Trigger points are tender areas of spasm within a muscle. They can occur in your neck, lower or upper back, hips, shoulders, and other parts of the body. Besides causing pain and inflammation in that specific area, trigger points may also lead to other health-related issues, such as limited range of motion in your joints, and headaches.

What are some causes of trigger points?

There are several reasons why you could be feeling discomfort due to trigger points, which are also referred to as muscle knots. For example, a motor vehicle accident could cause trigger points. Overusing a muscle when exercising and exhibiting poor posture are other common causes. Anytime you put strain on a muscle, there is a possibility of having to deal with these knots. This can include weightlifting or even shoveling heavy snow.

Is there a way to manage trigger point pain?

Trigger point therapy is a treatment designed specifically to help people manage and overcome trigger point pain. During a typical trigger point therapy session, your trigger point therapist will position you in a particular way, depending upon where you are feeling the soreness or irritation. Once the therapist cleans the area with rubbing alcohol, he or she will then inject a small amount of lidocaine into your body. The lidocaine will help relieve the pain you are experiencing quickly, by numbing the muscle spasm. There isn’t any recovery time required, so after an appointment, you can drive yourself home or back to work.

In addition to trigger point therapy, other treatments that could help address your discomfort include:

• Physical therapy

• Meditation

• Chiropractic

• Acupuncture

Everyone’s condition is unique. You may only need two or three sessions of trigger point therapy to begin feeling like your self again, while your friend may need to continue that treatment a bit longer, along with other therapeutic programs, such as physical therapy. It’s important to seek the advice of a trusted health care provider so that your condition can be properly evaluated and a treatment plan can be customized just for you.

Learn more about Northport Wellness Center’s trigger point therapy services.