What You Need to Know If You Are Wondering How to Cure Neck Pain Fast

If you’re experiencing neck pain and are trying to find an effective solution here’s some useful information that might help you doing just that or finding the right therapist for you.

Fist of all let’s look a the most common causes of neck pain.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Poor Posture: Myofascial imbalances can lead to increased tensional forces to the neck.
Muscle Strain
Stress and Tension: Stress is a major cause of myofascial restrictions in the neck.
Injuries
Cervical Disc Issues: Herniated or degenerative discs in the neck.
Arthritis: Age-related wear and tear of neck joints.
Diet

Clients often present with a combination of more than one of these presentations.

The above triggers can cause the Myofascial tissue in the neck to become irritated and develop Trigger points and myofascial restrictions, which can lead to pain locally or referred, nerve compression and other related symptoms.

Most cases respond positively to a conservative approach using a combination of Myofascial release and Trigger Point work.

So let’s look at what Trigger Points are and how you can release them, either at home or with the help of a Myofascial release therapist.

What are Trigger Points

It’s important to note that there is some controversy in the scientific community regarding the exact nature and definition of trigger points with some researchers question the precise physiological mechanisms involved.

What’s unquestionable though is the positive outcomes resulting from Trigger Point Therapy, in the treatment of chronic pain, athlete conditioning and recovery as well as in acute clinical musculoskeletal presentations, with therapists worldwide continuing to successfully use these treatment method in their clinic.

Trigger Points are hyper-irritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle tissue. These points are often painful when compressed and can cause both local pain and referred pain in predictable patterns and areas of the body.

As we’ve mentioned above, Trigger Points can be caused by things like stress and emotional trauma, overuse, injury, postural imbalances, degenerative joint conditions and so on.

Trigger Points can be active Trigger Points (actively causing pain and related symptoms) or latent (not actively causing pain but still affecting muscle function; latent Trigger Points can become painful and apparent when compressed).

How do you release Trigger Points?

There are several effective methods to release Trigger Points, each practitioner will have their own unique toolbox developed through training and experience in clinic, here are some of the most common techniques that your therapist will use for releasing Trigger Points:

Myofascial Release Therapy:

Myofascial Release Therapy is a specialised hands-on treatment approach that focuses on the fascia.

The fascia is a connective tissue in our body that forms a continuous web-like network that provides support, protection, and helps maintain the structural integrity of our body.

This connective tissue can become restricted due to injury, stress, inflammation, or poor posture, which can lead to Myofascial Trigger Point, pain and limited mobility.

The fascia not only has structural properties but is also a tissue that hosts a great number of nerve endings, making extremely sensitive to pressure and chemical changes in our body.

Myofascial Release is deep work and very healing due to the intense connection between the fascia and the nervous system.

Myofascial Release is a specialised skill, it often involves firm slow strokes, and techniques like skin rolling or myofascial holds (the therapists holds an area of the body and works the tissue indirectly).

Releasing the Myofascial Tissue can be one of the best ways of releasing Trigger Points.

The therapist’s ability to assess and feel for restrictions plays a major role in the outcome.

Trigger Point Therapy:

Specialised treatment targeting specific trigger points through various manual techniques. Here the focus in in the specific Trigger Points.

The therapist will use client’s symptoms and area of pain to locate the origin Trigger Point. Once located the Trigger Point can be released by applying sustained pressure to it (usually pressing between 8-12 seconds). Once released, the symptoms associated with that Trigger Point also release.

Important to mention again that some Trigger Points recreate pain and symptoms similar to more serious presentations, often leading to misdiagnosis. It is helpful to seek the opinion of a specialist soft tissue therapist when experiencing soft tissue or musculoskeletal related issues, just the same way you would go to the dentist if you experience tooth ache.

The therapist is able to locate the Trigger Point of origin thanks to the incredible work of Dr. Janet Travell, who documented Trigger Points and their referred pain pattern in detail (read more about it here)

Dry Needling:

A technique where thin needles are inserted into trigger points.

Some practitioners like to use needles combined with or instead of their hands to release Trigger Points.

Important: If you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain it’s recommended to seek treatment from a qualified myofascial release therapist who can properly assess and treat you.

Most common structures involved in neck pain that your therapist will focus on

Bear in mind that the body is a whole 3D unit so it must be addressed as a whole.

The area where the pain is felt might not and is often not the root cause of it. You might find your therapist working on your feet or your hips.

With that in mind, there are some structures and muscles that tend to be frequently involved in neck pain.

Of course, muscles of the neck. These structures often need releasing and you’ll find the therapist doing direct work on them most of the times. A specialised therapist could spend hours treating the neck alone, lost between the scalens, suboccipitals, splenius or sternocleidomastoid, to mention some big names. Great relief can be felt after some good neck work.

Shoulders and chest. Both of these areas often present restrictions and Trigger Points as well as weakness that contributes to neck pain.

Back and Lattisimus dorsae muscle. The paraspinal muscles that travel from the sacrum all the way up to the head often need releasing and strengthening. Same happens to the Lattisimus dorsae muscle (these muscle often hosts restrictions and weakness that ultimately affect the neck)

Hip flexors – and hip. Shortened hip flexors can contribute to a forward neck posture.

Diaphragm and breathing. So many restrictions around the neck develop due to incorrect breathing patterns. Learning to engage the diaphragm in breathing will help maintain a healthy neck.

Self-Treatment Methods for Trigger Points

Bare in mind these are for informational purposes only and I recommend you seek the help of a professional when presenting with musculoskeletal pain.

While professional treatment is often most effective, there are several methods you can try at home to help release trigger points:

Self-treatment: fingers, knuckles, or a massage tool can be used to apply direct pressure to the trigger point for 8-12 seconds or longer if needed.

Tennis ball or foam roller: A ball or roller can be used to apply pressure and target Trigger Points.

Heat: It is often helpful to relax the soft tissue.

Gentle stretching: Gentle stretches of the affected muscles, pin and stretch the affect muscle.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and keep electrolytes up to help maintain healthy muscle function.

Important safety notes:

Start gently: Apply gentle pressure and increase gradually as tolerated. Stretch small and increase the stretch if tolerated.

What can you do to prevent Trigger Points and neck pain from developing

Work on developing a functional body: Postural imbalance is a common cause of trigger points. A body that’s not functional is going to struggle. A functional body will respond better to daily challenges and naturally accumulate less tension and less injuries. It’s important to work on developing a strong functional body. We all have our weaknesses and work to do, study your body, seek help from a functional strength trainer and get to work. It’s never too late to start working.

Regular movement: The incredible fascia system adapts to pressure changes, this means that when staying in one position for too long the body will adapt to it and potentially develop restrictions and compression. Try to change position often.

On the other hand we’ve been designed to move, so move. Go for walks, exercise, keep your body active. Keep your cardiovascular health in good shape.

Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques to manage and release stress. Stress reflects hugely in the body being one of the main causes for musculoskeletal pain, more than most think. Exercising and treating the brain is equally as important as exercising and treating the body. Seek help from a talking therapist or similar specialist if you need to do so.

Stay hydrated and keep a clean diet: Proper hydration and diet are adamant for maintain healthy muscle function and a healthy tissue. We really are what we eat.

Our Specialised Services

At our clinic, we offer myofascial release therapy specifically tailored to treat neck pain and related conditions. Our experienced therapists are trained in advanced techniques to identify and treat trigger points, release fascial restrictions, and restore proper muscle function.

We provide personalised treatment plans that not only address your immediate pain but also related issues or latent issues that might be a problem down the line. Our approach includes hands-on therapy and education.