Trigger points and other myofascial pains are benign, but the pain they cause can be intense and debilitating. 

A trigger point is a small, tight area in the taut band of muscle fibers and fascia, which restricts blood flow to the area and causes pain. Also known as contraction knots, trigger points become so tight, in fact, that they can be felt underneath the skin. They are typically very sensitive, causing a severe amount of pain that seems out of proportion to the pressure being applied.

One unique feature of trigger points is that this pain is not always felt at the location of the trigger point, but instead it can be felt in a different area of the body, which is called referred pain. In some cases, you might not feel any pain. Rather, the muscle may feel tight, stiff, or have a reduced range of motion.