Myofascial pain syndrome: What are the causes, diagnosis and treatment?

Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition characterized by the presence of trigger points, which are areas located in the muscles and connective tissues that are sensitive to touch and can cause referred pain to other parts of the body.


Causes:

The exact causes of myofascial pain syndrome are not always clear, but it is thought to include:

  • Muscle overload: Overuse or chronic tension in certain muscles can trigger the formation of trigger points.
  • Trauma or injuries: Previous injuries or trauma, such as car accidents or falls, can contribute to the development of trigger points.
  • Stress: Chronic stress and anxiety can increase muscle tension and trigger the appearance of trigger points.
  • Postural disorders: Maintaining poor posture for long periods of time can contribute to myofascial pain syndrome.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing myofascial pain syndrome involves several steps:

  • Medical history: The doctor collects information about the symptoms, duration of pain, triggers, and the patient's medical history.
  • Physical exam: During the exam, the doctor looks for trigger points in the muscles and performs sensitivity and mobility tests.
  • Palpation: The doctor uses palpation to identify trigger points and determine their location and sensitivity.
  • Exclusion of other conditions: Since the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome may overlap with other disorders, additional tests may be performed to rule out other causes of pain.

Treatment:

Treatment for myofascial pain syndrome can be multidisciplinary and will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:

  • Physical therapy: A physical therapist can develop a program of specific exercises, stretches, and relaxation techniques to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility.
  • Trigger point therapy: This may include myofascial release therapy and dry needling technique, in which needles are inserted into trigger points to relieve tension.
  • Medications: Pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help control pain.
  • Anesthetic and corticosteroid injections: In some cases, trigger point injections may be given to relieve pain.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy may be beneficial in addressing stress and anxiety that may be contributing to myofascial pain syndrome.

Treatment must be personalized and supervised by a health professional. Rehabilitation and relapse prevention are essential in the management of myofascial pain syndrome. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and the patient's individual response.