Jane M. Hightower, MD 
California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco 

Dr. Jane Hightower, a CSU Chico alum, has been researching a possible relationship between soft water and myofascial pain. “Soft water” has been treated in such a way that most of the minerals have been removed, which is the case with most tap water. Dr. Hightower defines “myofascial pain” as pain caused by hyperirritable points located within a taut band of fascia (skeletal musical), which causes local tenderness or referred pain when compressed. Soft water has a very low magnesium level, and low magnesium is associated with Vitamin D deficiency. These deficiencies are also associated with heart disease and cancer. Dr. Hightower concludes with some pros and cons – and raises important questions – regarding hard vs. soft water. 

Recorded: February 10, 2017