subject: Are "Trigger Points" Causing Your Headaches? [print this page] Author: Scott Dawn Author: Scott Dawn
What are "trigger points"? Also called myofascial trigger points, they are tight bands or knots in the muscles which are hypersensitive. "Trigger points" can trigger pain where the knot is located or they can refer pain to another part of the body. Trigger points are very common. Some studies show that they cause up to 85% of pain complaints. They can be caused by: Injuries. Disease. Accidents Sports injuries. Job Trauma. A lot of us now spend a lot of time working at our computers. However, along with this can come poor posture, overuse of muscles, and prolonged immobility -- all of these causes of trigger points. Trigger points in the shoulder and neck muscles cause stubborn pains in your neck, back, and also recurrent and chronic pains including tension, migraine, and even cluster headaches. What can you do about these? There are different therapies, including physical therapy and trigger point injections through a doctor's office, massage therapy, acupuncture, and even self-therapy. The use of a Thera-cane to work out your trigger points can be very helpful. For those of us who suffer from chronic headaches, one of the main trigger points is called the trapezius trigger point. It is found at the angle of the neck just below the skin surface. Kneading it between your thumb and fingers for a few minutes several times a day can actually help with your chronic headaches. If you need more help, seek more direction from a doctor, an acupuncturist, or a massage therapist. These people should be able to help you find your personal trigger points and help with your headaches.
