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Muscular Trigger Points Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Trigger Points (TPs) are commonly defined as local spots of irritability/pain in a tissue, usually muscle tissue. When compressed with normal pressure, the spot produces pain locally. If it is sufficiently sensitive, the TP may produce pain even without compression that can be felt in a distant site. For example, TPs in the shoulder blade area can be felt as pain, tingling, or numbness into the arm and hand. This pain pattern mimics a pinched nerve in the neck. Another common area for patients to have TPs is the upper neck, a leading cause of a variety of headaches.
Most TPs develop in skeletal muscle. There are over 400 muscles in the body, depending on how one categorizes them. Any muscle can develop TPs, but muscles that are predisposed to more stress and strain from daily activities develop more TPs. TPs are extremely common and can become a distressing part of life for many people. In most cases, there is no preceding injury to the area.
The most common age of patients with TPs is 30-60. Heading the list of most common causes of TPs are poor posture, repetitive stress/strain, fatigue, repetitive motions, mental stress, and lack of exercise.
Regarding pain, most people are aware that a pinched nerve will send pain to a specific and distant area of the body. A pinched nerve in the neck sends pain down the arm and a pinched nerve in the low back sends pain down the leg. TPs also have pre-determined areas of pain for each muscle. Knowing these pain patterns helps determine which muscles are involved. Pain from TPs is usually a deep dull, achey type of pain. In more advanced or prolonged cases, it can become severe and include numbness and tingling. The pain pattern can also vary from day to day and interrupt sleep.
Consulting with patients about their specific pain pattern, work habits, posture, and exercise habits helps to identify the muscle causing the problem. Detailed examination by the doctor can lead to the specific area within the muscle that is generating the pain.
Treatment success depends largely on the specificity of the diagnosis. When the proper muscles have been identified, treatment can proceed with a high expectation for good treatment results.
Most importantly, the offending muscle must be relaxed. This commonly involves the application of moist heat to increase local blood flow, bringing to the muscle additional oxygen and nutrients. Gentle, direct pressure to the TP will facilitate the relaxation response in the muscle. Effectively stretching the area where the TP is located is also essential.
In addition, to ensure the pain relief is long lasting, it is critical to address underlying causative factors. Any recognizable contributing issues, such as posture, fatigue, stress, and exercise should be resolved. Instituting a daily exercise program to keep your body flexible and strong is an important factor in reducing the risk of recurring pain.
If you suffer with aches and pains that don't go away, consider consulting with a doctor proficient in the diagnosis and management of this common affliction. When properly addressed, relief is at hand.
