Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder. It affects the muscles and the connective tissue (called the “fascia”) that surrounds them. With this syndrome, you may develop sensitive areas on your body called “trigger points.” When these places are pressed or stressed, you feel pain. This condition can affect muscles throughout your body.
Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not fully understood. It may be linked to overuse of your muscles. It may be linked to injury. It may be linked to stress, anxiety and depression, which can keep you from relaxing your muscles throughout the day.
It may also be linked to skeletal abnormalities, which can place stress on your muscles.
Symptoms
Symptoms include sensations of pain deep within one or more muscles. When you press an affected muscle, you may feel a tender knot. Your pain may linger for long periods of time. It may interfere with your sleeping, and it may cause other problems.
Treatment
Treatment options for myofascial pain syndrome include medications, physical therapy and massage therapy. The NeuroMedical Center’s Outpatient Therapy Department offers a therapy known as trigger point dry needling that can release tension in trigger points.
