Trigger point

Trigger Point

A trigger point is a specific area in the muscle tissue that, when stimulated, causes a reaction in another part of the body. These points are often associated with myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system.

Definition

Trigger points are defined as hyperirritable spots in the skeletal muscle. They are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. The palpable nodules are said to be small contraction knots and a common cause of pain.

Types of Trigger Points

There are four types of trigger points:

1. Active Trigger Point: An area of extreme tenderness that usually lies within the skeletal muscle and which is associated with a local or regional pain.
2. Latent Trigger Point: A dormant (inactive) area that has the potential to act like a trigger point. It may cause muscle weakness or restriction of movement.
3. Secondary Trigger Point: A highly irritable spot in a muscle that can become active due to a trigger point and muscular overload in another muscle.
4. Satellite Myofascial Point: An irritable spot in a muscle that becomes inactive because the muscle is in the region of another trigger pain.

Causes

Trigger points can be caused by several factors, including acute or chronic muscle overload, direct trauma to the muscle, radiculopathy, and psychological stress.

Treatment

Treatment of trigger points may involve physical therapy, medication, or a procedure known as trigger point injection. In this procedure, a healthcare provider injects a local anesthetic, saline, or a corticosteroid into the trigger point to alleviate pain.

See Also

• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Musculoskeletal system
• Physical therapy
• Trigger point injection