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The trigger points on our body are basically spots that are localized and are found in the musculo-skeletal system. A twist or contraction of these trigger points can induce a lot of stress and pain in the muscles. These muscles, generally used to maintain correct body posture, when in pain, do not allow the person to even sit or stand upright. This could cause a lot of problem in the person’s daily activities and mobility.

The trigger points located in the shoulders, neck and the pelvic girdle therefore have to be given extra attention. If not treated correctly, the pain that triggers in these points can travel to other strategic points in the body and raise havoc.

When pressure is applied directly on a particular trigger point, the area that the trigger point corresponds with will experience intense pain. Also the pain will radiate to the neighboring points and areas too. Even though the two sound the same and have similar functions, trigger points are quite different from the tender points. Tender points are those that hurt when pressure is applied on them. Trigger points however point to corresponding areas of the body when pressure is directly applied on them.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

There are a total of nine pairs of these trigger points located all over the body which totals to eighteen points. The trigger points occur in pairs, one each on either side of the body. The location of the trigger points is as follows:

• Behind each of the ear at the area where the neck muscles and the base of the skull are attached.
• On both shoulders, halfway between the tip of the shoulder and the base of the neck.
• Another pair resides just below the second trigger point, right at the spot where shoulder blades and the back muscles attach themselves to each other.
• The fourth pair sits on the upper chest, just above the collarbone.
• Another pair sits on either sides of the breastbone just below the collarbone.
• The sixth pair in present on both the forearms in the inside, just below the crease of the elbow.
• Near the buttocks on the outer side.
• Both the buttocks.

Some of the trigger points can be active while the others are latent. An active trigger point doesn’t require pressure on it to feel the pain. A latent one however, needs pressure in order for it to become activated.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is essentially based on two major factors. There has to be a persistent pain, with more triggers active than latent. This pain should be persisting for more than three months and at least 11 out of the 18 points should pain when even minimal pressure is applied.