, and inhibition in the multifidus muscles. |
| Prevention | Getting up and moving every 20 minutes can prevent creep. |
| Types of Creep | Primary or transient creep, secondary or steady-state creep, and tertiary creep. |
| Creep in Materials | Creep is the tendency of a solid material to move slowly or deform permanently under the influence of mechanical stresses. |
| Reversibility | Creep is a reversible phenomenon. Once the load is removed, the original shape is recovered. |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle fatigue and spinal tissue creep
Creep is a phenomenon where human tissues under a low load over sustained periods deform permanently if the load is not changed or removed. In materials science, creep is defined as the tendency of a solid material to move slowly or deform permanently under the influence of mechanical stresses. This phenomenon is also called "cold flow".
Spinal tissue creep in the presence of muscle fatigue has been studied to understand its effect on muscle activity distribution. The study involved 23 healthy adult participants without a history of LBP (low back pain) who performed a fatigue task before and after 30 minutes of passive spinal tissue deformation in flexion. The results showed that muscle fatigue was indicated by a marked decrease in the mean MDF slope and a similar perception of effort scores at the end of the fatigue task. In addition, lower values of mean MDF were observed in the presence of spinal tissue creep.
Trunk neuromuscular responses have been shown to adapt under the influence of muscle fatigue, spinal tissue creep, and the presence of low back pain. However, the characteristics of such adaptations remain unclear despite a large number of studies exploring how these external perturbations affect spinal stability. Spinal instability associated with deformation of passive spinal tissues has been linked to the development of low back pain and disorders. This is believed to be caused by the combination of gradually increasing creep in the viscoelastic tissues and decreases in reflexive muscular activation, resulting in diminished spine protection from instability.
To prevent creep and its potential negative consequences, it is recommended to take breaks and move around every 20 minutes, especially if sitting for prolonged periods. Simple stretches, exercises, or even dancing can help to relieve the load on the tissues and prevent permanent deformation.
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Micro-damage and inflammation in collagen structure
Collagen is a primary constituent of connective tissues and exhibits creep and recovery. Under a constant load, collagen fibres will continue to elongate and deform, and when the load is removed, the fibres will recover their original shape. This process is reversible unless the fibres have been stretched beyond their elastic capacity.
Collagen vascular diseases are a group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation in connective tissues. These diseases are often autoimmune, causing the immune system to mistakenly target healthy tissues. Many collagen vascular diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation in the blood vessels (vasculitis), leading to restricted blood flow. Common treatments for these diseases include corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and stabilize the immune system.
Chronic inflammation has been shown to deteriorate the structure and function of collagen fibrils. Studies on rat temporomandibular joint discs revealed that sustained inflammation resulted in disordered collagen fibril arrangement, with porous architecture and decreased mechanical properties. This inflammation-induced degeneration of collagen structures can contribute to joint disorders.
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) has been found to cause extensive degradation and remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of skeletal muscle, which includes collagen as one of its primary components. Animal and human studies have reported significant increases in muscle collagen turnover within 72 hours following muscle-damaging exercise.
Additionally, consuming collagen peptides (CP) before and after strenuous exercise has been investigated as a potential intervention for muscle damage, inflammation, and bone turnover. While muscle soreness was not significantly different between the CP and placebo groups, a large effect size was evident at 48 hours post-exercise, indicating lower soreness in the CP group.
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Muscle creep and recovery
Creep, also known as "cold flow", is a phenomenon where solid materials, including human body tissues, tend to deform slowly under persistent mechanical stress. In the context of muscles, creep refers to the gradual elongation of muscle tissues when subjected to a sustained load or tension. This can occur during activities that involve prolonged static or cyclic loading of the lumbar spine, such as deep trunk flexion.
During creep, muscles undergo a rapid initial increase in strain, followed by a slower rate of elongation even if the applied force remains constant. This phenomenon is reversible, and the muscle can recover its original shape or length once the load is removed. However, recovery is not immediate and depends on the time and magnitude of the applied stress. In some cases, the muscle may not fully recover, leading to micro-damage and inflammation, which can cause spasms and hyperexcitability in the muscles.
To prevent muscle creep and promote recovery, it is essential to avoid prolonged periods of static postures, such as sitting or remaining in a fixed position for extended periods. It is recommended to get up and move around regularly, ideally every 20 minutes or so. Simple exercises, stretches, or even dancing to your favourite song can help alleviate muscle creep and improve spinal stability.
Additionally, specific recovery techniques can be employed to manage creep and control the load on the muscles. For example, in the context of yoga, props can be used to support the body during restorative poses, minimising the sensation of stretching and helping to manage the load applied to the muscles. By understanding the mechanics of creep and recovery, individuals can take proactive measures to maintain muscle health and prevent potential injuries associated with muscle creep.
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Tissue creep and load management
Tissue creep is a phenomenon that occurs when human tissues are subjected to a low load over a sustained period. This can lead to permanent deformation if the load is not relieved or reversed. For example, if you gently pull your index finger backward and hold it in that position, you will eventually feel pain instead of a stretch as the tissue begins to deform. This phenomenon is known as creep.
In the context of muscle activity and spinal tissue, creep can have significant implications for spine stability and overall health. Prolonged deep trunk flexion, such as remaining in a seated position for extended periods, can lead to spinal instability and the development of low back pain (LBP) and disorders. This is because the viscoelastic tissues of the spine gradually elongate under constant tension, resulting in decreased protection from instability.
To manage load and prevent tissue creep, it is important to avoid prolonged static positions and repetitive movements that place constant tension on the body. This can be achieved by incorporating movement breaks every 20 minutes or so. Getting up from your chair, walking, and performing stretching exercises or yoga poses can help relieve the load on the tissues and prevent creep deformation.
Additionally, when it comes to connective tissues and collagen fibres, it is crucial to understand the concept of tensile load and elongation. While stretching can be beneficial, over-elongation can lead to reduced capacity to withstand load. Therefore, it is important to manage creep by controlling the load and avoiding excessive elongation beyond the tissue's elastic capacity.
In summary, tissue creep and load management are crucial aspects of maintaining spinal health and overall well-being. By understanding the mechanics of creep deformation, we can incorporate simple movements and stretching exercises to relieve tension and prevent permanent tissue deformation.
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Tissue creep and spinal instability
Creep, in materials science, is the tendency of a solid material to move slowly or deform permanently under the influence of mechanical stresses. It is also known as "cold flow". Human tissues under a low load over sustained periods will deform permanently if the load is not removed or reduced. This is especially true for the spine, hips, and lower extremities, which are prone to this tissue change from prolonged positions.
Spinal tissue creep occurs when there is a deformation of passive spinal tissues, often as a result of repetitive exposure to prolonged deep trunk flexion. This has been associated with the development of low back pain (LBP) and disorders. This is due to the combination of gradually increasing creep in the viscoelastic tissues and decreases in reflexive muscular activation, which leave the spine with diminished protection from instability.
Several studies have been conducted to understand the passive and active structure contribution to spinal stability. Active (dynamic) or passive (static) flexion-extensions of the trunk are the most commonly used protocols to induce spinal creep. These sustained or repeated movements usually lead to an increase in the trunk flexion range of motion.
To confirm the presence of spinal tissue creep, ROM values are calculated before and after the deformation protocol. An increase in ROM was observed following spinal tissue creep, which may be due to the combined viscoelastic elongation of hamstring and erector spinae muscles.
Spinal stability is a complex mechanism involving three essential components: spinal muscles, passive spinal tissues, and neuromuscular control. Under normal conditions, these subsystems are highly coordinated and optimized to provide adequate stability of the spine. However, muscle fatigue and creep deformation of spinal tissues can lead to changes in muscle activity amplitude, frequency domain, and distribution.
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Frequently asked questions
Creep is a deformation mechanism that occurs when muscles are subjected to a constant tension load, resulting in a decrease in resistance to subsequent loads. It is a time-dependent process where the rate of deformation depends on the material's properties, exposure time, temperature, and applied load.
Creep in muscles is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of stress or load. This can occur during sustained or repeated movements, such as deep trunk flexion, which can lead to spinal tissue creep and muscle fatigue.
Creep can lead to muscle imbalances, decreased spinal stability, and the development of spasms and inhibition in certain muscles. It can also cause micro-damage to collagen structures, resulting in inflammation and potentially contributing to low back pain and disorders.
To prevent creep, it is important to avoid prolonged periods of static positions and maintain regular movement. Taking breaks, stretching, and performing exercises that promote spinal stability and muscle balance can help reduce the risk of creep and its associated negative effects.
