Myofascial pain, also known as myofascial syndrome and myofascial pain syndrome, may occur in any of the skeletal muscles found in the human body. Although linked to fibromyalgia, myofascial pain is a localized pain event, as opposed to the overall, more generalized discomfort experienced by people living with fibromyalgia pain.
Occurring equally among men and women and in all age groups, myofascial pain is an extremely common condition, with some experts suggesting that nearly everyone will develop a trigger point at some point in their lives. Although not a life-threatening condition, myofascial syndrome can significantly affect the quality of life for those who experience its chronic pain, although generally not to the degree experienced by those with fibromyalgia.
What Triggers Myofascial Pain?
Literally, “trigger points” causes myofascial pain. These localized knots (technically, “contractures”) can be found in any skeletal muscle, and cause the myofascial pain symptoms of focused muscle pain, restrictions in range of motion, and visible local twitch response in the affected muscles.
Myofascial Syndrome Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of myofacial pain include:
• local or referred musculoskeletal pain
• muscle tightness
• muscle tenderness
• joint popping or clicking
• restricted movement, accompanied by stiffness
• local twitch response in the affected muscles (local twitch response refers to contractions of affected skeletal muscles in response to being touched or “snapped” by a doctor)
What Causes Myofascial Pain?
Some of the potential causes of myofascial syndrome include:
• sudden stress on a specific muscle
• discrepancy in the length of legs, or some other skeletal misalignment
• poor posture
• sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time
• nutritional deficiencies, specifically low levels of iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins C, B-1, B-6, and B-12
• chronic infections
• chronic lack of sufficient sleep
• depression
• hypothyroidism
• hyperuricemia
• hypoglycemia
Treatment Options for Myofascial Pain
Some of the approaches for treating myofacial syndrome include physical therapy (stretching and strengthening of target muscles, correction of postural factors that create trigger points); occupational therapy (checking out how ergonomically sound, for example, your workstation is); acupuncture; osteopathic manipulation; and medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) drugs used in conjunction with an exercise program.
