Final answer:
Overuse injury to the elbow, like 'tennis elbow,' is related to muscle tension and joint fixation in the cervical spine through kinetic chain biomechanics. Issues in the cervical spine can alter shoulder and elbow mechanics, increasing injury risk. Therapeutic exercises aimed at easing cervical spine issues may help alleviate elbow overuse injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection between an overuse injury to the elbow, like tendinitis, often referred to as “tennis elbow,” and muscle tension and joint fixation in the cervical spine is complex but related to the biomechanical forces transmitted through the body's kinetic chain. Overuse of the elbow joint leads to microtrauma and an inflammatory response in the tissues, which can be exacerbated by the muscular and joint demands elsewhere in the body, such as the cervical spine.
Joint fixations in the cervical spine can affect the nerves controlling arm muscles, contribute to muscle imbalances and increase the risk of overuse injuries. Similarly, muscle tension in the neck and upper back can alter the mechanics of the shoulder and elbow, leading to an increased risk of injury from repetitive motions. This is due to forces and torques acting on the muscles and joints, which are transferred along the kinetic chain, influencing how adjacent body parts move and bear loads.
Interventions such as physical therapy exercises, specifically designed to address the force and torque in muscles and joints, can help not only heal the injured elbow but also correct underlying issues in the cervical spine. These therapeutic exercises may include techniques to improve posture, strengthen muscles that support the spine and mitigate damage through careful activity selection and proper form in sports and other repetitive tasks.