In this audio, I discuss where trigger points fit into the broader context of pain management.
Firstly, we go over the different types of pain – nerve, organ & muscle pain.
3 minutes – how to diagnose trigger point pain.
6:30 minutes – how to track down trigger points.
8:30 minutes – trigger points and arthritis
12:00 minutes – common misdiagnoses, sore backs and Spondylosis
14:00 minutes – myofascial triggers and traditional medicine
16 :00 minutes – I go over why trigger points can’t be proved using evidence based medicine. (The treatment still works though.)
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
hi johnathon,
I read that you say trigger points cant be proved using evidence based medicine. however research i have done suggests otherwise.
over the years of back pain i have had many scans, mri’s, x rays, bone scans etc which show up everything as normal and i understand why you say this.
However, there is a new method out called MRE Magnetic reasonance Elastography. This technology has the ability to identify trigger points in the muscles.
Do you know anything more about this and when it will be made availabkle to the general public/ regards
Tom
Hi Tom
This is the great thing about the internet. You know, I had never heard of MRE [Magnetic Resonance Elastography] & I have been skipping around the net learning more about this relatively new technique & I would like to share this with other readers.
The technology is fascinating. You lie on a plate which sets up small and precise vibrations in your body. The MRI then measures the movement of various tissues and can show if one area is stiffer than its surrounding tissue. Many pathologies including cancers and areas of scarring/fibrosis are stiffer and these will be lit up. Also – trigger points and tight bands -will be consistently shown up.
Here is a quote from the Mayo clinic:
“Consistently, MRE phase images on the myofascial pain patients showed V-shaped wave fronts in the region of the palpated myofascial taut band, a characteristic feature of shear waves propagating in taut bands”. http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/mayo/research/biomechanics/muscle_mech9.cfm
This means that for the first time, trigger points can be shown using an imaging technique. This is very exciting because people can use this technology to build a powerful evidence base for Trigger point treatment.
I cannot answer your question as to when it will be made available for general use – yet. I will ask my radiology colleagues and get back to you.
Regards
Jonathan