Myofascial Trigger Points in chronic muscle pain: Causes and Treatment

Many people experience muscle pain at some point in their lives—but for those of us living with fibromyalgia, myositis, or other chronic conditions, this pain can become a daily companion. One often-overlooked contributor is myofascial trigger point pain—a localized, deep muscle tenderness that can radiate discomfort far beyond its origin.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight, sensitive knots in muscle tissue. They form after injury, overuse, poor posture, or emotional stress. These points can cause:

• Localized tenderness (the actual trigger point)

• Referred pain—aching that spreads to nearby or distant areas

• Muscle stiffness and rope-like bands

When this pain becomes persistent and worsens, it’s called Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).

“A trigger point in a muscle can cause strain and pain throughout the muscle. When this pain persists and worsens, doctors call it myofascial pain syndrome.” — Mayo Clinic

What This Means for People with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia and MPS share many features: muscle pain, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and sensitivity to touch. Some researchers believe that untreated myofascial pain may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia in certain individuals.

For those of us already living with fibromyalgia:

• You may be experiencing trigger point pain without realizing it.

• Understanding trigger points gives us language and tools to name the pain, locate its source, and begin to gently release it.

• Non-drug therapies like massage, yoga, heat therapy, and guided self-treatment aren’t just complementary—they’re often essential.

This knowledge isn’t just clinical—it’s personal. It’s a way to reclaim agency, soothe our bodies, and honor our experience.

Non-Pharmacological Therapies That Help

Here are some gentle, accessible approaches that have helped many people living with chronic pain:

• Ergonomic support: Choose chairs, mattresses, and postures that reduce strain.

• Massage & vibration therapy: Disperse lactic acid and improve circulation.

• Yoga & relaxation: Stretch muscles and calm the nervous system.

• Shiatsu & acupressure: Apply intentional pressure to release trigger points.

• Heat & cold therapy: Use packs, saunas, or whirlpools to modulate inflammation.

• Dry needling & electrical stimulation: Release deep muscle tension under supervision.

• Ultrasound & laser therapy: Break down scar tissue and improve healing.

• Chiropractic + CBT + aerobic exercise: Address both physical and emotional dimensions of pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can trigger points cause widespread pain like fibromyalgia? Yes. Multiple active trigger points can mimic the widespread pain seen in fibromyalgia and contribute to overall sensitization.

Q: Are these therapies safe to try at home? Many are, especially gentle stretching, heat packs, and guided self-massage. Always start slowly and listen to your body.

Q: Is this pain psychological? No. Myofascial pain and fibromyalgia are real, physical conditions. Your experience is valid.

Q: What if I feel overwhelmed by all the options? Start with one gentle therapy that feels manageable. Even small steps can offer relief and restore a sense of control.

Closing Reflection

If you live with chronic pain, you already know how exhausting it can be to explain, to endure, to adapt. This post is a reminder: your pain is real, your body is wise, and you deserve care that honors both.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore trigger point therapy or you’ve been navigating fibromyalgia for years, I hope this gives you a sense of possibility. Relief may not come all at once—but even one softened knot, one deep breath, one moment of ease is worth celebrating.

You are not alone in this.

The video, below, shows how to identify trigger points on yourself and shows how they radiate in your body to other areas. Dr Jonathan Kuttner, a pain specialist, discusses trigger point pain in this video. 

Personally I have found great success in relaxing my muscles and reducing pain and highly recommend this myofascial pain release.

SOURCES

• Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome - A Dilemma: H. C. Chandola and Arunangshu Chakraborty
• Mayo Clinic: Understanding myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Practical Pain Management: Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Myofascial Pain, Fibromyalgia or Fibrositis? Pearce J.M.S.