A trigger point can be described as a spot or point in a muscle that refers a sensation, be it pain or weakness, to another area of the body. For example, a trigger point in your upper trap muscle may cause a referral pattern into the side of the head, behind the ear (see Figure 1).
Trigger points are very common and can occur within any muscle of the body. Patients that have trigger points often report persistent pain that results in decreased range of motion of that muscle. The most common muscles affected are in the head and neck area, which can lead to the development of other symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ear, and eye pain.
Causes of Trigger Points
- A recent or long-term injury
- Lack of exercise
- Poor posture over long periods of time
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Sleep disturbances
- Work-related or recreational activities that cause repetitive stress
There are many ways to manage trigger points, including:
- Acupuncture
- Manual therapy (such as chiropractic care)
- Massage
- Non-invasive modalities such as ultrasound, laser, or electrical stimulation (for example, a TENS machine, which sends small electrical pulses through the skin to change the way pain signals are sent to the brain)
- Steroid injections (which allow medical doctors to deliver medicine directly to the site of injury to decrease inflammation)
Things you can do to prevent or improve trigger points:
- Exercise:Regular, gentle exercise is an important part of keeping our muscles nimble and preventing them from seizing up.
- Improve posture: Did you know that how you sit and stand can have a long-term impact on your health? Be aware of where you put your stress. People commonly put stress and tension on their low back or neck.
- Regulate your diet: This might surprise you, but getting a proper balance of vitamins and minerals in your diet can help prevent trigger points from happening or getting worse. It’s always good practice to follow a well-balanced diet.
- Get enough sleep: You’ve probably heard this more than once, but sleep is important for your body in many ways, including giving your body enough time to restore and repair itself after a day’s worth of activities.
- Stretch: Whether you’re at work or playing recreational sports, always remember to stretch before and after.
References:
- https://www.chiropractic.ca/
- 1Image Source: http://www.gustrength.com/muscles:trapezius-location-actions-and-trigger-points.
- 2Alvarez DJ, Rockwell PG. Trigger points: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65(4):653–62.
