11 Essential Myofascial Pain Syndrome Facts

By Author: Monica Quinn
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Chronic pain is a common issue, affecting more than 20 percent of adults in the United States. It can significantly reduce your quality of life, making everyday activities more difficult and even leading to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. One condition responsible for chronic pain is myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

If you or someone you care about is dealing with myofascial pain syndrome, it’s important to understand this condition better. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.

1. What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a long-term condition where pressure on sensitive areas, called trigger points, in the muscles, causes pain. The pain may stay in the trigger point area or spread to other parts of the body, known as referred pain. This condition affects the fascia, which is the tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles. Unlike occasional muscle pain that everyone experiences, myofascial pain persists and may worsen over time.

2. What causes myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome occurs ...
... due to the development of trigger points in the muscles. These trigger points may be caused by various factors:
- Injuries: Previous muscle injuries can lead to trigger point development.
- Overuse: Repetitive movements or muscle strain can also contribute to MPS.
- Lack of activity: Prolonged periods of inactivity can weaken muscles and cause tightness, leading to trigger points.

When a muscle is overused or injured, it may form tight bands of muscle fibers that are sensitive to touch, resulting in pain and discomfort.

3. What are the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome?
The primary symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is deep, aching pain in specific muscle areas where trigger points develop. The pain may worsen with activity or stress and can become constant. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent pain: In areas like the neck, shoulders, or back.
- Tenderness: The muscles in the affected areas may be sensitive to the touch.
- Referred pain: Pain that spreads from the trigger point to other parts of the body.
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes are often reported.

Those with myofascial pain syndrome may also experience associated conditions like insomnia, depression, and anxiety due to the chronic nature of the pain.

4. Who Is at risk for myofascial pain syndrome?
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing myofascial pain syndrome. The two main factors are:
- Muscle injury: Whether from an accident, overuse, or poor posture, muscle injuries can lead to trigger points.
- Stress: Emotional or mental stress can cause muscle tension, which may contribute to the development of MPS. People who frequently experience high levels of stress are more likely to develop muscle tightness and strain.

Other factors, such as poor posture, lack of physical activity, and repetitive motions, can also contribute to myofascial pain syndrome.

5. What complications can arise from myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome itself is not life-threatening, but it can lead to several complications that negatively impact your life. These include:
- Sleep problems: Persistent pain can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, and pain may wake you during the night.
- Fibromyalgia: Some studies suggest that myofascial pain syndrome can progress into fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain and increased sensitivity to pain signals.

While these complications are serious, they can be managed with proper treatment.

6. How Is myofascial pain syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosing myofascial pain syndrome typically involves a physical examination. Your doctor will press on various muscle areas to identify trigger points. These points may react in specific ways when pressure is applied, helping to confirm the diagnosis.

In some cases, additional tests like imaging or blood work may be recommended to rule out other causes of muscle pain, but they are not usually required for diagnosing myofascial pain syndrome.

7. What medications are used for myofascial pain?
Treatment for myofascial pain often starts with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If these medications don’t provide relief, your pain doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers, such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Other medications used to manage symptoms include:
- Antidepressants: These can help manage pain, especially if accompanied by anxiety or depression.
- Sedatives: These may be prescribed to help with sleep problems caused by the pain.
- It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when using these medications, as some can be habit-forming.

8. Is Therapy helpful for treating myofascial pain?
Yes, physical therapy is an effective treatment for myofascial pain syndrome. A therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs, which may include:
- Massage therapy: This helps relieve tension in the muscles.
- Heat therapy: Applying heat can reduce muscle stiffness.
- Posture training: Learning how to sit, stand, and move correctly can prevent further strain on your muscles.

Dry needling is another option where thin needles are inserted into the trigger points to release muscle tension and reduce pain. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or botulinum toxin injections may be used to relieve severe pain.

9. Should I make any lifestyle changes?
While you won’t need to make drastic lifestyle changes, taking care of your overall health is important for managing myofascial pain syndrome. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-relief practices like yoga or meditation can help manage symptoms. Avoiding activities that worsen your pain and maintaining a good posture can also make a big difference.

10. Can myofascial pain syndrome be prevented?
Although you can’t always prevent myofascial pain syndrome, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Stay physically active: Regular exercise helps keep your muscles flexible and strong.
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques to keep stress levels under control.
- Avoid repetitive movements: If possible, limit activities that cause muscle strain.
- A healthy diet is also important, as certain foods can trigger inflammation. Avoiding processed foods, refined carbs, and sugars can help reduce your risk of developing myofascial pain.

11. When should I see a doctor?
It’s important to see a doctor if you experience muscle pain that doesn’t go away after resting. While occasional muscle soreness is common, persistent or worsening pain may indicate a more serious problem. You can try self-massage to ease discomfort, but if the pain doesn’t improve, it’s time to seek professional help.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)