Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in the Craniocervical Region

Myofascial pain is a clinical problem that has generated interest, debate and confusion for decades. According to studies anywhere between 33 and 97 % of patients with musculoskeletal pain visiting physicians and manual therapists are diagnosed with Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs). MTrPs are localized, hyperirritable points that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands (TB) of muscle fibres. MTrPs can be classified into active and latent. Latent MTrPs demonstrate the same clinical characteristics as active MTrPs but they do not provoke spontaneous pain. The myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are common in healthy subjects and in patients with musculoskeletal pain, and could produce sensitive disturbances and motor dysfunctions