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Related Experiment Videos

Pathophysiology of myofascial trigger point

C Z Hong1

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|February 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Myofascial trigger points are sensitive spots in muscles that cause referred pain and local twitch responses when stimulated. Their development is linked to muscle injury and spinal cord integration, often occurring near the muscle endplate region.

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Area of Science:

  • Pain Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Musculoskeletal System

Background:

  • Myofascial trigger points (MTPs) are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle.
  • They are characterized by referred pain and local twitch responses upon stimulation.
  • MTPs are often associated with muscle injury and may involve spinal cord mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the characteristics and pathogenesis of myofascial trigger points.
  • To investigate the role of spinal cord integration in MTPs.
  • To understand the distribution and activation of sensitive loci within trigger points.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent human and animal studies on MTPs.
  • Analysis of clinical characteristics such as referred pain and local twitch response.
  • Theoretical consideration of sensitive loci and their distribution.

Main Results:

  • Mechanical stimulation of MTPs elicits referred pain and local twitch responses.
  • Pathogenesis of these responses may involve spinal cord integration.
  • Sensitive loci, potentially containing sensitized nociceptive nerve endings, are concentrated near the muscle endplate region.

Conclusions:

  • Myofascial trigger points represent a common pathway for muscle pain regardless of the initial cause.
  • Spinal cord mechanisms play a role in the referred pain and local twitch responses associated with MTPs.
  • Understanding the distribution of sensitive loci is key to MTP management.

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