Definition
Myofascial pain disorder is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain in multiple unrelated parts of the body. This pain syndrome usually occurs when a muscle has been contracted repeatedly. Repeated contractions can happen due to repetitive motions used in certain jobs and hobbies or because of a muscle tension connected with stressful situations. Almost every person has experienced muscle tension pain. However, the discomfort that myofascial pain syndrome brings is constant and gets worse. The treatments for myofascial pain syndrome are usually physical therapies, injections to the trigger points, as well as some medications and relaxation methods that can also help relieve the pain.
Symptoms
The symptoms are usually:
- Aching muscle pain
- Deep muscle pain
- Constant pain
- The pain becomes worse over time
- There is a tender knot in the aching muscle
- Sleeping problems because of the pain
A person should visit the doctor when the pain is constant and severe despite resting, massage and other self-care measures.
Causes
After injuries or muscle overuse, sensitive parts of tight muscle fibers can be formed in the muscles. These sensitive parts are called trigger points. These trigger points can cause severe muscle pain. The condition called myofascial pain syndrome appears when the pain becomes constant and worse.
Risk factors
Myofascial pain is caused by pressure that starts out the trigger points in the muscles. The factors that can make the risk of setting off the trigger points bigger are:
- Injury of the muscles-a continuous stress of the muscle or an acute injury to the muscle can bring to development of trigger points
- Repetitive motions as when doing a certain job or hobby
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Anxiety
Complications
Complications that can result from myofascial pain syndrome can be:
- Problematic sleeping-problems to find a comfortable position because of the pain and the possibility to hit a trigger point
- Fibromyalgia-chronic condition that promotes extensive pain widely spread through the body
Treatment
Treatments for myofascial pain syndrome can be medications, injections or physical therapy.
- Medications: pain relievers, antidepressants and sedatives
- Physical therapy: massage, stretching, muscle strengthening exercises, improving the posture, applying heat and ultrasound
- Injecting the trigger point
The following self-care methods can also help in relieving the pain as well as keeping up a healthy body:
- Gentle exercises and moving when the pain isn’t harsh
- Relaxing or meditating to reduce tension and stress
- Healthy diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables
- Get enough sleep and stay rested
