Myofascial pain syndrome involves chronic pain in various muscular areas, most commonly in the face, neck, and shoulder regions. Pain starts at a trigger point, then radiates to surrounding areas of the body. Even slight pressure in these trigger points leads to worsening pain. It is a common condition with at least 85% of the population developing this condition at some point in their life. The exact cause of this syndrome is not known. Here is what you need to know to recognize and cope with myofascial pain syndrome.
Symptoms and Signs
The syndrome could affect any muscle in your body. The most common areas affected are the upper back, neck, chest, and shoulder muscles. Occasionally, the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles in the temporomandibular region) are affected. The pain is usually a chronic constant pain with periods of acute worsening called “flares.” You could have deep aching pain in the muscle with a trigger point, the area within the muscle which is painful to even gentle pressure. Or the whole muscle could be sore and even feel weak because of the pain. Some patients describe swelling in the muscles. People with myofascial pain syndrome may also have other associated health issues including chronic headache, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue.
Potential Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not well understood. One theory is that the pain could be related to overuse of muscles leading to strain or injury in the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. People who have an underlying history of stress or anxiety are at increased risk of having such pain. You can lower your risk of myofascial pain syndrome by remembering to properly unwind after heavy physical activity and being careful to use proper posture that avoids unnatural stress on the skeleton and skeletal muscles.
Diagnosis
Myofascial pain syndrome is an underdiagnosed condition–there are no diagnostic tests that could help make the diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on your medical history and an examination by your doctor, who may be able to find the trigger points or a taut band of muscles. Your doctor might also use blood tests to make sure your symptoms are not due to other medical conditions.
What To Do About Myofascial Pain Syndrome
If you are experiencing chronic pain, see a doctor to find the cause. Chronic pain can get worse over time, so you will benefit from starting treatment sooner rather than later. This chronic condition requires coordinated care from your primary care physician, pain specialist, physical therapist, and others. There is not just one medication that could help with the problem. You as a patient have an important role in self care to reduce the pain. The treatment of myofascial pain syndrome includes medications, trigger point injections, and physical therapy.
Medications that could help alleviate the pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam). Trigger point injections to numb specific areas of pain may help. Pain medications that are available in patches may be helpful. Other modalities of treatment include stretching exercises, posture improvement training, massage therapy, application of heat over the affected area, and ultrasound therapy to improve the blood flow into the muscles.
If you have depression or anxiety in addition to myofascial pain syndrome, you may need prescription medications to help with these conditions.
Conclusion
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition with periods of acute symptoms causing pain in various muscular areas, often with trigger points. The etiology of this problem is still unclear. With available treatment, the pain can be well controlled, which could improve the overall quality of life. Please consult your doctor to find the appropriate treatment.
Written by Shlomo Witty
