Trigger Points for Muscle Pain
Soft Tissue Pain Can Respond Well to Pressure Point Therapy
Trigger point treatment is an effective but underused therapy for muscle pain and dysfunction.
Trigger points are palpable nodules found in muscles and usually lie within taut bands of muscle fibres. They are tender on moderate to deep finger pressure and produce what patients sometimes describe as a 'nice pain' or a 'relieving pain' They develop when muscle is put under strain, whether acutely in trauma or through repeated load and are associated with pain and dysfunction in that muscle.
Trigger points are not simply of academic interest. Treating these points (the most common methods are finger pressure and massage) is often very effective in reducing the tension in the muscle, relieving pain and restoring function.
The existence of trigger points in muscles has been documented since the nineteenth century and most likely, long before that. Given the similarity between acupuncture and trigger points, the Chinese were clearly aware of them. However, despite the scientific evidence that trigger points are very common in soft tissue pain conditions they are not routinely used in orthodox medicine. Other than in pain clinics the majority of health professionals who use them are complementary practitioners.
Characteristics of Trigger Points.
Some, or occasionally, all of these can occur.
- Tender on finger pressure with pain often radiating in characteristic pattern.
- Deep aching pain in the affected muscle.
- Overlying skin feels hot.
- Weakness in affected muscle.
- Dizziness if neck muscles are affected.
Areas Most Likely to be Affected
Any area comprised of muscle can develop trigger points but some areas do so more than others, particularly those taking the most everyday strains.
- Neck and shoulder girdle: most of our tension ends up here leading to stiff neck and headaches. Sitting in front of a computer most of the day doesn't help either.
- Lower back: few of us walk as much as we should, this builds up muscle tension in the low back, add to this unaccustomed lifting and acute strain is likely.
- Forearms: tennis and golfer's elbow. Not always due to acute strain, the repetitive strain of keyboard work is more often the culprit.
Self-help
Massaging or applying finger pressure to trigger points yourself can be an effective and simple way of relieving the discomfort of simple strains – assuming you can reach the area affected of course.
Treating the trigger points in the muscles at the back of the neck can relieve stiff neck and tension headache. Pressing the trigger points in the muscles either side of the lumbar spine is good for low back pain and massaging the trigger points in the forearm muscles may help relieve tennis elbow.
There are a number of inexpensive books that show the locations of useful trigger points; these are handy to have for self-treatment of muscular pains. However, it's important that you're sure that your condition is a simple muscular strain. Before you start self- treatment or if you have any health concerns, it's a good idea to visit an appropriate health professional.
Resources
Muscle Pain. Mense and Simons. Pub. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2001
Soft-tissue Manipulation. Leon Chaitow. Pub. Thorsons 1987
