What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points can be found anywhere in the body where there are muscles and soft tissues. It becomes an exquisitely tender part associated with some hypersensitive still band and commonly has a thickened obvious lump even at rest when it should actually be soft and pliant.

There are many reasons as to why trigger points develop and these points can be very painful in the extreme. Trigger points can cause other pains even well away from where they start and make you prone to tears, strains and other injuries. Trigger points are generally associated with different types of myofascial dysfunctions such as weakness, chronic pain and limited range of motion. People who develop trigger points in different areas of the body maybe suffering from fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.

Finding Relief for Trigger Point Pain

Trigger point therapies are known to be effective and safe pain relief for these types of pain. People who undergo therapy for their pain must also be proactive and learn other ways to alleviate their pain while they are at home. If you are experiencing pain that goes on and off, you must do something about it even while you feel no pain. You should take precautions and do what's necessary to keep your pain from going to extremes.

Your first step for finding complete relief from the pain is to look at the habits or routines that maybe contributing to the pain. You must discuss this with your chiropractic doctor for you to come up with the best exercises and procedures to correct your posture and relieve your pain. Once you have your routines set, you can do things on your own. These therapy and set of exercises will only take a couple of minutes and will help your muscles relax as they release those tiny contractions that weaken and tighten your muscles. You can stretch and do exercises several times a day for your body to get used to this new habit.

Understand Your Pains

If you sit for hours on your work desk, you may develop trigger points in your neck, shoulders and on the top of your shoulders. Some people also experience lower back pains and sciatica. Press along the muscles on the top of your shoulder for any tender points. These will mimic the pain you experience when you press them harder and may also radiate pain to another location. When you find a point, you can press gently and hold the pressure point for about 10-12 seconds as long as you can tolerate the pain. Then massage the area with short milking motions. Just do this several times a day and soon you will feel the pain lessen and have more relaxed muscles. Knowing more about your pain will make it easier for you to understand it and find long term relief especially for trigger point pains.