Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that can causes patients discomfort and inflammation in the muscles and connective tissue in the body.
This pain disorder can affect one muscle or a group of muscles. The pain felt can be severe and worsen over a period of time. Pressure points in the body will cause referred pain or pain that occurs in parts of the body unrelated to the trigger point.
Myofascial pain syndrome can develop from an injury or repetitive contraction of a muscle. This can be referred to as repetitive motion which occurs during activities at work or engaging in a sports activity.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms a patient with this chronic disorder may experience are a tender knot in a muscle, increased difficulty getting a good night’s rest, persistent or worsening pain and a deep ache in the muscles. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, tingling, stiffness and decreased range of motion.
Available Treatments
Treatment for myofascial pain syndrome typically includes medications, trigger point injections or physical therapy.
- Medications- Usually over-the-counter pain relievers, sedatives or antidepressants are prescribed by doctors to help alleviate the pain associated with this disorder.
- Trigger point injections- Doctors will use acupuncture or injections with numbing medication or steroids to cease the chronic pain.
- Physical therapy- This type of therapy usually calls for stretching the muscles with certain exercises, massage therapy to release tension and deep heat therapy to reduce tension.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is time to make an appointment to see your doctor if your pain persists longer than a few days, you have tried to rest the muscle and you have applied hot and cold therapy. A doctor can find a regimen and treatment plan for you to follow to get you active and pain free.