Definition:
A trigger point is a small, hard knot in muscle or connective tissue that won't relax. It will generally hurt when you push on it and it may cause pain in the immediate area or cause pain in a different area, which is called a referred pain pattern.
Regional pain associated with trigger points is called myofascial pain syndrome or chronic myofascial pain, a condition that frequently overlaps with fibromyalgia.
Trigger points are generally not believed to be the same as fibromyalgia tender points, but recent research suggests the tender points may actually be common trigger-point locations.
Trigger points are often treated with trigger-point injections, specialized physical therapy or acupuncture.
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Also Known As: Myofascial trigger point
Examples:
She has a trigger point in her neck that causes jaw pain and headaches.
