Tips For Working On Trigger Points

Tips For Working On Trigger Points

Tips for working on Trigger Points

You are certain to encounter patient after patient with complaints of “muscle knots”. Muscle knots are trigger points believed to be created by a contracted muscle but in a small patch of muscle tissue. There is also the theory that with the contraction the muscle tissue may also contain waste metabolites due to the lack of blood circulation in the area. This means there is a build up of toxins in the trigger point. When there is more than one trigger point it leads to Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) and whether they have one muscle knot or a series of them the resulting pain can prove to be quite troublesome for patients.

Three Results of Trigger Points

Trigger points can affect a patient in three ways. First it can cause pain, second it can complicate an existing condition or issue and third they can mimic other problems. A trigger point always causes pain in theory, but when you have a muscle injury the addition of muscle knots can amplify pain and in some cases end up being worse than the original injury. The third affect is perhaps the most troubling as it a trigger point is misread it can then be mistreated. Therefore it is important to take caution when working with a patient to determine the causes of pain to ensure a trigger point is not misdiagnosed.

Referred Pain

Not only can trigger points mimic the symptoms of other common issues they can also be at the root of referred pain. A common complaint your patients might have such as sciatica is often believed to be a result of referred pain from piriformis or other gluteal muscles as opposed to the nerve itself. Other common referred pain caused by trigger points include tinnitus, tension headaches, TMJ pain, lower back pain and a decrease in range of motion in the legs and sometimes arms (due to shoulder pain). Fibromyalgia (FM) is often confused with MPS due to the tender points associated with FM which differ from the trigger points of MPS.

Diagnosing Trigger Points

With all of these challenges how is it possible to diagnose trigger points? Many would argue it is not an exact science but there are some commonalities you will see with a true trigger point issue. In general, the physical finding of a trigger point is feeling a hardened nodule with palpation of the area. Palpation should also result in pain directly in the area of the nodule which can also radiate out from the nodule and in some cases cause twitching.

Treating Trigger Points

When treating trigger points the lack of circulation in the area plays a key role. It is important to return blood circulation to the area and sustained pressure can be effective in urging the blood flow to resume as well as in releasing the muscle fibres. Deep stroking is also effective especially in assisting returning blood flow. Deep tissue massage can also be used as it can aid in removing metabolic waste believed to build up in trigger points. Trigger point therapy can be the saving grace for patients who have suffered from chronic pain that has not been diagnosed properly and therefore never resolved.

 

 

Five Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy and Happy

Your spine has many nerves, muscles and ligaments that serve as connections to areas throughout your body, so keeping your back in top condition is one of the best things you can do for both your back and your overall health. There are a number of simple things you can try to help keep your spine as healthy as possible and minimize complications from your back condition and/or prevent future painful episodes.

Let your spine really rest while sleeping

While you’re sleeping, all of the structures in your spine that have worked hard all day finally have an opportunity to relax and be rejuvenated. Using the right mattress and pillow will support the spine so the muscles and ligaments can be stress-free and have a chance to become refreshed. A large part of the decision of what type of mattress and pillow to use is based on personal preference. As long as the basis for the choice includes ensuring that the correct support and sleeping position will be attained, any of the many available types of mattress can be helpful. See also Mattress Guidelines for Sleep Comfort and Choosing the Best Mattress for Low Back Pain.

Choose your shoes carefully

Whether you’re walking for exercise, or just to get where you’re going, the shoes you wear have a big effect on your back. They should be well balanced, flexible and most certainly comfortable. Good shoes provide not only protection for your feet, but also a supportive base that helps the spine and body remain in alignment. Selection of the right shoes, and correctly using inserts if needed to provide even further balance, can help you avoid muscle strain and possible injury. See also Guidelines for Buying Walking Shoes.

Enjoy the benefits of a massage chair

Many people love a good massage to relax their muscles and relieve stress. Therapeutic massages not only improve flexibility and decrease tension; they can also improve blood flow and increase the level of endorphins in your bloodstream, which is a chemical in the body that makes us feel good. While it’s not the same as going to a massage therapist, having a massage chair in your home can be a practical and easy way to get some of the benefits of a Shiatsu or Swedish massage. See also Massage Chairs for Pain Relief.

Sit up straight – with support

The discs in your lower spine are loaded three times more while sitting than standing, so long periods of sitting can often create or aggravate a painful back condition. Moreover, when sitting in an office chair, many people slouch and lean forward, and this poor posture usually leads to muscle tension and pain in the lower back and legs (e.g. sciatica). The right office chair plays an important role in promoting good posture and supporting the natural curves of your back. In addition to a comfortable chair, most experts recommend getting up to stretch and walk around every 20 to 30 minutes, as prolonged static posture is stressful for the structures in your spine. See also Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair.

Specifically exercise your abs and back

One of the most important components of good spine health is exercise. Specifically, performing abdominal and back exercises (which don’t get much exercise from daily activities) will go far in helping to keep your spine healthy. These exercises are simple and can be performed in 20 to 30 minutes as part of a daily routine. If back and abdominal muscles are not in good shape, additional pressure can be put on the spine, which is already under the stress of supporting your entire body. When these muscles are well maintained they help support the spine and minimize the chance of injury. See also Types of Abdominal and Back Exercise.

Summary

The topics discussed here are simple ways to help your spine and back stay in alignment and maintain a stronger, healthier you. Even if you are in very bad pain and are undergoing extensive medical treatments, we encourage you to still try to remember the simple things you can do for your back to help it heal and get stronger and healthier over time.

 

Stephanie Burke Author Image
Article written by: Stephanie Burke