Trigger Points & Muscle Pain
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are hyperirritable discrete focal spots that are located in a taut skeletal muscle band. During palpation these spots are painful and may elicit referred tenderness, pain, and a sensation of decreased movement to various regions in you body.
Trigger Points can be the cause of your Headaches!!
Trigger Points Q & A:
Did you know Trigger Points can be silent?
Thats right! You can have a trigger point and not even know you have one . Thats because trigger points can be active, meaning causing pain, or latant, hidding out waiting to cause discomfort.
There are two classification to Trigger points, active or latent, depending on their clinical characteristics. An active trigger point will cause pain even when you are resting. When compression it will refer pain to a specific area in you body often times the same areas that you complain of pain/discomfort. This referred pain is typically not at the same site of compression. Often times patients will describe this radiating pain as sharp, burning, or pulsating depending on the trigger point being compressed.
A latent trigger point will not cause continuous pain but can restrict certain movements leading to muscle weakness. Often times this weakness can lead to pain in the area and indicate the presence of a trigger point.
What causes Trigger Points?
Did you Know that repetitive stress can lead to trigger points? During our normal busy days we often forget to stretch, workout, and stay hydrated. The repetitive stress that is placed on the muscles can cause tightness and muscle bunching leading to trigger points. Some other factors that can contribute in development of trigger points:
- Muscle trauma resulting from an injury
- Muscle overuse
- Stress
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Poor Posture
- Sitting for extended period of time
- Lack of sleep
- Decreased exercise
Signs & Symptoms
Depending on the type of trigger point you have the symptoms may vary, but generally a patient will present with the following:
- decreased range of motion in the area of involved trigger point
- discomfort in postural muscles resulting in postural changes
- neck pain
- upper/mid/lower back pain
- shoulder pain/weakness
- headaches
- tinnitus
- TMJ pain
- muscle stiffness/ tightness in neck and upper back movements
We Can Help!!
Our integrative approach includes a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation to uncover the active and latent trigger points.
At HA Brain & Spine we specialize in trigger point therapy. Our board certified Neurologist provides insight to the latest cutting edge evidence based medication treatments utilizing trigger point shots. Our board certified musculoskeletal Chiropractor uses a hands on approach utilizing myofascial release therapy, ischemic compression, cryotherapy, core rehabilitation and strengthening, and much more to alleviate your discomfort. Our certified Massage Therapist holds an advanced Neuromuscular massage certification relax the muscles.
HeadacheAwayMD- Brain & Spine Center
2440 Samaritan Drive Suite # 2, San Jose, California 95124, United States
Ph: 408-706-5500/408-706-5505 Fax:408-540-7361
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