How Do Trigger Points Cause Pain and Other Symptoms?
In 1999, David Simons, M.D., discovered that a Trigger Point is a dysfunction that occurs at the point where a nerve enters a muscle. Trigger Points result in muscles which have been traumatized by accidents, injuries, occupational stress, and overuse. Once a Trigger Point develops, it can remain for life unless properly treated. The Trigger Point restricts motion of the muscles and decreases circulation, depriving the muscle of nutrients and oxygen and resulting in a collection of metabolic waste that cannot be properly filtered away. These wastes excite pain nerve endings and can also damage them. The decrease of nutrients to the muscle increases spasm and inflammation. Pain is now being caused by mechanical (pressure) and chemical (waste product) stimulation. This nasty cycle continues until treatment occurs. Referred pain occurs somewhat mysteriously. Pain signals in the body that come from several sources are known to merge into a single nerve at the spine before continuing on to
