In addition, special sympathetic nerves carry pain signals. After some injuries, the sympathetic nerve system may be activated inappropriately and cause decreased blood flow with increased pain. This pain is typically burning an severe. When the myofascial tissues tighten and lose their elasticity, neurotransmitter aility to send and receive messages between the brai and body is damaged. These areas of thick, ropelike bands of fascia are called trigger points, and they can cause pain long after a muscle injury should of healed.
Trigger points refer pain both locally and distantly.
Each trigger point can develop satellite and secondary trigger points. Tender trigger points cause symptoms that vary from mild discomfort to incapacitating pain. Symptoms include muscle stiffness and aching and sharp shooting pains or tingling and numbness in areas distant from the trigger point. The discomfort may cuase sleep disturbance, fatigue, and depression. Most commonly trigger points are in the neck, back or buttocks.