This thermal image of the body highlights a region of the body that is common trigger point. We don’t know exactly how trigger points form but it is thought to be associated with chronic stretch or overload of the muscle that can lead to chemical changes that likely cause an over-sensitization in pain receptors., but most people have experienced the ache or stab of pain that occurs when these locations on the body are touched or pressed.
A new hypothesis suggests that trigger points may occur due to a “failure of protective regulatory mechanisms … that prevent excessive muscle activity or that prevent a potentially injurious accumulation of within muscle cells,” according to Because trigger points aren’t a medical condition unto themselves, there isn’t a diagnostic blood test, imaging technique, or tool that can be used to definitively identify them. The most commonly used technique is palpation of a suspected trigger point. If a clinician presses on a trigger point and the person feels pain or experiences a jump sign or a reflex-like twitch in response to the pain, that’s considered an affirmative indication of a trigger point’s presence.
It’s also wise to pay attention to lifestyle habits. “If you sleep well, stay hydrated, and eat micronutrients that are anti-inflammatory, you’re going to heal faster and decrease muscle spasm,” Rajneesh says.