Trigger points are extremely painful knots in muscles that are usually felt in a localized area. Trigger points are persistently painful, and the pain increases when the muscle contracts or when pressure is applied to the area. The knots or lumps that form beneath the skin are a result of a piece of the tissue surrounding your muscle, called the myofascia, contracting and remaining constricted. The condition restricts vital blood flow to the area and radiates pain to the areas surrounding the affected tissue. Trigger points are most often located in the back, shoulders, and neck.

Unfortunately, trigger points won’t go away on their own. Some trigger points may go dormant and stop radiating constant pain, these are called latent trigger points. Latent trigger points still cause significant, crippling pain when any pressure is applied and are tender to the touch. If left untreated latent trigger points can cause chronic stiffness and weakness in the affected area, irregular movement patterns, and limited muscle ability. Latent trigger points are always subject to aggravation which could be anything from an awkward sleeping position to stress. When agitated latent trigger points can reactivate and cause constant severe pain.

Trigger points are most often caused by factors related to lifestyle choices.

Common causes of Trigger points:​

• Vitamin deficiency

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Overuse or trauma to muscles

• Poor posture and other conditions like some joint disorders, obesity, hormonal changes and spinal conditions.