Localized Neck Pain: Causes, Trigger Points, and Treatment Options

caulocare
Jun 30
4 min read

Trigger Points in the Neck: Why You Keep Getting Stiff Neck in the Same Spot — **Localized Neck Pain: Causes, Trigger Points, and Treatment Options**

By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo| Caulo Care, Forest Hills, New York | Jan 30, 2025

Have you ever experienced pain in just one specific area of your neck—whether at the base of your skull, the side of your neck, or between your shoulder and neck? This type of localized neck pain is more than a nuisance; it may be a warning sign from your body, specifically your muscles.

Unlike radiating pain that travels down the arms or across the back, localized neck pain often arises from muscular tightness, tendon strain, or what clinicians call trigger points—tiny knots in the muscle fibers that can refer pain and cause repeated tension in the same area.

🔬 What Is a Trigger Point?

The modern understanding of trigger points—technically called myofascial trigger points was pioneered by Dr. Janet G. Travell (1901–1997), a physician who specialized in chronic muscle pain.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Janet Travell: The Mother of Trigger Point Therapy

Dr. Travell was the first to clinically define trigger points as hypersensitive nodules in tight bands of skeletal muscle.
She demonstrated that these points could cause not only localized pain but also referred pain, such as a headache caused by a knot in the neck.
Contrary to previous beliefs, she showed that chronic neck pain was not always due to joint degeneration or nerve issues, but often due to persistent muscle tension creating trigger points.
She co-authored the groundbreaking textbook Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (Vol. 1 – Upper Body, 1983; Vol. 2 – Lower Body, 1992) with Dr. David Simons.
Interestingly, she also served as the personal physician to U.S. President John F. Kennedy, treating his chronic back pain using trigger point therapy and dry needling.

Her work laid the foundation for modern practices such as:

Dry Needling
Myofascial Release
Medical Massage
And even aligns with principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as Ashi points (阿是穴)—painful pressure points.

🧠 Anatomy & Common Causes of Localized Neck Pain

In Western Medicine:

Localized neck pain usually involves muscles such as:

Upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and semispinalis capitis

Supporting ligaments may also be involved, especially:

Ligamentum nuchae and facet joint capsules

Common Triggers:

Poor posture (e.g., "Tech Neck" from prolonged phone or computer use)
Sleeping in an awkward position
Stress-induced muscle tension
Minor injuries or repetitive strain

💊 Western Treatment Approaches

Medications:
- Muscle relaxants
- NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Physical Therapy:
- Stretching routines
- Ultrasound therapy
- Dry needling or trigger point injections
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Correct workstation ergonomics
- Changing the pillow or sleeping position
- Postural awareness and daily mobility exercises

🌿 The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

Underlying TCM Patterns:

Qi stagnation – Often due to emotional suppression or chronic stress
Wind-Cold Invasion – External cold or wind lodging in the neck meridians
Blood stasis – Poor circulation from repetitive strain or trauma

Herbal Formulas for Neck Pain:

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang – For chronic stiffness due to wind-cold
Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang – For improving blood flow and relaxing channels
Ge Gen Tang – For acute neck stiffness from sudden cold exposure

Traditional Therapies:

Acupuncture – Releases tension, restores energy flow
Tui Na Massage – Manual stimulation to break up knots
Cupping / Gua Sha – Promotes circulation and reduces stagnation

🧘‍♂️ Prevention & Self-Care Strategies

Ergonomic and Postural Tips:

Avoid looking down at phones or laptops for prolonged periods
Stretch the neck and upper back gently 2–3 times a day
Raise the screens to eye level
Use neck-supportive pillows

External Herbal Remedies:

Herbal compresses (with ginger, lemongrass, plai): reduce pain and inflammation
Chinese medicated oils or balms: warm and relax the muscles

Dietary Suggestions:

Avoid icy drinks, fried foods, and raw cold meals
Consume warm, blood-nourishing foods like ginger tea, jujube broth, and bone soups

🧩 Final Thoughts

What feels like "just a stiff neck" may be your body’s way of alerting you to deeper imbalances in both physical structure and emotional well-being. Whether from posture, chronic stress, or external cold, trigger points represent a convergence of muscular, neurological, and energetic tension.

Understanding the origins of localized neck pain—from the pioneering insights of Dr. Janet Travell to the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine—empowers us to treat not only the pain but the pattern behind it.

❝ Pain is not the enemy. It’s a messenger. Listen to it—and heal wisely. ❞

– Dr. Phumlarp Caulo

Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LAc,MsAc,OM,DAHM,Pre-RN

Integrative Medicine Practitioner, bridging Eastern and Western Wisdom.

“Rooted in ancient wisdom, guided by modern science

On this page, we look back at history so you can move forward with health.

I believe in Mother of the Earth, the timeless healer of body and soul.”

This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.

Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.

A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.

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