Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is the medical term for muscle pain. It is a chronic disease that affects the connective tissue of muscles, called myofascia, and the pain may affect muscle groups or localized individual muscles.
This condition affects 30-85% of people with musculoskeletal pain. This condition is common in people between the ages of 27 and 50. Reading this article and becoming familiar with the symptoms will help you spot any early warning signs. In this article, Pembroke Pines’ trusted source for pain management sheds light on myofascial pain syndrome, providing answers to some of the most common questions about this chronic condition.
What is myofascia and how does myofascial pain syndrome develop?
Myofascia, or simply fascia, is like a thin membrane that covers muscle fibers. Although thin, it is dense, tough, and flexible. It provides shape and support to muscle tissue. The way myofascia works relies on muscles acting as shock absorbers, it is also important for posture and body balance.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition that usually occurs due to excessive tension in a muscle or muscle group. MPS may also be persisted by muscle fiber damage, lack of muscle activity, and structural and systemic factors, such as when a person has scoliosis, osteoarthritis, vitamin D deficiency, hypothyroidism, and iron deficiency.
What are the symptoms and effects of myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome often involves trigger points or areas of tenderness and sensitivity in the body. People feel these trigger points like “knots” in the body. These knots are actually tight and contracted muscles that may block the blood supply, so the person may feel a variety of pain.
These trigger points may be too painful to touch. The pain may also spread to other parts of the body. Here are some things to remember:
- Active trigger points often feel sore, tight, uncomfortable, and are likely to be associated with localized pain that may be exacerbated by continued activity. If a certain part of the body is overused, such as an athlete’s arm or a writer’s hand, it may develop into an active trigger point.
- Underlying trigger points or referred pain may cause muscle weakness and reduced range of motion in the affected body part. This occurs when an area of muscle becomes sensitive and sends pain signals to other parts of the body that may not be related to the painful area. One example is neck pain, which can cause weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Regardless of the type of trigger point, our Hollywood pain management experts warn that muscle pain can be devastating as it can lead to frequent headaches, neck pain, and lower back pain. Some people also experience symptoms when they are stressed and tired. In addition to physical pain, people with MPS may experience symptoms such as poor sleep quality, depression, and irritability.
Is myofascial pain syndrome permanent?
Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common chronic pain conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Unfortunately, for some patients, symptoms may persist for a long time.
These symptoms are most noticeable at the trigger points mentioned above. However, although myofascial pain syndrome tends to become chronic, it is not necessarily permanent. With timely and correct management, it can be treated. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you seek pain treatment in Aventura or the surrounding area to prevent symptoms from worsening or recurring.
How serious is myofascial pain syndrome?
From the name alone, myofascial pain syndrome sounds very serious and painful. However, if you’re wondering how bad the situation is or how bad it will get, the answer is that it depends on many factors. Additionally, pain levels vary from person to person.
In most cases, the pain and symptoms caused by myofascial pain syndrome are not as severe as those of fibromyalgia. MPS is characterized by localized pain and trigger points, whereas fibromyalgia affects wider areas of the body.
However, if a patient has trigger points that tend to cause moderate to severe pain and their symptoms worsen, they may experience very severe episodes of muscle pain that may prevent them from carrying out daily activities comfortably and normally.
What makes myofascial pain worse?
If left untreated for a long time, myofascial pain may worsen. Additionally, you may also experience more pain if the trigger point or affected muscle is strained or stretched. In addition, factors such as exposure to cold weather or temperatures, poor posture, lack of sleep, smoking, injury, etc. can also trigger and worsen MPS.
When should you see your doctor for pain management?
Some muscle pain is normal and caused by physical exertion. However, if muscle pain worsens and does not resolve for more than 3 months, consulting a pain management doctor is the best way to treat or manage the condition.
Treatment for MPS may include medications to reduce pain, as well as physical therapy to reduce pain episodes and relieve muscle tension. Myofascial pain syndrome can be prevented through gentle exercise, relaxation, and staying healthy by eating right, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress.
Learn more about our Florida pain experts
The choice of preventive or acute treatment needs to be customized to each person’s individual needs and to avoid side effects. Therefore, it is essential to consult our pain experts for proper diagnosis and treatment. Now is not the time to endure pain. Please consult our doctors at the following locations:
For more information about myofascial pain syndrome and pain management, please feel free to contact us.
We also offer telemedicine for pain management to virtually help patients suffering from pain. Our friendly and enthusiastic staff look forward to answering your questions.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
