PainCare Florida Physicians

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

PAIN CONDITION

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief

Myofascial pain syndrome, inflammation in your muscles and fascia, affects nearly 85% of the population.[1] It is a chronic condition that causes muscle knots and deep musculoskeletal pain in a specific area, such as your shoulder or lower back.[2] Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is often confused with fibromyalgia, another chronic pain disorder.[3]

About Myofascial Pain

MPS is more than just muscle pain (myalgia). It’s a chronic condition that affects your muscles (“Myo-“) and the thin, connective tissues around your muscles called fascia (“-fascial”).[1] In patients with myofascial pain, they have sensitive spots or knots called trigger points.[4] Pressing on these trigger points causes pain, which is occasionally felt elsewhere in the body (referred pain).[4]

This painful condition does not go away as sore muscle pain does. It can occur from repetitive motions performed during sports, work or recreational activities.[4] Over time, repetitive movements can lead to trigger points in the fascia—a thin, connective tissue that supports and surrounds individual muscles and muscle groups—causing the muscles and nearby areas to feel tender or achy.[5]

Myofascial Pain Symptoms

Myofascial pain can be different for everyone. For some, it might come on suddenly; for others, it’s just this dull ache that never seems to disappear.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of MPS:

  • Painful knots or trigger points in muscles that, when pressed, produce intense localized or referred pain [5]
  • Pain that worsens when stretching or straining specific muscles [5]
  • Muscle pain that worsens or doesn’t heal [5]
  • Mood or sleep disturbances (anxiety, depression or stress) [5]
  • Weak muscles [1]
  • Sore or tender muscles [1]
  • Pain is described as aching, throbbing, tight, or stiff [1]
  • Reduced range of motion in affected muscle [1]
  • Fatigue [1]
  • Headaches [1]

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Causes and Risks

Trigger points develop due to muscle overuse, injury or psychological stress. Repeated movements associated with your job, workouts or hobbies contribute to the development of trigger points and myofascial pain.[5]

Experts don’t understand what makes some more prone to experiencing MPS, but here are some contributing factors:

  • Poor posture [5]
  • Nutritional deficiency [5]
  • Sedentary lifestyles [5]
  • Musculoskeletal injuries [5]
  • Hormonal changes (menopause) [5]
  • Psychological factors (depression, anxiety and stress) [5]
  • Insomnia and fatigue [5]
  • Repetitive motions (like hammering) [1]
  • Metabolic issues [1]
  • Exposure to cold temperatures [1]
  • Pinched Nerves [1]

Pain Management Treatments

The best way to manage myofascial pain is a multidisciplinary approach that combines different therapies for more effective relief. Self-care at home can include gentle stretching, applying heat or cold packs and using massage guns or foam rollers on sore spots. Practicing good posture and taking breaks from repetitive tasks can help prevent further strain. Avoiding inflammatory foods can help along with OTC pain relievers and NSAIDs.[1]

Complementary and alternative treatments can deliver benefits that work in conjunction with conventional pain management. You may use several therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, physical therapy and chiropractic care. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises and meditation can help relieve stress, tension and pain.[1] Your pain doctor may also recommend myofascial release therapy.[6]

Medication management for myofascial pain includes prescription oral and topical pain relievers, muscle relaxers and antidepressants.[7] Persistent pain also responds to trigger point injections, and in some cases, Botox may also be used.[7] For some myofascial pain patients, just inserting a needle (dry needling) into the know or trigger points relieves muscle tension.[7] Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to reduce muscle pain.

When to Consult a Myofascial Pain Specialist

If your muscle pain is severe, persistent or disrupting your life, it’s time to seek the professional care of a board-certified pain physician. Myofascial pain that doesn’t improve with home care like rest, massage, or heat and cold therapy usually benefits from a more targeted, comprehensive approach.

Pain specialists will fully evaluate your condition and medical history to develop a personalized pain care strategy. Pain management clinics offer trigger point injections, dry needling, physical therapy and other interventional treatments combined with stress management and lifestyle changes.

Myofascial pain doesn’t have to take over your life. A pain management specialist can help you achieve the relief you need and regain the quality of life you deserve.

Resources:

  1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treatment & Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published 2014. Accessed November 15, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12054-myofascial-pain-syndrome
  2. Chadwick AL. Myofascial Pain Syndrome. American Society of Anesthesiologists [Internet]. March 27, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2024. Available from: https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/pain-management/types-of-pain/myofascial-pain-syndrome/
  3. Newell T. Muscle Pain (Myofascial Pain Syndrome). WebMD [Internet]. Published January 22, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/myofascial-pain-syndrome
  4. Myofascial pain syndrome – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Published February 11, 2022. Accessed November 14, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myofascial-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20375444
  5. Osborn CO. What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome? Healthline [Internet]. Published August 22, 2017. Accessed November 14, 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/myofascial-pain
  6. Myofascial release therapy. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published August 15, 2022. Accessed November 14, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24011-myofascial-release-therapy
  7. Myofascial pain syndrome – Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Accessed November 14, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myofascial-pain-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375450
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