Risk Factors

Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by trigger points in your muscles. Factors that may increase your risk of muscle trigger points include:

• Muscle injury. Stress on your muscles can cause trigger points to form. For example, an injury in your muscle may cause trigger points. Repetitive stress also may increase your risk.
• Inactivity. If you've been unable to use a muscle, such as after surgery or after a stroke, you may experience trigger points in your muscle as you start to move it during your recovery.
• 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.
• Age. Myofascial pain syndrome is more likely in middle-aged adults. It's thought that younger people's muscles better cope with stress and strain, so they aren't as likely to experience myofascial pain syndrome.
• Sex. Women are more likely than men to experience myofascial pain syndrome. It isn't clear why.

2007-11-30

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