Fibromyalgia (FM) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) are chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders. These conditions may present with similar symptoms and can easily be misdiagnosed.
According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal pain disorders affect 20-33% of the global population, and one in two adults in the United States has some form of musculoskeletal pain disorder. It can be said that chronic musculoskeletal diseases are a scourge and challenge for doctors when the immediate symptoms look similar.
However, with proper and careful diagnosis at our pain clinic in Aventura, our trained doctors may be able to differentiate between the two conditions based on the patient’s physical examination and laboratory tests.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by persistent, widespread, or generalized pain and tenderness that lasts for more than 3 months. Pain occurs not only in the muscles (myalgia) but also in the joints (arthralgia).
Although there is no inflammation or redness, fibromyalgia discomfort seems to move from one part of the body to another. Pain may also accompany fatigue, headaches, poor sleep quality, cognitive problems, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Because of the wide range of symptoms of fibromyalgia, the American College of Rheumatology has developed diagnostic guidelines for this condition. It basically states that for a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder to be considered fibromyalgia, the pain should be:
- Widely distributed throughout the body
- Exist for at least 3 months
- Occurs at 11 of 18 tender points
Additionally, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as lupus, arthritis, or thyroid disease.
Diagnosing Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by tight muscles that feel like rope knots. The discomfort usually occurs in sensitive areas or trigger points of the muscles, rather than being widely distributed throughout the body like fibromyalgia. This is the main difference.
It’s worth noting, however, that trigger points will naturally produce some pain and tenderness due to the way the muscles work. If left unchecked or unchecked, the pain may develop into myofascial pain syndrome as the knot grows larger and deeper.
Symptoms of MPS may also cause poor sleep, fatigue, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. The problem may also worsen after physical activity or when the weather is too extreme.
Our doctors at Pembroke Pines Pain Management Center may perform a physical examination to determine whether muscle pain and tenderness are specific or localized, such as in the neck or shoulders. This is done by pressing on tender points to trigger muscle twitching.
However, sometimes doctors may need further testing to rule out other musculoskeletal disorders. As with fibromyalgia, there are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition. Doctors basically have to rely on your experience and your injury history.
There is no doubt that if diagnosed correctly, symptoms of MPS may resolve more quickly than those of FM. According to the American Chronic Pain Association, it takes five or more years to accurately diagnose fibromyalgia.
Learn more about Pain Care Specialists in Pembroke Pines and Aventura, FL
Pain Management and Aventura Pain Clinic in Pembroke Pines offer comprehensive interventional pain management services. Our pain specialists specialize in performing procedures such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma injections, epidural steroid injections and other innovative techniques to help relieve your pain and restore your quality of life.
Would you like to learn more about our pain clinics in Pembroke Pines and Aventura? Please feel free to contact us.
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. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
