Dr. Alex Jimenez, El Paso's Chiropractor
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

Neck Pain Associated With Myofascial Trigger Pain

Introduction

The neck ensures that the head is upright in the body while providing mobility to rotate, bend, and tilt in various directions. The neck is part of the cervical spine and provides sensory-motor functions from the nerve pathways spread out along the shoulders and upper back. When traumatic events or injuries affect the cervical spine and cause pain to the neck over time, however, if not treated, it can lead to problematic symptoms associated with muscle pain. Neck pain can lead to muscle stiffness and cause myofascial trigger pain associated with referred pain along the rest of the upper body. Today’s article looks at the effects of neck pain, how it is associated with myofascial trigger pain, and ways to manage neck pain associated with myofascial trigger pain. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to aid individuals suffering from neck pain associated with myofascial trigger pain. We also guide our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

The Effects Of Neck Pain

 

Have you been feeling muscle stiffness around your neck and shoulders? Do you experience random headaches that affect your day? What about feeling tingling sensations along your arms and hands? These symptoms are associated with neck pain and can affect many individuals if not treated over time. Many people who suffer from neck pain will feel muscle stiffness that affects not only the sides of the neck but around the shoulders and their upper back. Studies reveal that neck pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal disorder that affects the worldwide population and can become a chronic problem. Risk factors associated with the contributing development of neck pain include:

  • Stress
  • Poor posture
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep position
  • Neuromusculoskeletal disorders
  • Auto accidents
  • Traumatic events

Many of these risk factors associated with neck pain can cause pain symptoms and cause pain in different locations of the body, making diagnosing the pain source problematic for doctors.

 

Neck Pain Associated With Myofascial Trigger Pain

Since neck pain is common for many individuals, one of the symptoms associated with muscle stiffness and tenderness is myofascial trigger pain overlapping neck pain. Studies reveal that the formation of trigger points is caused when various physical activities begin to yield repetitive stress or cause micro-tears in the definite muscle groups that can cause tension within the muscle fibers. To that point, knots in the taut band of the muscles become hypersensitive and produce referred pain, tenderness, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena. When the neck suffers from a traumatic event that affects the spine, over time can create trigger points or myofascial pain. It is difficult to diagnose where the pain is located in the body because myofascial trigger pain often mimics other pain conditions. It can confuse many individuals as they think they are suffering from one pain, but it’s a different pain that affects their body. Other studies reveal that individuals with myofascial pain syndrome associated with neck pain have a tender point within the tight muscular band, causing local discomfort. To that point, myofascial pain can cause referral pain in remote areas like cervical spine disorders like herniation can often be confused with myofascial pain when there is referral pain in the upper extremities of the body. Some of the symptoms associated with myofascial trigger pain that affects the neck include:

  • Deep, aching pain
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tenderness in the neck or shoulders
  • Tingling sensation or numbness down the arms and hands
  • Muscle stiffness

 


Neck Pain & Trigger Points- Video

Are you experiencing numbness that is running down your shoulders to your hands? What about muscle stiffness along the sides of the neck or shoulders? Or do headaches seem to pop out of nowhere and affect your day? You could risk suffering from neck pain associated with myofascial trigger pain. The video above explains how neck pain is associated with trigger points and how to trigger pain can be primary or secondary to neck pain. Studies reveal that myofascial pain syndrome is a common muscular pain disorder that is misunderstood and involves referred pain to form minor, tender trigger points within the muscles. To that point, myofascial pain associated with neck pain may be consistent with specific patterns of pain associated with each trigger point, contributing factors like emotional, postural, and behavioral factors that cause tension in the neck and frequently related symptoms from various conditions make diagnosing difficult. Since myofascial trigger points are complex and mimic other conditions that affect a different body part, many believe that different ailments affect their body than the actual ailment itself. Thankfully there are ways to manage neck pain associated with myofascial trigger pain and relieve muscle pain.


Ways To Manage Neck Pain Associated With Myofascial Trigger Pain

 

Since myofascial trigger pain associated with the neck can be a bit complex and challenging to diagnose, many doctors will refer patients to a physical therapist, a chiropractor, or another spine specialist to examine the trigger points causing neck pain. Various treatments can range from home remedies to severe muscle injections, depending on how severe the injuries are since everyone’s pain is different. Some of the available treatments that can reduce and manage myofascial neck pain include:

  • Exercising (helps stretch and strengthen neck and upper back muscles)
  • Massage (helps loosen stiff muscles in the neck and shoulders)
  • Heat therapy (helps relax and increase blood flow to the affected area)
  • Chiropractic care (uses spinal manipulation to prevent further pain issues from happening)
  • Acupuncture (helps to relax the trigger point and relieve pain)

Incorporating these various treatments can provide beneficial relief to those suffering from myofascial neck pain and help manage the symptoms associated with the body.

 

Conclusion

The neck provides mobility to the head as it can rotate, bend, and tilt in various directions while providing sensory-motor functions to the shoulders and upper back from the nerve roots in the cervical spine. When traumatic forces impact the neck, myofascial trigger pain can lead to neck pain. Myofascial trigger pain associated with neck pain is where tiny knots in the affected neck muscles become tender and stiff, which causes referred pain to different locations in the body. Myofascial neck pain is challenging to diagnose but manageable to treat with various treatments and techniques that can release the knots from the affected muscle and prevent future symptoms from happening. This allows many individuals to feel relief from their neck pain and continue their wellness journey.

 

References

Alghadir, Ahmad H, et al. “Efficacy of Combination Therapies on Neck Pain and Muscle Tenderness in Male Patients with Upper Trapezius Active Myofascial Trigger Points.” BioMed Research International, Hindawi, 10 Mar. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7085833/.

Ezzati, Kamran, et al. “Prevalence of Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Its Correlation with the Severity of Pain and Disability in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain.” The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8121028/.

Fricton, J R, et al. “Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Head and Neck: A Review of Clinical Characteristics of 164 Patients.” Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 1985, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3865133/.

Kazeminasab, Somaye, et al. “Neck Pain: Global Epidemiology, Trends and Risk Factors.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 3 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8725362/.

Disclaimer

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Neck Pain Associated With Myofascial Trigger Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Again  We Welcome You¸

Our Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages.

As an extension to effective rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises, and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-level competitive athletes the possibilities to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities.

We’ve been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last three decades allowing us to restore our patients’ health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs.

Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living.

With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

Join us in improving your health for you and your family.

It’s all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING!

Welcome & God Bless

EL PASO LOCATIONS

East Side: Main Clinic*
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste 128
Phone: 915-412-6677

Central: Rehabilitation Center
6440 Gateway East, Ste B
Phone: 915-850-0900

North East Rehabilitation Center
7100 Airport Blvd, Ste. C
Phone: 915-412-6677

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Clinic Location 1

Address: 11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 128
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone
: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebDrAlexJimenez.com

Clinic Location 2

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebElPasoBackClinic.com

Clinic Location 3

Address: 1700 N Zaragoza Rd # 117
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebChiropracticScientist.com

Just Play Fitness & Rehab*

Address: 7100 Airport Blvd, Suite C
El Paso, TX 79906
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebChiropracticScientist.com

Push As Rx & Rehab

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
WebPushAsRx.com

Push 24/7

Address: 1700 E Cliff Dr
El Paso, TX 79902
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
WebPushAsRx.com

EVENTS REGISTRATION: Live Events & Webinars*

(Come Join Us & Register Today)

Call (915) 850-0900 Today!

Rated Top El Paso Doctor & Specialist by RateMD* | Years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021

Best Chiropractor In El Paso

Scan QR Code Here - Connect Here With Dr. Jimenez Personally

Qrcode Chiropractor
Dr. Jimenez QR Code

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

  1. Online Appointments or Consultations:  bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment
  2. Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form:  bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History
  3. Online Functional Medicine Assessment:  bit.ly/functionmed

Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico *

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Implementing a Heart-Clinical Approach to Trafficking: What You Need to Know" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card