Understanding Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition involving painful areas within muscles and the connective tissue surrounding them. These sensitive areas can cause localized pain and may sometimes produce discomfort in another part of the body.
What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a musculoskeletal pain condition involving sensitive areas within muscles commonly referred to as trigger points.
These areas may feel tight or tender and can hurt when pressure is applied. In some cases, pressing on a trigger point may cause pain to be felt somewhere else in the body. This is known as referred pain.
Myofascial pain may develop after muscle injury, repetitive movements, overuse, or prolonged strain. When symptoms continue, they can interfere with movement, sleep, work, exercise, and everyday activities.
Pain Can Travel
A sensitive trigger point in one muscle can sometimes produce pain that is felt in a different area of the body.
What Is Fascia?
Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and many other structures throughout the body. Think of it as part of the supportive network that helps muscles and tissues work together as you move.
The term myofascial combines myo, meaning muscle, with fascia, the connective tissue associated with and surrounding the muscles.
How Can Myofascial Pain Develop?
Myofascial pain is often associated with repeated stress, overuse, muscle strain, or injury. Several factors may contribute to persistent muscle pain and sensitivity.
Muscle Stress
Repetitive movement, overuse, prolonged positioning, or an injury may place excessive stress on a muscle.
Muscle Tightness
Areas of the muscle may become tight, sensitive, or tender.
Trigger Points
Sensitive areas may develop within the muscle and become painful when touched or activated.
Persistent Pain
Pain and muscle guarding may interfere with normal movement and contribute to an ongoing cycle of discomfort.
What Does Myofascial Pain Feel Like?
Symptoms can vary depending on the muscles involved. Some patients experience a persistent deep ache, while others notice specific areas that are especially tender when touched.
A tight or tender area may sometimes feel like a knot within the muscle. Pressure on that area can reproduce the patient's familiar pain or cause discomfort in another location.
Persistent symptoms may also make certain movements uncomfortable and can contribute to reduced flexibility or range of motion.
What Are Myofascial Trigger Points?
Trigger points are sensitive areas within muscles that may contribute to pain. Understanding how the pain behaves can help your provider determine whether the muscles are contributing to your symptoms.
Localized Tenderness
A specific area of muscle may be unusually sensitive or painful when pressure is applied.
Referred Pain
Pressure on a sensitive area may reproduce discomfort somewhere other than the exact location being pressed.
Muscle Tightness
The affected muscle may feel tight or stiff and may not move as comfortably as it normally would.
Movement Changes
Persistent pain and muscle guarding can affect how you move and may place additional stress on surrounding tissues.
Is the Pain Really Coming From the Muscle?
Muscle pain can sometimes feel similar to pain coming from a spinal joint, disc, or nerve. A careful evaluation can help determine which structures may be contributing to your symptoms.
Detailed pain history
Physical examination
Evaluation of tender areas
Movement and range-of-motion testing
Evaluation for referred pain
Evaluation for other possible pain sources
Imaging or other diagnostic testing may sometimes be used to help evaluate other possible causes of persistent pain.
How Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treated?
Treatment is individualized based on the muscles involved, the severity and duration of your symptoms, and any underlying factors that may be contributing to the pain.
Physical Therapy
Stretching, strengthening, movement retraining, and other therapeutic techniques may help restore mobility and improve muscle function.
Medication
Appropriate medications may be recommended to help manage pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, or related symptoms.
Targeted Injections
In selected patients, targeted injections may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan for painful trigger points.
Relaxation & Movement
Techniques that reduce muscle tension, improve movement, and address contributing physical stress may be helpful for some patients.
Find the Source of Your Muscle Pain
Persistent muscle pain does not always have a simple cause. Utah Spine & Pain evaluates your symptoms, movement, muscles, and other possible pain sources to help determine what may be contributing to your discomfort and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Pain Doesn’t Have to Define Your Life
Move with greater freedom, get back to the things you love, and explore personalized treatment options designed to help you live life with less pain.
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