One of the most common causes of a stiff neck are trigger points in the levator scapulae muscle. This muscle runs up the side of the neck from the top of the shoulder blade. It helps to shrug the shoulders and move and stabilize the neck. When trigger points form in this muscle they will produce pain and stiffness in the neck. Deep tissue trigger point massage applied to these knots is an effective treatment method.
One of the most common causes of a stiff neck are trigger points in the levator scapulae muscle. This muscle runs up the side of the neck from the top of the shoulder blade. It helps to shrug the shoulders and move and stabilize the neck. When trigger points form in this muscle they will produce pain and stiffness in the neck. Deep tissue trigger point massage applied to these knots is an effective treatment method.
Myofascial trigger points in the abdominal muscles are very common. These muscles are responsible for trunk movement and stability, and are engaged in some way during most activities. As a result trigger points will easily form. These knots will often refer pain into the lower or mid back in a horizontal strip. Trigger points in the abdominal muscles are often overlooked as a source of back pain. Once developed, a trigger point won’t release on its own. A therapeutic modality such as trigger point massage is needed to release the tissue.
Myofascial trigger points are contracted knots that form in muscle tissue. They form from overload stress placed on the muscle. Both chronic stress such as poor posture and acute stress such as an injury will cause trigger points to form. Once there a trigger point will produce pain, referred pain, weakness and stiffness. Trigger points don’t go away with rest or with time, some form of intervention such as trigger point massage is needed to treat the injured muscles. Trigger points can form in any muscle in the body and are one of the most common causes of pain.
Aberdeen Chiropractic 