How to deal with Trigger Points
- Andrew Clark
- Jan 4, 2023
- 3 min read
Trigger points are small knots or tight bands of muscle that can be felt under the skin. They can cause pain in the muscle itself, as well as in other parts of the body when pressed. Trigger points are usually caused by muscle overuse or muscle tension, but they can also be caused by injuries or other medical conditions. Treatment for trigger points may include massage, stretching, and physical therapy, as well as over-the-counter pain medication or prescription muscle relaxants.
There are several things that can cause trigger points, including:
Muscle overuse: Repetitive motions or sustained positions, like sitting at a computer for too long, can lead to muscle overuse and the development of trigger points.
Muscle tension: Stress and tension can cause muscles to contract, leading to the development of trigger points.
Injuries: Accidents or falls that result in muscle strains or sprains can cause trigger points to develop.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, can cause trigger points to develop.
Poor posture: Poor posture can put extra strain on certain muscles, leading to the development of trigger points.
Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle imbalances and the development of trigger points.
There are several things you can do to treat a trigger point:
Massage: Massaging the trigger point can help to loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to the area, which can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
Stretching: Stretching the muscle that contains the trigger point can help to reduce tension and improve flexibility.
Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the trigger point can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises and stretches to help treat trigger points.
Over-the-counter pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Prescription muscle relaxants: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant to help treat a trigger point.
It's possible for a trigger point to come back after it has been treated. However, this is less likely to happen if you take steps to prevent the development of new trigger points.
This may include maintaining good posture, using proper technique when performing physical activities, and taking regular breaks to stretch and rest your muscles. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help to keep your muscles strong and flexible, which can reduce the risk of developing trigger points. If you are experiencing recurrent trigger points, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Lastly, a certified healthcare professional may inject trigger points with local anesthetic, like Lidocaine or Bupivacaine to provide significant long lasting relief. It is also important to see a physician to ensure your pain is not something more long lasting or significant like cervical dystonia which can last for years and cause severe postural changes.
At Home Treatment Options
Although at around $190, the price of the Theragun Prime may make it out of reach for many, there is no doubt that this item is the best available self massager on the market. The percussion therapy allows you to control pressure and speed via their mobile app and work out any trigger points you may have.
Much easier on the wallet than the Theragun, the Thera Cane offers excellent reach and self massaging ability for a fraction of the price. The many handles and ergonomic shape allows for ease of access into any and all painful spots you may have.
The Famedio Heated Neck Stretcher is a fantastic way to ease the tension after a long day in front of a computer. The curved design will help realign the natural curvature of your cervical spine after leaning forward with poor posture for long periods of time. The heating pad allows for much greater relaxation of stiff muscles. Although the Magnetic Therapy and Graphene have not been shown in the medical literature to be significantly beneficial, the majority of the Famedio Neck Stretcher is extremely helpful.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel has been used effectively for years for patient's with pain and inflammation which is close to the surface. The anti-inflammatory nature of the medication will penetrate into the muscle, bone, and connective tissue which is close to the surface without the concern of systemic dosing or risking long term kidney health like many oral anti-inflammatory medications.
A slightly weighted electronic heating pad which is specifically designed to fit around your neck and shoulders. Can help ease up tense muscles and soreness to allow for much more beneficial stretching and therapy. Used in conjunction with the tools above, can be a very successful pain reliever and therapeutic device.
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