Findings from a recent study suggest that the chronic pain condition known as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) may be accompanied by biochemical indicators that could set the stage for further research and future treatment.

Myofascial trigger points (MTPs) are tender knots or nodules that can be felt in muscles, most commonly in the upper back and neck.  Tight bands of muscle thickening often can be felt along with the pain.  Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain condition diagnosed when MTPs occur on a daily basis. 

MPS affects up to 95% percent of people with chronic pain disorders.  In spite of the fact that these signs and symptoms have been researched for decades, MPS and MTPs have remained undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by many physicians.  Not routinely taught in medical schools, MPS is nevertheless well known to physiatrists (physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation), some neurologists, and certain other related specialties.  It’s also a common finding in specialty pain management centers.

The exact cause of the biochemical release is not known, but experts have suggested that the body may release certain chemicals (biochemicals) in response to decreased blood flow, whichalso results in decreased oxygen supply to the local area. It’s thought thatthis may trigger an MTP, possibly brought on by local injury, overuse of muscles, generalized fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress, exposure to cold, or inactivity, among other causes.

A study published in January of 2008 investigated the biochemicals present in the area of MTPs as well as in normal muscle tissue. Although the study involved a very small number of participants (9), results revealed that the subjects with active MTPs did have elevated levels of biochemicals associated with pain and inflammation in the area of the active MTP. There were no such findings in the subjects with latent MTPs or no MTPs.

Although limited in scope, this study sets the course for further research.  With proof of the presence of elevated biochemicals associated with pain and inflammation in the area of MTPs can come treatment that will get to the source of the pain.

For further information: "Biochemicals Associated With Pain and Inflammation are Elevated in Sites Near to and Remote From Active Myofascial Trigger Points,"  J. Shah, MD; J. Danoff, PhD;   Desai, MD, MJ; Parikh, BA, S; Nakamura, MD,LY; Phillips, PhD, TM; Gerber, MD, LH; Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jan 2008, vol. 89, no. 1.