What Causes Trigger Points - and How To Prevent Them

What Causes Trigger Points - and How To Prevent Them

What causes trigger points is an interesting question. A trigger point is a reflex arc - a protective mechanism in our body that fires when a muscle is stretched too far. There are ways this reflex can be turned on - for instance, you trip over suddenly.

To prevent you falling, your muscles react instantly stiffening as a protective measure. This is an instinctive reflex in the body, and very helpful. The problem comes when this protective muscle tension doesn't swtich off. This is when it becomes a trigger point. So, a sudden trauma or accident is one cause of triggers switching on.

Alternately, you can get triggers gradually, from muscle fatigue. When you sit for hours with bad posture, the muscles working to keep your upright get tired out. This can lead to triggers being activated.

Another factor that can set off triggers stress breathing. This is similar to bad posture as it tends to tire out muscles.Stress breathing occurs when instead of using your diaphragm and stomach muslces to breathe, you use your pectoral and scalene muscles.

These secondary respiration muscles are used for breathing in stressful situations - like if you had to run away from a charging bull. They are meant only for short bursts of rapid movement, often combined with a surge of adrenaline.

The problem comes when people breathe in this way as a habit throughout the day (this can happen in a stressful work environment). This shallow stress or chest breahing will tire out chest and shoulder muscles and can cause trigger point. This then leads to pain, tension, and ironically, more stress.

So, to lower your chances of getting triggers, check your posture and learn proper breathing. You want to breathe so that your stomach is moving, not your chest. This works the diaphragm and other strong abdominal muscles designed for slow habitual breathing. Stretching regularly is another good habit for preventing muscle tension.

A gentle stretch every morning can go a long way towards good muscle health. The exact cause of triggers is a combination of different factors.

It's not a cut and dried affair - and unfortunately some people are simply prone to getting them. But you can take measures every day to reduce your chances of getting them, and reduce the number of triggers you currently have.

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