Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder where pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in the muscle and sometimes in seemingly unrelated parts of your body (this is called referred pain). MPS typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively such as by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension. While nearly everyone has experienced muscle tension pain, the discomfort associated with myofascial pain syndrome persists or worsens.
What are the symptoms?
Deep, aching pain in a muscle.
Pain that persists or worsens.
A tender knot in a muscle.
Difficulty sleeping due to pain.
What are the risk factors?
Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by a stimulus, such as muscle tightness, that sets off trigger points in your muscles. Risk factors include:
Muscle injury. An acute muscle injury or continual muscle stress may lead to the development of trigger points. For example, a spot within or near a strained muscle may become a trigger point. Repetitive motions and poor posture also may increase your risk.
Stress and anxiety. People who frequently experience stress and anxiety may be more likely to develop trigger points in their muscles. One theory holds that these people may be more likely to clench their muscles, a form of repeated strain that leaves muscles susceptible to trigger points.
What are the complications of Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Sleep problems. MPS may make it difficult to sleep at night. You may have trouble finding a comfortable sleep position and if you move, you might hit a trigger point and awaken.
Fibromyalgia. Research suggests MPS may develop into fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that features widespread pain as you become more sensitive to pain signals over time.
How do I get diagnosed with MPS?
During the physical exam, your doctor may apply gentle finger pressure to the painful area, feeling for tense areas. Certain ways of pressing on the trigger point can elicit specific responses such as a muscle twitch.
What is the treatment for MPS?
Treatment typically includes medications, trigger point injections and/or physical therapy and exercise.
Medication:
- Pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills (ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) as well as some skin patches.
- Antidepressants. Amitriptyline appears to reduce pain and improve sleep in MPS.
- Sedatives. Clonazepam helps treat the anxiety and poor sleep of MPS
Trigger Point Injections:
- Injecting a numbing agent or a steroid into a trigger point can help relieve pain. In some people, just the act of inserting the needle (dry needling) into the trigger point helps break up the muscle tension. Acupuncture also appears to be helpful.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
- Stretching. To ease the pain in your affected muscle. If you feel trigger point pain when stretching, the physical therapist may spray a numbing solution on your skin.
- Posture training. Improving your posture, particularly in your neck, will help you avoid overworking any one muscle.
- Massage. To help relieve your pain. The physical therapist may use long hand strokes or place pressure on specific areas of your muscle to release tension.
- Heat. Applying heat, hot pack or hot shower, can help relieve muscle tension.
Ultrasound. Uses sound waves to increase blood circulation and warmth, which may promote healing in muscles.
Exercise. Gentle exercise can help you cope better with pain
Relax. Find ways to relax. Meditating, writing in a journal or talking with friends.
Take care of your body. Eat healthy, get enough sleep so that you wake rested.
Coping and support for MPS
Having a chronic pain condition such as myofascial pain syndrome can be frustrating especially if treatment is only moderately successful for you. It may help to talk to one of our counselors about the challenges you're facing. Online or in-person support groups also can be helpful by connecting you with people who understand what you're going through.
References
Myofascial pain syndrome: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments (msn.com)
Myofascial pain syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic