The Major Differences Between Fibro Trigger Points and Tender Points

There are two types of points that fibromyalgia patients experience: Trigger points and tender points. Often, both of these points trigger some of fibromyalgia's most aggravating symptoms to appear at any moment.

However, because of their similarities, both trigger and tender points can be confused as one another. Whether their symptoms show because of inflammation or because of exposure to loud noises and light, it's important that fibromyalgia patients (and even the people around them) to understand the differences between them so they can try and avoid them at all costs. 

Differences between tender points and fibromyalgia trigger points

The main difference between tender points and fibro trigger points is that a tender point happens in more than just one spot, and it is considered an entire taut band. The target rate point (commonly abbreviated as TRP) can be active or latent. Although it may not sound real, most people have latent trigger points even when they do not suffer from fibromyalgia. However, in most cases, illnesses, injuries and accidents are the some of the main reasons that make these points more appear.

Another main difference between fibro trigger points and tender points is that fibro trigger points tend to contribute to inflammation within the joints unlike tender points.

The main cause behind trigger points is actually due to something called myofascial constriction, which causes pain within other areas that are either tendons, joints or muscles and are located close to the trigger point. Tender points are also limited to 18 points and they are woven into other layers of muscle, making them harder to be reached.

Fibro trigger points tend to occur over many more areas of the body, which is different from tender points, and these points are usually located in different layers rather than in one corresponding layer of the body. These layers can be located under tendons, muscle fibers or nearby organs.

Lastly, when fibromyalgia trigger points appear, they spread all throughout the body, making people feel like they have been beaten up when it's only the trigger points that are radiating the pain. 

Most common areas where fibromyalgia trigger points appear: The stenum

The most common area where fibro trigger points seem to appear is around the the sternum, which makes patients often complain about chest pain. The worst part about the trigger points in around the sternum is that they can travel through the entire area of the chest and cause widespread pain that is quite similar to the one felt by people having a heart attack. This pain can also extend to the rib area and cause very strong feelings of discomfort. Stabbing and burning sensations are also quite normal for people with fibro trigger points, making it more difficult to find comfortable positions to sleep.