Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a condition that affects the muscles and the connective tissue that surround the muscles (fascia) causing pain and inflammation. It can involve a muscle group or a single muscle. The discomfort associated with this pain can be persistent and/or worsen.
Symptoms include the presence of tender points that are tender to the touch creating a twitch response thereby causing pain. Trigger points are sensitive points in your muscles. Trigger points cause pain in unrelated parts of your body which is called referred pain. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, tingling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Trigger points can be stimulated by overworking or fatiguing the muscles, direct trauma of the muscles and cold. The pain may cause you to have difficulty sleeping. It is not clear what causes Myofascial Pain Syndrome. However, possibilities include poor posture, stress and overuse of the muscles. Repetitive work activities and exercising may also put excessive strain on the muscles causing pain.
Once a diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome has been confirmed, treatment usually includes medications, trigger point injections and physical therapy. The physicians at AOK Spine and Pain will discuss your options and organize a treatment plan to help you find pain relief.