Does this sound like a trigger point in the neck?

Question

For the past week I have been complaining of a burning sensation in my neck. This evening I was rubbing my neck and I found a small lump about midway from my hairline to my shoulder, just off to the side of my spine. It feels like it is on a muscle. When I push it on, it recreates the burning sensation I have been feeling plus it also has some pain but relief with pressure. I had never heard of trigger points before but I was doing some research online to try and find out what this could be and it seems to be the logical explanation. I spend several hours per day at the computer and also have a 14 month old baby that I take primary care of. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

Go see your doctor, trigger points usually do not have lumps.

The burning sensation sounds like it may be nerve related. It could be something is putting pressure on the nerve. I would make an appointment and see your doctor.

In the meantime you can use ice to help relieve pain, you can also take ibuprohen (alieve or advil, etc) to see if an anti inflammatory will help reduce the pain.

It could be it's just tension, but the burning is suggested of a nerve issue, better safe than sorry. If the doctor thinks it's muscle and suggests physical therapy, go. It really does help.

Answer 2

I too have suffered from pain in the neck, and it turned out to be bursitis.

It is caused by tense muscles, and a build up of stress. There is no cure at the local Rite Aid, and or CVS. You will need to seek the doctor for some medicine that decreases the swelling in the neck, and relieves the pressure.

Also to apply heat and pressure to the site is a good idea. You can use over the counter Ben Gay and other things to relieve the pain until you can get a doctors appointment. However, this will only be a temporary fix. It will not totally make the pain go away.

It comes from stress, not enough sleep. lack of water, and possibly moving heavy objects. It is a painful experience, and believe me it had me in tears.

Make a doctors appointment ASAP. I was given Naporxen for the pain, and some muscles relaxers.

Answer 3

Trigger Points (TrPs) are found as extremely sore points occurring in ropy bands throughout the body. They can also be felt as painful lumps of hardened fascia. The bands are often easier to feel along the arms and legs.

If you stretch your muscle about 2/3 of the way out, you might be able to feel them. Sometimes the muscles get so tight that you can't feel the lumps, or even the tight bands. Your muscle feels like "hardened concrete".

TrPs can occur in the myofascia, skin, ligaments, bone lining, and other tissues. Each specific TrP on the body has a referred pain or other symptom pattern.
Some other symptoms of TrPs include the following:

Stiffness
muscle tightness and weakness
localized sweating
eye tearing
copious salivation
poor balance
dizziness
nausea
tinnitus
goose bumps
runny nose
buckling knees
weak ankles
illegible handwriting
staggering gait
headaches
muscle cramps
Watch your posture, you could be causing it, if you have a tennis ball at home...try putting at the affected area (neck) go against the wall and put pressure with the ball at your neck...hold it for at least 20secs. but then try to find a massage therapist that can help you with this.
Try putting some warm compresses on the neck, do some stretches.
heres a site where you can view a couple of stretches theres some you can do while at the computer...again be careful with your posture.
Hope you feel better, good luck ^i^♥♥♥
sMT

Answer 4

Sounds like you have quite a bit of tension on your shoulder. It could result from the stress that you may have unconsciously be building up from your work & taking care of the baby. Try going for a shoulder massage, it may give you a lot of relief. However, do visit your family doctor if you feel extreme or prolonged pain or tension as it may indicate something more serious.

Answer 5

It certainly does!

There are numerous philosophies on how to deal with it; one does include applying firm steady pressure to break the spasm cycle (if you are having them).

I go to pain management for mine, and get injections (I have myofascial pain syndrome)

However, heat, gentle stretching and massage can help; also an NSAID painkiller. If it gets too unbearable, your doctor can prescribe a muscle relaxant like Xanaflex or Skelaxin, and/or a stronger pain killer like Celebrex or Mobic (Mobic is good).

I wish you luck.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

don't push on the knot in your neck.