Myofascial Trigger Points and Headaches

Myofascial Trigger Points and Headaches: The Overlooked Cause of Chronic Head Pain

Neck Pain
March 04, 2020•2 min read

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What Are Myofascial Trigger Points?

If you’ve ever felt a tender “knot” in your neck or shoulders that radiates pain when touched, you’ve likely encountered a myofascial trigger point.

These tiny muscle contractions:

  • Form in overused or injured muscles

  • Stay locked in a contracted state

  • Refer pain to other areas — especially the head and face

Trigger points are a leading, yet underdiagnosed, source of chronic tension-type headaches and referred facial pain.

The Connection Between Trigger Points and Headaches

Here’s how it happens:

  • Your upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, or suboccipital muscles become overloaded from poor posture, trauma, or repetitive strain.

  • Micro-contractures develop — aka trigger points.

  • These points “refer” pain upward into your scalp, behind your eyes, and around your temples.

  • The result? A headache that feels like a tension headache, sinus headache, or even a migraine.

📌 Related: How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain and Headaches

How to Know If Trigger Points Are Behind Your Headaches

  • Pressing on your neck or shoulders makes your headache worse

  • Headache starts after computer use or driving

  • You’ve tried medication, eye exams, and even neurologists with no answers

  • Pain often feels like it wraps around the head or sits behind one eye

  • Stress and posture both make things worse

What Causes Trigger Points to Form?

  • 📱 Tech neck from looking down at phones/laptops

  • 🛌 Sleeping with poor neck support

  • 🚗 Long commutes or prolonged driving

  • 🧠 Emotional stress and jaw clenching

  • 🪑 Desk jobs without ergonomic setup

Real Treatments. Real Relief.

At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we take a non-invasive, drug-free approach to diagnosing and treating muscle-based headaches.

We use advanced technologies and protocols including:

✅ MLS M7 Laser Therapy

  • Deep tissue penetration

  • Reduces inflammation and muscle tension

  • Stimulates tissue repair

✅ Storz Shockwave Therapy

  • Breaks up adhesions and scar tissue

  • Deactivates trigger points

  • Restores blood flow and flexibility

✅ Spinal Decompression

  • Reduces nerve root irritation that can trigger referred pain

  • Improves spinal alignment and posture

📌 Related: What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?

How We’re Different

Most clinics throw muscle relaxers, injections, or general massage at chronic headaches.
We go deeper — identifying the exact neuromuscular origin of the pain and targeting it with precision.

That’s why we see success even when traditional approaches have failed.

Don’t Keep Guessing. Let’s Find the Root Cause.

You don’t need another prescription or another wait-and-see specialist referral. If your headaches haven’t responded to traditional care, it’s time to look beneath the surface.

📞 Call us today at (203) 456-9299
💻 Or schedule your $99 new patient evaluation online now

📍 Located at: 9 Cots Street | Suite 2c, Shelton, CT

Other Articles You May Like:

  • Chronic Neck Pain: How to Break the Cycle

  • Choosing the Right Pillow to Prevent Headaches

  • The Role of Posture in Back and Head Pain

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