Obturator internus myalgia / trigger point

Obturator internus is the muscle with a pain pattern deep in the seat down towards the coccyx - it can also contribute to hurt in the pelvis or the lower back.

This can occur if it becomes overactive, tight and dysfunctional. An obturator internus myalgia or obturator internus muscle knot, which is sometimes called obturator internus syndrome. Regularly self massage, stretching, exercises and any examination / treatment by a musculoskeletal expert (chiropractor, physical therapist, manual therapist) are all examples of measures that can help you get rid of myalgia.

Skeletal muscle fibers - Photo Wikimedia

- What is a trigger point?

A trigger point, or muscle node, occurs when muscle fibers have departed from their normal orientation and regularly contract into a more knot-like formation.. You may think of it as if you have several strands lying in a row next to each other, nicely assorted, but when placed crosswise you are closer to a visual image of a muscle knot.This may be due to a sudden overload, but most normally it is due to a gradual failure over an extended period of time. A muscle becomes painful, or symptomatic, when the dysfunction becomes so severe that it becomes pain. In other words, it's time to do something about it.

Trigger points and muscle knots can refer pain to other parts of the body. Among other things, tight muscles in the upper back, neck and shoulder areas can cause headaches, dizziness and other symptoms. Jantos et al (2007) found via biopsy tests that these trigger points were hyperirritable and electrically active.

Biopsy tests found that trigger points were hyperirritable and electrically active muscle spindles in general muscle tissue. (Jantos et al, 2007)

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Foam rolls are in the wind like never before - hence their incredible price growth in the sports shops. Now a foam roller can cost up 500,- kroner in certain shops. We have received good feedback on the following foam roller which costs a fraction of the price:

- Read more about the foam roller here: BLUE High Density Foam Roller (link opens in new window)

Also read: List of top 10 best selling foam rolls

Did you know?
- Often stiff and dysfunctional joints (also read: joint pain - joint locks?) be a partial cause of myalgia, as the limited joint joint can also have a negative effect on muscular function. Chiropractors and manual therapists are experts in helping with such joint dysfunctions.

Also read: Did you know that Ginger Can Reduce Muscle Pain?

Old pillows? Buying new?

New pillows of a special material may also be helpful in case of recurrent myalgia - if you are considering investing in one then recommend several studies this pillow.

This type of pillows is almost impossible to raise in Norway, and if you find one, they usually cost the shirt and some more. Instead, try the pillow via the article we link to above, it has a lot good shooting goals and people seem well satisfied.

Here you can see an illustration that shows the muscle attachments to the obturator internus muscle:

Obturator internus muscle attachments - Photo Wikimedia

Obturator internus, also known as musculus obturatorius internus, attaches to the ischiopubic ramus and the obturator membrane- then attaches to the medial aspect of the tuberculus majum on the femur. Obturator internus' nerve supply comes from L5, S1, S2. Obturator internus works with abduction of the hip, and is also a hip stabilizer.

Here you can see an illustration that shows the trigger point pain pattern (referenced pain from muscle knot) for obturator internus:

Obturator internus myalgi trigger point pain pattern - Photo Wikimedia

Obturator internus can also cause pain and numbness down the back of the thigh as illustrated in the picture above. Needle therapy (intramuscular needle therapy also known as dry needling) can sometimes be helpful against such myalgias. Needle treatment is used, among other things chiropractor og physical therapist.

Recommended products for pain relief

Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)

To diagnose muscle nodules, palpation (examination with the hands) and muscle tests are normally used. Ultrasound or other may occasionally be used imaging to understand long-term muscle pain. Read more in our imaging department.

Exercise and movement are good for body and soul:

• Chin-up / pull-up exercise bar can be an excellent exercise tool to have at home. It can be attached and detached from the door frame without the use of a drill or tool.
• Cross-trainer / ellipse machine: Excellent fitness training. Good for promoting movement in the body and exercising overall.
• Kettlebells is a very effective form of training that produces fast and good results.
• Spinning ergometer bike: Good to have at home, so you can increase the amount of exercise throughout the year and get better fitness.

• Roman machine (Model: Concept2 D) is one of the best forms of training you can use to get good overall strength. Can be a good investment in own health.

Concept 2 rowing machine Model D (Read: "Buy rowing machine online? Cheaper? YES."

Also read:

- Can a special pillow really prevent headaches and neck pain?

- Headache (Learn more about the causes of headaches and what you can do to get rid of it)

- Pain in the muscles and trigger points - (Why do you really get sore muscles? Learn more here.)

- Pain in the pelvis (Why do some people get more pain in the pelvis than others?)

Also read: - AU! Is it Late Inflammation or Late Injury?

Also read: 4 Clothes Exercises Against Stiff Neck

Sources:
- Nakkeprolaps.no (learn everything you need about neck prolapse, including treatment og preventive exercises)