Trigger points: causes and chiropractic care

Have you ever felt a tight ‘knot’ in your muscle - a spot that feels tender and solid to touch? When pressed, it may cause pain, tingling, or burning in another area. These are called trigger points, myofascial trigger points, or TrPs for short.

TrPs are generally defined by some common features: a taut band of muscle, a hypersensitive spot, and referred pain. In other words, that tender point that sits within a firm muscle and when pressed, sends pain or other sensations to other areas in your body. And they can be nasty! But how and why do they happen?

What causes TrPs?
Many activities can strain muscle fibres, causing contraction over time, and leading to the development of trigger points. These actions include:
• sudden injuries such as falls or sprains
• small repetitive movements like typing
• long-term high-impact activities like jogging and running
• everyday actions like consistently carrying heavy items
• poor posture, and staying in the same position for prolonged periods.

Where do TrPs commonly occur?
TrPs are common and often affect the muscles in your neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, as these areas often bear the impact of repetitive movements and tension.

These trigger points are associated with shoulder issues, neck and back pain, as well as headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches. They can also develop in arthritic knees, and tend to increase after a stroke.

Can TrPs be prevented or treated?
Yes, absolutely!

Trigger points may be treated in a variety of ways: these typically include manual techniques like massage, trigger point compression, and targeted stretching exercises. Relaxation techniques are also used to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

From a chiropractic perspective, minimising or removing the cause or causes is essential. If your posture is poor, we’ll work with you to improve it. If your occupation carries risks, we can advise you on how to lessen them. We may adjust your spine and, if needed, other joints. An improvement in nerve function may help your muscles to relax.