What is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is common among patients with musculoskeletal pain problems. MPS is a pain condition originating from muscle and surrounding fascia. Patients usually present with localized pain in a restricted area or referred pain of various patterns.
What Are The Causes of Myofascial Pain?
The exact cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not known. Areas of tight muscle fibers, called trigger points, form in muscles. Too much use of the muscles, most often with poor form, injury to the muscle and mental stress likely help cause trigger points.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Myofascial Pain?
Symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome may include:
- Deep, aching pain in a muscle.
- Pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse.
- A tender knot in a muscle.
- Trouble sleeping due to pain.
- A general feeling of being not well, called malaise.
- Tiredness.
What Are The Risk Factors of Myofascial Pain?
In myofascial pain syndrome, something such as muscle tightness sets off trigger points in the muscles. Factors that may increase the risk of muscle trigger points include:
- Muscle injury. A muscle injury or ongoing muscle stress may lead to the forming of trigger points. For instance, a spot in or near a strained muscle may become a trigger point. Repeat motions and poor posture also can increase the risk.
- Stress and anxiety. People who often feel stressed and anxious may be more likely to get trigger points in their muscles. One theory is that these people may be more likely to clench their muscles. Clenching is a form of repeated strain that leaves muscles open to trigger points.
How is Myofascial Pain Diagnosed?
During a physical exam, gentle finger pressure on the affected muscle, feeling for painful areas is performed. Certain ways of pressing on the trigger point can cause certain responses including pain referral into other parts of the body.
What Are Possible Treatments For Myofascial Pain?
Various methods of myofascial and trigger point massage. Stretching programs both in office and at home are critical.
Are There Preventative Steps or Measures To Avoid Myofascial Pain?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is mandatory. Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and high stress levels need to be addressed.
What Are The Risks If Myofascial Pain Is Left Untreated?
Chronic myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia can occur
Are There Other Related Conditions To Myofascial Pain?
Fibromyalgia is a form of chronic, widespread and diffuse myofascial pain. This advanced condition also benefits from chiropractic care
Key Takeaways About Myofascial Pain (Top 3-5 points to remember from everything)
Chiropractic care is very beneficial in the treatment of myofascial pain and provides accelerated healing times.
Recommended Next Steps
Call our office for examination and treatment. We treat myofascial pain with great success on a daily basis.
