Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center

Brain Based Treatment for the 21st Century!

Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP

Imagine waking up every morning with a persistent ache in your shoulder. You chalk it up to poor sleep, bad posture, or maybe even stress. But what if the source of your discomfort is not in your shoulder at all? What if the culprit is a tiny, hypersensitive spot in your muscles called a trigger point?

Trigger points are often overlooked but can be a key player in chronic pain syndromes. They are small, taut bands of muscle fibers that become excessively contracted and fail to relax. These points can lead to localized pain or cause a more mysterious phenomenon known as referred pain. To understand how trigger points impact your body, we must first explore their connection to referred pain and its treatment through chiropractic neurology.

The Hidden Link: Trigger Points and Referred Pain

Referred pain is pain perceived in a location other than its source. It is a common occurrence that leaves many patients and even healthcare providers puzzled. A classic example is experiencing arm pain during a heart attack. Similarly, trigger points can refer pain to distant areas, creating confusion about the actual source of the discomfort.

Trigger points often form due to muscle overuse, injury, or prolonged stress. When active, they can send pain signals along predictable patterns.

For instance:

  • Sternocleidomastoid (SCM): Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain that radiates to the head, ear, or jaw, mimicking tension headaches or sinus issues.
  • Upper trapezius: Commonly associated with headaches and pain radiating to the neck and behind the eyes.
  • Gluteal muscles: Can refer pain down the leg, often mimicking sciatica.
  • Infraspinatus: Trigger points here may cause shoulder pain and discomfort radiating down the arm.

But why does this happen? The answer lies in the complex interplay between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Trigger points irritate sensory nerves, causing them to misfire and send pain signals to other areas. Understanding this relationship is key to effective treatment.

The Physiology Behind Trigger Points

Trigger points are not merely tight spots in a muscle; they represent localized areas of metabolic dysfunction. These areas are characterized by:

  • Reduced blood flow: Sustained muscle contraction diminishes oxygen delivery and impairs the removal of waste products, creating a cycle of pain and dysfunction.
  • Increased nerve sensitivity: Overactive nerves at the site of a trigger point can amplify pain signals, leading to hypersensitivity.
  • Altered muscle tone: Trigger points can cause nearby muscles to compensate, leading to additional strain and the potential formation of new trigger points.

Understanding this physiology underscores the importance of holistic and targeted treatments that address both the local and systemic effects of trigger points.

Treating Trigger Points: A Chiropractic Neurology Approach

From a chiropractic neurology standpoint, addressing trigger points and referred pain involves a multifaceted approach that targets the underlying dysfunction in the nervous and muscular systems. Let’s break down the most effective strategies:

1. Myofascial Release Techniques

Myofascial release is a hands-on therapy that focuses on relieving tension in the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles. By applying sustained pressure to trigger points, therapists can help release the tight bands of muscle and restore proper function. Techniques include:

  • Direct pressure therapy: Using fingers, knuckles, or tools to compress the trigger point.
  • Stretch and release: Gently elongating the muscle to encourage relaxation.

Research shows that myofascial release significantly reduces pain and improves range of motion in patients with trigger points. (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al., 2019)

2. Neuromuscular Re-education

Trigger points can disrupt the normal firing patterns of muscles and nerves, leading to compensation and dysfunction. Neuromuscular re-education retrains the brain and body to communicate effectively. Techniques may include:

  • Proprioceptive training: Exercises to improve body awareness.
  • Motor control exercises: Targeting specific movements to rebuild proper muscle activation.

These interventions help reduce pain and prevent trigger points from recurring. (Huang et al., 2020)

3. Dry Needling

Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into trigger points to stimulate healing. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling specifically targets dysfunctional tissue. It is believed to work by:

  • Disrupting pain pathways.
  • Increasing blood flow to the affected area.
  • Promoting the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins.

Studies confirm the efficacy of dry needling in reducing pain and improving muscle function. (Gattie et al., 2017)

4. Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to penetrate tissues and promote cellular healing. For trigger points, LLLT can:

  • Reduce inflammation.
  • Enhance tissue repair.
  • Provide pain relief.

Chiropractic neurologists often integrate laser therapy into treatment plans to achieve quicker, longer-lasting results. (Huang et al., 2021)

5. Percussion Therapy

Percussion therapy uses devices to deliver rapid, targeted pulses to the muscle tissue. These pulses help:

  • Break up adhesions in the fascia.
  • Increase circulation to the affected area.
  • Relieve pain and stiffness in trigger points.

This method is especially effective for athletes or individuals with chronic muscular tension and can complement other manual therapies.

6. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Adjustments

Preventing trigger points requires addressing the root causes. Common contributors include poor posture, repetitive movements, and chronic stress. Chiropractors specializing in neurology often recommend:

  • Ergonomic assessments: Adjusting workstations to promote proper posture.
  • Stress management techniques: Incorporating mindfulness or relaxation exercises.
  • Regular exercise: Strengthening muscles to reduce strain.
  • Hydration and nutrition: Supporting muscle health through adequate water intake and balanced meals.

Preventing the Recurrence of Trigger Points

While treatment can provide significant relief, preventing the recurrence of trigger points is equally important. Long-term strategies include:

  • Stretching routines: Regularly stretching muscles prone to trigger points can improve flexibility and circulation.
  • Strengthening exercises: Building strength in weak areas reduces compensatory patterns that lead to trigger points.
  • Movement breaks: Avoiding prolonged static postures, such as sitting, by incorporating movement into your daily routine.

Education is also crucial. Patients who understand their condition are more likely to adhere to preventive measures and recognize early signs of trigger point formation.

Empowering Patients: The Role of Chiropractic Neurology

Trigger points and referred pain are complex, but they do not have to be a life sentence. Chiropractic neurologists specialize in uncovering the hidden connections between muscles and the nervous system, offering targeted, effective solutions. By addressing the root causes and not just the symptoms, they empower patients to reclaim their lives.

If you are struggling with unexplained pain, consider consulting a specialist who can guide you toward a personalized treatment plan. Relief is within reach, and the journey to a pain-free life begins with understanding the source.

If you or someone you love is suffering from trigger points or referred pain and you  would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic  Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Peer-Reviewed Sources:

  1. Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Dommerholt, J., & Gerwin, R. D. (2019). Myofascial Trigger Points: Pathophysiology and Evidence-Informed Diagnosis and Management. Journal of M a n u a l & M a n i p u l a t i v e T h e r a p y , 2 7 ( 1 ) , 1 – 1 0 . h t t p s : / / d o i . o rg / 10.1080/10669817.2019.1684796
  2. Huang, Q., Qin, Z., & Liu, X. (2020). Neuromuscular Re-education for Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Medicine, 21(9), 1935-1946. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz236
  3. Gattie, E., Cleland, J. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2017). The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(3), 133-149. https:// doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.7096
  4. Huang, Y.-Y., Sharma, S. K., Carroll, J., & Hamblin, M. R. (2021). Biphasic Dose Response in Low-Level Light Therapy—An Update. Dose-Response, 19(2), 1-23. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/15593258211017088