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Four ways to relieve trigger point pain


If you've ever had one of those nagging knots in your neck or back, this post is for you.  I am a crocheter and sometimes I experience this kind of problem in my shoulder. For others, this may be a problem due to the nature of your job, hobbies, or other favorite pastime.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these "knots", or trigger points, are actually tight knots of muscle tissue that are simply unable to relax. The most common areas that are affected are in the neck, down the back, and across the shoulder area.  It is possible to have multiple trigger points in the same basic area. You can find one of these knots by exploring the affected area with your hands; it feels denser and tighter than the surrounding tissue, and if you push on it, you will most likely feel pain.



There are four basic things you can do to try to relieve "trigger points" if you tend to experience them.
The first idea is massage; try to rub out the tension in those troubled muscle fibers. Secondly, application of heat or cold may be of some help. Thirdly, try to do a little detective work--look into the cause of the trigger point and figure out what you can do to prevent further problem.  Keep in mind that mental stressors can be just as much a cause as physical stressors.  Last but not least, our old friend exercise can be a great help, especially aerobic exercise.

If you've tried all of the above and don't feel relief from anything, it might be a good idea to follow up with your doctor.  Physical therapy or injectable medication may be appropriate for some of these issues. In the meantime, keep in mind that this is one of those issues where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; so any modifications you can make--physical or mental--will pay off in the long run!

 Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Wikimedia




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