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Trigger Point Syndromes in the Neck

Trigger point syndromes in the neck are painful or tender areas that can cause the muscles to contract or shorten. Trigger points can also produce radiating pain. Radiating pain shoots or travels to another area. Referred pain, which is pain in another area, may also occur with trigger points.

  1. What is a Trigger Point?

    • A trigger point is a hyper-irritable knot in the muscle or fascia, and this causes pain. Fascia is a web of connective tissue that covers the internal structures of the body including the bone, muscles, blood vessels and organs. Since these knotted areas can affect the fascia, trigger points in the neck are capable of causing pain in the head, chest or shoulder areas.

    Causes

    • A trigger point can be brought on by simple stress or tension from overuse or prolonged improper positions. Cradling the phone on the shoulder, for example, can create trigger points, as can extended typing on a computer or positioning of the head in a forward position. Carrying heavy loads on shoulders, such as backpacks or handbags, may also generate trigger point pain.

    Symptoms

    • Trigger point syndromes in the neck include such symptoms as stiffness, tenderness and pain in the neck region. This can affect the range of motion of the neck. Symptoms can also expand to include headaches, eye pain, jaw pain, earaches, sinusitis symptoms and even dizziness. Some neck trigger points refer pain into the shoulder area and can bring about a burning or ache in the shoulders or inside of the upper arm.

    Treatment

    • To successfully treat trigger point pain, it is important to rule out another medical reason for pain. Once determined a trigger point is the reason behind symptoms, it is essential to address the knotted muscles and introduce lifestyle changes to reverse their effects. The application of heat and massage techniques, specifically trigger point massage, where direct pressure is placed on the trigger point, and myofascial release techniques, where gentle stretching is applied to the area to reduce fascial tension, can significantly reduce the tightness and pain. Medications such as analgesics, muscle relaxants and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are helpful in controlling pain and inflammation. Other treatment options include corticosteroid injections to the site to reduce the inflammation, or pain and swelling of the area.

    Self Treatment

    • A general stretching and exercise program can greatly reduce symptoms and increase range of motion to the area. Stress management techniques and postural changes are often necessary to prevent the recurrence of trigger point syndrome. These self treatments can also reduce the negative effects of overuse, which causes trigger point symptoms.The best treatment option of trigger point syndrome in the neck is prevention.

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