I have problems with chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck. I wondered if there was any relationship between tension and caffeine since I drink coffee. Here some interesting bits:

-- http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcou...ting_well.html

This article is very pro coffee but does point out "Evidence shows that caffeine intensifies muscle contractions" ...

-- http://bodytechnician.com/caffeine.html

This guy claims that when his massage therapy clients stop or start caffeine, he can feel the difference in their level of muscle tension. He also claims "Moderate-to-high coffee consumption (>1 cup/day) increases markers of inflammation. Inflammation causes pain." with references. But wow, is that page the most anti-caffeine/coffee page you could ever imagine.

-- I also recall that one of my magnesium books claimed that coffee depletes magnesium which is associated with muscle relaxation.

I've also read some benefits of caffeine, but none of them related to muscle relaxation.

Thoughts? Experiences?

I have slowly weaned myself off caffeine over the last month slowly to avoid the no coffee in the system durring surgery, causing a headache. I was up to 2 cups a day at my hight, and down to one in the morning. That being said, being off it completly now for some time has made NO difference in my pain or muscle tension levels. I would think you would be talking about a pot a day person to make a difference. lol. So I write it off as bunk. Of course we all respond differently to stimuli.
I think a cup a day is great, you have to enjoy something in life.
Cheers,
Jay

I could see a possible connection due to the caffeine effects and muscle tension, especially if a static job or low activity level vs activities where you can burn off the caffeine/tension.

When I was working 10 hr days I was drinking 3 or more cups a day w/ cream & plenty of sugar... mostly those small cups from the coffee vending machine though..
My job was alternately sitting/standing but very active in upper body/arm/hand use so I think I burnt off the caffeine effects for the most part.

now, a cup in the morning and maybe 1 mid day if a chilly/wet winter day...but I'm sure I get more sleep now than I did back then, so I don't need it to stay awake- or for energy.

Agree with Tossucks. Pre-TOS, I would drink about 2 cups of espresso coffee and be a Diet Coke addict for the rest of the day. Overtime, I have lost interest in Diet Coke, for whatever reason, and maybe drink one every other day. I usually drink 1-1 1/2 cups of coffee in the AM (especially good with a marshmallow on top). NO reduction in muscle tension has been felt!

Some of us, including me, have breathing problems with TOS. There are a number of studies out there which state caffeine is a bronchodilator. It hasn't helped me breathe either.

The only thing it helps me do is start my day and everyone with TOS looks forward to a new day full of surprises .

Eat, drink and be merry -
Anne

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm going to wean myself off it completely and see what happens or does not. Will take about 4 weeks, I think.

its rough

i miss caffeine i feel stupid

I have an amazing coffee machine, so have been drinking more coffee of late. It's one of those push button ones, my sister in law gave it to me as she no longer drinks the stuff. I am having about 3 cups a day. It is helping with 6am starts and getting rid of headaches, so I am going to stick with coffee for now.
Will maybe experiment later with any differences to muscles tension. But it helps the headaches so much, I am not sure it is worth it!

My experience with caffiene (coffee, black and green tea...and chocolate) has been a roller coaster for several years.
I love the lift I get from good strong coffee-a slight little buzz...but I hate the jitters and added muscle tension, also increased carb cravings and an acidic feeling.
So then I swear off coffee and switch to green tea in the morning only, decaf tea afternoon, and every time I've tried this change I do feel less tension.
But then coffee is everywhere, temptations are wafting around in the air every place I seem to go...one cupojoe and Im hooked all over again-at least until the next time I decide to quit coffee.
Don't even suggest taking away my chocolate though, life needs it's perks, especially when you live with TOS