Understanding Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Image source: spine-health.com

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the body’s musculoskeletal system, particularly the fascia, or the connective tissue that covers a single muscle or a muscle group. In MPS, the muscle areas affected, also called trigger points, causes pressure and pain on that site. However, it is also common for seemingly unrelated parts of the body to experience discomfort, also called referred pain.

MPS is different from muscle tension in that it persists for a long period, and can even worsen when left untreated.

The primary cause of MPS is the tightness of muscle fibers brought about by injuries to the muscle or excessive strain on the muscle or muscle group, ligament, or tendon. Even repetitive motions and lack of activity can cause the condition.

Other factors that contribute to the occurrence of MPS are stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The theory as to why this is so is that those who go through these states are more likely to repeatedly – and inadvertently – clench their muscles.

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There are various ways to treat MPS, including oral medication, physical or massage therapy, the “stretch and spray” technique (where the trigger point is applied with coolant and then slowly stretched), trigger point injections, or a combination of these treatments.

Interventional pain physician Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., uses a multidisciplinary approach of care when treating her patients who are suffering from back pain, neck pain, pelvic pain, myofascial pain, and other conditions. Click here for more articles about pain management or relief.