What These Muscle Trigger Points Reveal About Your Body

You’ve stretched. You’ve foam rolled. You’ve even swapped out pillows and chairs. But that nagging neck pain or tightness between your shoulders just won’t go away.

The reason? It might not be where you think.

In many cases, the source of discomfort is hidden in the muscle system — deep-seated areas of tension called pressure points or trigger points. These aren’t just sore spots; they’re warning signs. An acupressure point is a specific location on the body that can be stimulated, either manually or with tools, to provide pain relief. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, also targets these points using fine needles to promote healing and pain relief.

At Cohen Trigger Point Therapy, we help patients uncover what these points reveal about their pain, posture, and long-term health.

Here’s what you need to know about neck and shoulder pressure points — and how identifying them can be the key to lasting pain relief and overall well-being.

What Are Pressure Points, Really?

Pressure points — clinically known as myofascial trigger points — are hyperirritable areas within a muscle. These are small, tight bundles of muscle fibers that develop in response to overuse, poor posture, injury, or stress. Certain muscles, especially those involved in maintaining posture or frequent movement, are more prone to developing trigger points due to their function and regular use.

Unlike general muscle soreness, pressure points:

• Can be palpated (felt) as knots or bands
• Often refer pain elsewhere, far from the actual source
• May cause tingling, headaches, or a burning sensation
• Can restrict range of motion and cause fatigue in nearby muscles

They’re not random. These patterns are predictable — and knowing where they live in the neck and shoulder area is essential to getting relief that lasts.

Anatomy of the Neck and Shoulder Region

The neck and shoulder region is a remarkably intricate part of the body, designed to support a wide range of head and neck movements while maintaining stability and strength. At the core of this area is the trapezius muscle, one of the largest muscles in the upper back, which plays a vital role in shoulder movements and helps stabilize the neck and upper back. The neck itself is built from seven cervical vertebrae, separated by cushioning intervertebral discs, allowing for flexibility and support during daily activities.

The shoulder blades, or scapulae, are triangular bones on either side of the spine that serve as key attachment points for muscles involved in both neck and shoulder movements. When these muscles—especially the trapezius—become overworked or strained, it can lead to neck pain, shoulder pain, and upper back pain. Common complaints like neck stiffness, tension headaches, and muscle tension often stem from poor posture, long hours at a desk, or repetitive movements.

To relieve pain and tension in this region, many people turn to acupressure points such as Jian Jing and Feng Chi. These specific points, including the Wind Pool point, can be stimulated by applying deep pressure with the index finger, middle finger, or thumb. When you apply firm pressure to these acupressure points, you help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall health. Practicing acupressure regularly and learning the correct technique to apply pressure can make a significant difference in managing discomfort and preventing future issues.

In addition to acupressure, maintaining good posture, taking frequent breaks during long hours of sitting or standing, and incorporating neck and shoulder exercises—like gentle neck rolls and shoulder stretches—can help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility. Managing stress is also crucial, as emotional tension often settles in the neck and shoulders, contributing to pain and stiffness.

If you experience persistent or severe neck and shoulder pain, or if self-care strategies aren’t providing relief, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose underlying health conditions and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs. By understanding the anatomy of the neck and shoulder region and taking proactive steps to care for it, you can reduce your risk of developing common complaints and enjoy greater comfort and mobility every day.

Common Pressure Points in the Neck and Shoulders

Keyword integration: neck and shoulder pressure points

Trigger points follow anatomical and functional patterns. Below are the most common pain-producing pressure points we see at Cohen Trigger Point Therapy.

Upper Trapezius

Location: Top of the shoulder, between the neck and shoulder joint.

When activated, this point refers pain:

• Up the side of the neck
• Into the temples or base of the skull (mimicking tension headaches)
• Sometimes into the jaw or behind the eye

Contributing factors: Desk posture, carrying heavy bags, stress-related shrugging.

Applying deep pressure to this area, either manually or as part of massage therapy, can help release tension and provide relief.

Levator Scapulae

Location: Runs from the upper corner of the shoulder blade to the side of the neck.

Symptoms often include:

• Sharp pain when turning the head
• Soreness near the neck base
• Difficulty rotating or side-bending the head

Common in: Students, computer users, or anyone sleeping with poor neck support.

For best results, practice massaging or applying pressure to this area regularly and repeat the technique 2-3 times daily to help reduce pain over time.

Scalenes and Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

Location: Front and sides of the neck, connecting the head, collarbone, and ribs.

When tight, these muscles can refer pain:

• Into the chest or upper arms
• Behind the ears
• Along the jaw and down into the fingers (mimicking nerve pain)
• Dizziness can also occur as a symptom when these muscles are tight.

Tightness in these muscles can also contribute to facial pain, especially in cases of stress or tension headaches.

They’re often activated by forward head posture, shallow breathing, or anxiety-related tension.

Suboccipitals

Location: Small muscles at the base of the skull, just under the hairline and beneath the skin.

Trigger points here may cause:

• Pressure at the back of the head
• Eye strain or light sensitivity
• A “band-like” headache across the forehead

These points can be stimulated by applying gentle pressure just under the skin at the base of the skull to help relieve headaches and tension.

These muscles are overworked by constant screen use and looking down — also known as tech neck.

Rhomboids and Infraspinatus (mid-back referral)

Location: Between the shoulder blades and the back of the shoulder joint.

These don’t always feel painful where they originate — they often feel like:

• Deep, aching pain between the shoulder blades
• “Stabbing” pain around the shoulder or arm
• Difficulty taking a deep breath

Frequently aggravated by slouched posture and static upper body positions.

Some acupressure points for relieving referred pain from this area are located between the knuckles of the hand, such as the highest spot between the thumb and index finger.

What These Pressure Points Reveal About Your Pain

Your body doesn’t create tension without a reason. Each of these pressure points is a clue — pointing toward:

• Chronic postural stress (desk work, driving, screen time)
• Muscular imbalances from repetitive movement or inactivity
• Breathing patterns that overload neck stabilizers
• Sleep positions that twist or compress key structures
• Emotional stress, which tends to pool in the shoulders and jaw

One of the most misunderstood aspects of pressure points is referred pain. You might feel pain in your shoulder, but the real issue is in your neck. Or you may have forehead headaches, but the trigger is behind your skull.

That’s why accurate diagnosis matters — and why treating the symptom, instead of the source, rarely works.

Stimulating these pressure points through regular practice of acupressure can promote healing by unblocking energy, restoring balance, and supporting the body’s natural recovery process.

How Cohen Trigger Point Therapy Identifies and Treats Them

At Cohen Trigger Point Therapy, we specialize in identifying and releasing neck and shoulder pressure points through a proven, hands-on system. Applying pressure to specific points using the fingers is a core part of our treatment process. Physical therapy may also be recommended as a complementary approach for rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Our Process Includes:

• Palpation and movement testing to find the true source of pain
• Trigger point therapy to release knots and restore muscle function
• Myofascial release techniques to address connective tissue restrictions
• Chiropractic adjustments to support joint mobility and posture
• Postural education and ergonomic advice
• Breathing and stretching routines to maintain results

We treat each patient based on what their muscles are actually doing — not just where they say it hurts. That’s the difference between temporary relief and lasting change.

Who Benefits from Pressure Point Treatment?

While anyone with muscle pain can benefit, it’s especially valuable for those interested in nutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and promote a pain-free lifestyle:

• Office workers and students with forward head posture
• People suffering from chronic neck pain or tight shoulders
• Headache sufferers (tension or cervicogenic)
• Individuals with jaw pain, TMJ, or clenching habits
• Athletes or active individuals dealing with shoulder dysfunction
• Anyone who’s tried stretching or massage with limited success

As part of a comprehensive approach to recovery, remember to incorporate adequate rest. Taking regular breaks from sitting or working, getting enough sleep, and allowing your body time to recover are important for preventing and managing neck and shoulder pain.

Early intervention is key — the longer pressure points are active, the more they create compensations in other areas of the body.

If your pain persists, worsens, or is related to injury or specific health conditions, consult a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Don’t Ignore What Your Muscles Are Telling You

Pressure points are your body’s early warning system. When you feel daily neck tension, that’s not “normal.” When your shoulders ache just from sitting at a desk, that’s not something you have to live with.

At Cohen Trigger Point Therapy, we help you decode the signals — and treat the source before it turns into something more serious.

If you’ve been trying to fix the same issue with no relief, it may be time to look deeper.

Book a Pressure Point Evaluation Today

You don’t need to keep guessing where your pain is coming from. Schedule an evaluation at Cohen Trigger Point Therapy and let us help you pinpoint the problem — and start building a solution that lasts.