Description

Myofascial pain syndrome is a long-term pain of the condition. This implies that some of the muscles and the thin layer of tissue that holds muscles in place, called the fascia. The pressure on these areas, called trigger points, can cause pain.

Sometimes, the pain is felt in other parts of the body. This is called referred pain. The pain often feels like shoulder pain, back pain, tension headaches and pain in the face.

This syndrome can occur after a muscle has been tightened more and more. Repeated motions used in jobs or hobbies may be the cause. So that may be related to stress, muscle tension, poor posture and weak muscles. In some cases, the cause of myofascial pain is unknown.

Almost everyone has felt the muscle tension, the pain. But the pain of myofascial pain syndrome does not go away. Treatment options include exercise, massage, physical therapy and shoots at the trigger points. Medicines for pain and finding ways to relax can also help.

Symptoms

The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome may include:

  • Deep, aching pain in the muscle.
  • Pain that does not go away or gets worse.
  • A tender knot in the muscle.
  • Trouble sleeping because of the pain.
  • A general feeling of not being so, it is called discomfort.
  • Fatigue.

When to see a doctor

Most people have muscle pain sometimes. But if the muscle pain does not go away with rest, massage, and other self-care measures, make an appointment with your health care professional.

Causes

The exact cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not known. Areas of tight muscle fibers, called trigger points, which is formed in the muscles. Too much use of the muscles, most often with the lack of form, muscle damage and mental stress is likely to help the cause of trigger points.

Risk factors

In the myofascial pain syndrome, something like the muscle stiffness sets off the trigger points in the muscles. Factors that may increase the risk of muscle trigger points are:

  • Muscle injuries. A muscle injury in the course or muscle stress can lead to the formation of trigger points. For example, a place in or near a muscle sprain can become a trigger point. Repeat the movements and poor posture can also increase the risk.
  • Stress and anxiety. People often feel stressed and anxious may be more likely to get the trigger points in the muscles. One theory is that these people may be more likely to tighten his muscles. Bruxism is a form of repetitive stress that the leaves of the muscles open to the trigger points.

Complications

Complications related to myofascial pain syndrome include:

  • Sleep problems. The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can make it difficult to sleep. It can be difficult to find a good sleeping position. And if you are moving while you sleep, you might hit a trigger point and awaken.
  • Fibromyalgia.Some research suggests that myofascial pain syndrome can lead to fibromyalgia in some people. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition of widespread pain. It is believed that the brains of people with fibromyalgia is most responsive to signals of pain over time. Some experts believe myofascial pain syndrome can help start this process.

Fibromyalgia. Some research suggests that myofascial pain syndrome can lead to fibromyalgia in some people. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition of widespread pain.

It is believed that the brains of people with fibromyalgia is most responsive to signals of pain over time. Some experts believe myofascial pain syndrome can help start this process.

Diagnosis

During a physical exam, your healthcare provider can put the gentle pressure of the fingers on the affected muscle, feeling of painful areas. Certain ways of pressing on the trigger point may elicit certain responses. For example, you could have a muscle contraction.

Muscle pain has many possible causes. Your health care professional uses other procedures and tests to rule out other causes of muscle pain.

Treatment

Treatment for myofascial pain syndrome typically includes medications, trigger point injections and physical therapy. The exercise is an important part of any treatment plan.

Discuss the treatment options and what you prefer with your health care professional. You may have to try more than one approach to find relief from the pain.

Drugs

Drugs used for myofascial pain syndrome include:

  • Pain relievers. The pain medications you can buy without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help. Some come in the form of creams or patches on the skin. Or your health care professional may prescribe stronger pain relievers.
  • Antidepressants. Many types of antidepressants can help relieve the pain. For some people with myofascial pain syndrome, amitriptyline seems to reduce the pain and improve sleep.
  • Muscle relaxants. Clonazepam (Klonopin), and other medications called benzodiazepines help to treat anxiety and lack of sleep, which sometimes come with myofascial pain syndrome. These drugs can cause drowsiness and may be habit forming.

Therapy

A physical therapist can help to relieve your pain based on your symptoms. Treatment may include:

  • The stretch. A physical therapist can lead you through gentle stretching to help ease the pain in sore muscle. If you feel pain in the trigger points when stretching, the therapist may put a numbing spray on the skin.
  • The massage. A physical therapist can massage your affected muscle to help relieve your pain. The therapist can use the long hand strokes along your muscle or exert pressure on the areas of your muscle to release the tension.

Procedures

  • Shots, also called trigger point injections. An injection of an anesthetic or steroid in a trigger point can help relieve the pain. OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) may also be used.
  • Dry needling. In some people, you just put the needle into the trigger point helps to relieve muscle tension. This is called dry needling. Acupuncture also seems to help some people who have myofascial pain syndrome.
  • Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS). This sends a small electrical current to the painful areas. The current is sent through electrodes attached to the skin. It is not known how TENS relieves pain. More studies are needed.
  • Ultrasound. This type of therapy uses sound waves to increase blood flow and the heat. This can reduce pain in the muscles affected by the myofascial pain syndrome.
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. The sound waves are directed at the area of pain. Some studies have shown to relieve pain in the myofascial pain syndrome.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To keep the body healthy, can make it easier for you to cope with your pain. Try:

  • Exercise. Gentle exercise can help you deal with the pain. When the pain allows you to move. Ask your physical therapist or another member of your health care team about exercises for you.
  • Relax. If you're tense, you can feel more pain. Find ways to relax. Do deep breathing exercises. Meditate. Write in a journal. Talk with your friends. Do whatever helps to relieve the stress.
  • Take care of your body. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep.

Coping and support

Have a long-term pain conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome can be very annoying. This can help to talk with a counselor about what we are facing. Online or in-person support groups can also be helpful. You can link to the people that know what is going on.

Preparing for your appointment

The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome are similar to those of other disorders. So you can see more of a health professional before getting a diagnosis.

What you can do

It is likely that begin with a visit to your primary healthcare professional. You could then be sent to a specialist in muscle and joint conditions, called a rheumatologist.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms and when they began.
  • Your key medical information. Include other conditions. List of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care professional.

For the myofascial pain syndrome, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What could be the cause of my symptoms?
  • Is my condition likely to go away on its own?
  • I need treatment?
  • What treatments are there?
  • Do you have brochures or other printed material I can have?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • Where you feel more pain?
  • Did your symptoms or to go and come, or do not always have?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
  • Are your symptoms worse in the morning or any other time of the day?
  • Does the use of repetitive movements at work or for leisure?
  • Have you been injured recently?
  • How does your pain at the limit of what you can do?
Symptoms and treatment of Myofascial pain syndrome