Studies estimate that up to 85% of the general population will experience myofascial trigger points at some point in their life. In fact, they are thought to be responsible for 85% of back pain and more than half of all chronic head and neck pain.
Patients between the ages of 27 and 50 are most affected, but trigger points are seen across all age groups. They are particularly common in people with chronic tension-type headaches, temporomandibular disorders, or persistent back pain.
Because trigger points can refer pain away from their source, they can easily be mistaken for sciatica, migraines, and even joint problems when the root cause is actually within the muscle itself.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are tiny, sensitive spots that form when part of a muscle locks into a tight contraction. Instead of relaxing the way healthy muscle fibers should, those fibers stay clenched.
That constant tension compresses the tiny blood vessels in the affected area, which reduces oxygen delivery and slows the removal of metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid.
Pain rarely stays where the trigger point forms. A spot in the upper trapezius may radiate pain into the side of the head, creating tension headaches. While a trigger point in your glutes can send refer pain towards the lower back and even the leg, imitating sciatica.
Common Causes of Trigger Points We See in Wheat Ridge, CO
Trigger points can form in nearly any muscle group and part of your body, but it may show up more often than others. In our Wheat Ridge, CO clinic we frequently see these as the cause.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As spinal discs lose fluid and height, the vertebrae sit closer together and absorb stress less effectively. Supporting muscles like the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae must work harder to stabilize the spine. Constant strain in these muscles create painful trigger points.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an unnatural curvature of the spine that disrupts muscle balance. Muscles on the inner curve (concave side) get compressed, while those on the outer curve (convex side) are stretched.
To compensate, stabilizers like the erector spinae, rhomboids, and trapezius work harder and often develop trigger points, causing sharp or aching pain in the mid-back, between the shoulder blades, or along the ribs.
Sciatica
True sciatica comes from pressure on the sciatic nerve, however when muscles like the piriformis or gluteus medius are irritated they often form trigger points that refer pain down the leg, similar to sciatica.
Headaches
Muscles in the neck and shoulders often contribute to tension headaches and migraines. One of the main ones is the sternocleidomastoid, a muscle that runs from behind the ear down to the collarbone and sternum.
When trigger points develop in the SCM, pain can spread beyond the neck into the temples, forehead, eyes, jaw, or ear.
Poor Posture
Spending long hours in poor posture forces certain muscles to stay under constant tension. Forward head posture or Tech Neck strains the neck and shoulders, creating trigger points in the trapezius and levator scapulae.
Rounded shoulders tighten the chest muscles while weakening the mid-back, leaving the shoulder girdle imbalanced and prone to chronic muscle knots.
Direct Trauma
Direct trauma doesn’t just bruise tissue in the moment, it can change the way muscles function long-term. A whiplash injury, for example, forces neck muscles into sudden and violent stretches or contractions.
Even after the ligaments heal, those fibers stay irritated and form trigger points that keep the neck stiff and painful. A hard fall or blow to the leg can have a similar effect in the glutes, quadriceps, or calves, where damaged fibers heal but leave behind sensitive spots that continue to generate pain.
How We Treat Trigger Points at The Disc Chiropractic
Trigger points respond best when treatment goes beyond just massage or temporary relief. I focus on therapies that not only deactivate the painful knots but also restore proper muscle balance so they don’t keep coming back.
Shockwave Therapy
We use the Intelect® RPW 2 for shockwave therapy to treat stubborn muscle tightness. The acoustic waves penetrate directly into the restricted fibers, helping to release muscle tightness and calcified trigger points.
This restores healthy blood circulations and clear out the chemical buildup that keeps the muscle irritated. Most patients begin to notice changes in 3 to 5 sessions, with continued improvement as treatment progresses.
Soft Tissue Therapy
For mild cases of trigger points, I often use the Rapid Release Pro, a high-speed vibration therapy device designed to release tight muscle fibers.
The vibration penetrates deep into the tissue, helping to relax contracted fibers, and reduce nerve irritation in the affected area.
FAQs About Trigger Points
How are trigger points different from muscle knots?
A trigger point is a small, hyperirritable spot in a tight band of muscle that causes both local tenderness and referred pain. A general muscle knot is just tight tissue without referred pain.
Can trigger points really cause referred pain, like headaches?
Yes. Trigger points in the neck and shoulders often cause tension headaches. Jaw trigger points can cause facial pain, and glute trigger points can mimic sciatica.
How long does it take to relieve chronic trigger points?
Relief can start within the first few sessions of treatment. Chronic trigger points usually improve over several weeks, depending on posture, activity, and consistency with care.
Do trigger points go away on their own?
Occasional trigger points may resolve with rest and stretching. Chronic ones usually persist unless the underlying cause, such as posture or repetitive stress, is treated directly.
Can stress management help reduce trigger point flare-ups?
Yes. Stress increases tension in muscles like the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Managing stress can reduce flare-ups, but lasting relief often requires physical treatment to release the trigger points.
Lasting Relief From Trigger Point Pain
Trigger points are a leading cause of muscle pain, but they can be resolved with the right care. At The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge, CO. I use advanced therapies and the right treatment plan to treat trigger points, and stop flare-ups for good.
Get started with our $97 New Patient Special and take your first step toward lasting relief.
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910 to get started.