Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain, also known as chronic soft tissue, is a significant health problem. The difficulty in understanding the underlying mechanism is exacerbated by the fact that it is highly prevalent among many people. Great research details that myofascial pain remarkably affects about 85% of the general population during their lifetime, while the overall prevalence stands at 46%. 

Having said that, here is a brief elucidation of all you need to know about myofascial pain.

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

This is a condition that typically occurs when pressure is applied on sensitive parts in your muscles(trigger points), resulting in pain in the muscles and other parts of your body.

What Causes Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Repetitive muscle contraction due to repetitive motions while at work or due to stress-related muscle tension leads to pain in the muscles. In such cases, the sensitive areas known as trigger points develop in your muscles after injuries or due to muscle tightness. As a result, the muscle’s trigger points cause you to experience pain and strain throughout the muscle.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

The following are some symptoms you may experience:

• Persistent pain
• Sleeping difficulties which arise due to persistent pain
• Deep aching pain in the muscle

What are the Risk Factors?

Apparently, the risk factors that contribute to myofascial pain syndrome revolve around those activities which set off trigger points in your muscles, therefore, causing muscle pain. They include:

Muscle injury: If you have a muscle injury, then you might find yourself experiencing myofascial pain syndrome. This is because the injury may lead to the development of trigger points, thus resulting in pain. Also, poor posture and repetitive motion may increase your risk.

Stress and Anxiety: Trigger points are highly likely to develop in the muscles of people experiencing stress. This argument is supported by the theory that most people who experience stress tend to clench their fists, therefore applying pressure on their muscles, which leads to the development of trigger points.

What Complications arise From Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Problems while sleeping: Constant movement at night while sleeping may cause you to hit trigger points. Ultimately, this leads to pain in the muscles; therefore, you may find it hard to sleep at night.

Fibromyalgia: This denotes a chronic pain condition that is characterized by widespread pain. In such a case, chronic pain arises due to the brain being sensitive to pain signals.

Muscle weakness: this can occur due to inactivity of the muscles.

What are the Treatment Options?

There are some effective treatments for myofascial pain which are meant to reduce the pain and also prevent the development of trigger points on the muscles. They include:

• Injection/ Dry needling
• Massaging
• Electrical stimulation
• Acupuncture
• Medications
• Physical therapy

Consult a Physician

If you end up experiencing constant pain in your muscles, then it is imperative to seek help from a doctor. This may arise in cases where you have undertaken several pain management strategies, but the pain persists. 

Myofascial pain can affect your daily routine. Contact us today to help you manage chronic pain in your muscles.