Trigger points are painful areas in the body that can develop due to injury or overuse. They can develop after a single injury or through a series of repetitive movements. Muscles can even be strained by incorrect posture. They are often thought of as a “knot” which produces spasms of pain. The most common areas are in the back, neck and shoulders although they can also develop in the arms and legs as well. These trigger points may contribute to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and jaw pain.
As muscles begin to tighten and sometimes shorten, spasms of pain are felt in the trigger point. This pain is temporarily relieved by massage or hot compresses but the trigger point will remain. Trigger point therapy is needed to eliminate the tissue and muscle tightness in the affected area.
A Chiropractor may feel for lumps or bands in the muscle itself. Once the trigger point is found, deep pressure is applied with the thumbs and fingers. Depending on how the muscle responds to pressure, the Chiropractor will continue this pressure until the trigger point relaxes. Deep tissue massage is then performed to help eliminate the trigger point. An acupuncture needle may also be used to help inactivate the trigger point and increase the blood flow to the area.