Understanding and Managing Muscle Spasms and Trigger Points

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we understand how muscle spasms and trigger points can cause persistent, nagging pain that affects your daily comfort and mobility. Whether you're experiencing tight knots in your back, sharp muscle cramps, or pain that radiates from a specific area, these common yet disruptive conditions can interfere with everything from sleep to physical activity. Our expert team is here to help you identify the source of your discomfort and provide targeted, non-surgical treatments that relieve pain and restore function.

Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. They can occur suddenly and cause intense pain, tightness, or cramping. These spasms often affect the neck, back, shoulders, or legs and can be short-lived or recurring.

Trigger points are sensitive, hyperirritable spots in tight bands of skeletal muscle. They often feel like "knots" and can cause referred pain—pain felt in another part of the body. These points are a hallmark of myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain condition involving muscle and connective tissue.

Although muscle spasms and trigger points are different in nature, they often coexist and can cause significant discomfort if not properly treated.

Muscle spasms and trigger points often result from overuse, poor posture, or muscle strain. Common causes include:

• Repetitive movements or overexertion
• Muscle imbalances or weakness
• Stress and anxiety (leading to muscle tension)
• Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances
• Poor posture or ergonomic setup
• Injury or trauma (e.g., whiplash, lifting strain)
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of stretching
• Sleep disturbances or fatigue

Risk factors include:

• Physical jobs or activities involving repetitive motions
• Sedentary desk work without breaks or movement
• Underlying spine or joint problems
• Chronic stress or tension disorders
• History of musculoskeletal injuries

While symptoms may vary, common signs include:

Muscle Spasm Symptoms:

• Sudden, sharp cramping or tightening of a muscle
• Pain and stiffness that may last minutes to hours
• Hard or visibly contracted muscle area
• Limited range of motion or mobility

Trigger Point Symptoms:

• Localized muscle tenderness or a palpable knot
• Deep aching or radiating pain from the trigger site
• Pain that worsens with pressure or activity
• Headaches, jaw pain, or back pain linked to muscular tension

Trigger points can mimic other pain conditions like sciatica, tension headaches, or joint pain, making professional evaluation important.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we use a detailed clinical approach to identify the root of your symptoms:

• Thorough medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination:
  • Palpation to identify taut bands, tender points, or muscle imbalances
  • Range of motion and muscle strength testing
  • Postural assessment to identify strain patterns
• Diagnostic injections (in some cases) to confirm trigger point involvement

We take the time to differentiate muscular pain from nerve or joint disorders to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Most muscle spasms and trigger points respond well to non-invasive therapies. Our individualized treatment plans may include:

Medications:

• Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), or topical pain relievers

Physical therapy:

• Stretching, strengthening, posture correction, and body mechanics training

Massage therapy:

• Targeted techniques to relieve muscle tension and break up trigger points

Dry needling:

• A minimally invasive technique using fine needles to deactivate trigger points and restore normal muscle function

Heat and cold therapy:

• To reduce inflammation and promote relaxation

Ergonomic adjustments:

• Improving your work or sleep setup to prevent recurrence

We work closely with you to develop a plan that reduces pain, improves flexibility, and prevents future flare-ups.

For more persistent or severe symptoms, we offer image-guided, non-surgical procedures to target pain at its source:

• Trigger point injections:
  • Local anesthetic (with or without steroid) injections into the muscle to deactivate painful trigger points
• Botox injections:
  • For chronic muscle spasm or tension-related conditions such as cervical dystonia or persistent myofascial pain
• Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection:
  • A precise technique used to release muscle and fascial tension while protecting surrounding structures

These treatments are performed in-office and are designed to provide fast, effective relief with minimal downtime.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah for our:

• Board-certified pain management specialists
• Multidisciplinary approach to muscle, joint, and nerve pain
• Advanced diagnostics and evidence-based therapies
• Minimally invasive techniques that deliver long-lasting relief
• Compassionate, patient-centered care every step of the way

We don't just treat symptoms—we identify and address the root causes of your pain so you can live, work, and move with greater comfort.