A myofascial trigger point (TrP) is a tender ‘bump’ in the muscle that can be detected by hand. With the use of ultrasound, microdialysis, electromyography, infrared thermography, and MRI trigger points can be detected. Manual detection is the most used method due to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost. For patients with tension-type headaches, trigger points are commonly found at the base of the skull, neck, and upper back.

Chiropractors perform manual techniques in the upper neck region. This technique trains headache patients in identifying and self-managing TrPs located in the upper neck muscles. Several methods can be used to self-treat TPs in the upper neck region. The easiest approach is to reach back with your thumb to the muscle attachments along the base of the skull and apply tolerable pressure. Feel for areas that are most sensitive and slide the thumb up/down and across the sore TP until it becomes less tender. Repeat on the left side with the left thumb and vice versa while doing the same with small head movements—up/down, left/right rotations etc. helps.

Another method is to sit in a straight-back chair and slide down. This is so you cradle your upper neck over the top edge of the chair. Then roll your head left to right. When you find a sore trigger point, add a nodding type of head motion. You can do this while “digging in” over the chair-back edge (within tolerance) until it loosens and hurts less.

Trigger Point: Conclusion

If you suffer from headaches, your chiropractor can train you in detecting your trigger points. Other effective exercises and rendering treatments should improve cervical function that can be highly effective at reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches. If you are looking for a chiropractor near you, consider Dr. Woodward in North Dallas!