What is myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is a chronic muscular pain disorder in which sensitive trigger points of tight fibers form in your muscles. Pressure on these points can trigger referred pain in seemingly unrelated parts of your body
What are the symptoms of myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is ongoing or longer lasting muscle pain in areas such as the low back, neck, shoulders, and chest. The pain may become worse or activated when you press on a specific trigger point and the muscles themselves may feel swollen or hard. The pain can be aching, burning, stinging, or stabbing. There can be reduced range of motion in the affected area or a feeling of weakness
What causes myofascial pain?
It is unknown exactly what causes myofascial pain; however, it may start after a strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons
How is myofascial pain diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam will elicit different areas of pain when the provider presses on various areas of the body. There may be other tests performed to rule out other conditions which may cause pain in the same regions.
What are treatments available for myofascial pain?
Acupuncture, chiropractic care, neuropathic medications, pain psychology and coaching, physical therapy and exercise, TENS unit, relaxation techniques, lifestyle management, trigger point injections are possible treatments for myofascial pain. Typically the longer the pain has been ongoing, the longer it will take to reduce the symptoms.
