Triggerpoints and Acupuncture *

Abstract

Triggerpoints are local degenerated areas in the muscle tissue. They are produced by muscle spasm, trauma, endocrine imbalance, muscle imbalance or general tension from situational, occupational or emotional causes. Triggerpoints may be located basically anywhere in the skeletal muscle. In back problems, they are sometimes mis-interpreted as disc disease. True diagnosis can be made by recognizing the pain pattern of triggerpoints and by palpation of the muscles. Treatment consists of needling and infiltrating the triggerpoint with Lidocaine or Saline, followed by local spasm relieving therapy. Emphasis should be placed on relieving tension and strengthening of weak muscles, limbering and relaxing the muscles. Patients who should not receive triggerpoint injection include those who are unable to follow up prescription properly, are emotionally unstable have true disc or orthopedic problems requiring surgery. Other contraindications are patients who have acute muscle spasm (until brought under control) or have poor muscle status which cannot be reconditioned after injection. Site of triggerpoint and acupuncture points are often identical, and this may have great implications in treatment.