The importance of postural habits in perpetuating myofascial trigger point pain.

Various structural abnormalities that contribute to the perpetuation of myofascial trigger point activity and the pain arising from it, have previously been well documented. In addition, however, there are a number of postural habits that are important to recognise as they may also contribute, as shown in the five cases discussed. These postural habits, which are likely to be carried out both frequently and unconsciously, are adopted during the course of sitting, standing or sleeping. They are entirely independent of any structural abnormalities that may be present. Correcting them is a necessary contribution to treatment, as failure to do so is liable to lead to persistence of the pain.