Myofascial Pain Syndrome: How Do You Know If You Have It and What You Can Do about It
MPS Doesn’t Have to Rule Your Life
Do you experience chronic pain in your muscles or joints? Have you been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome? Everyone at some point in their life has probably suffered from myofascial pain.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic form of myofascial pain that affects the muscles and connective tissue in the body. It is caused by trigger points, which are hyper-irritable spots in the muscles that can cause pain and discomfort.
Fortunately, many treatments are available for myofascial pain syndrome, from physical therapy to medication and alternative therapies. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for myofascial pain syndrome, so you can get the relief you need and live a pain-free life.
Causes & Symptoms
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles and connective tissue in the body. It is caused by trigger points, which are hyper-irritable spots in the muscles that can cause pain and discomfort. Various factors, including repetitive motions, poor posture, and stress, can cause these trigger points.
The symptoms of MPS can vary depending on the location and severity of the trigger points. Common symptoms include:
Deep, aching pain in the affected muscle(s)
Stiffness and limited range of motion
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor to determine if you have myofascial pain syndrome.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing myofascial pain syndrome can be challenging, as no specific test can confirm the condition. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also use trigger point palpation to identify any areas of tenderness or pain. Sometimes, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out other conditions causing your symptoms.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome Vs. Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are chronic pain conditions that are often confused. While they share some common symptoms, such as muscle pain and stiffness, they are two different conditions.
Trigger points in the muscles characterize MPS, while fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Traditional Treatments
If you do have myofascial pain syndrome, there are many traditional treatments that could help, including medication and physical therapy.
Medications
Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with MPS. A healthcare provider may also prescribe muscle relaxants to help relieve muscle tension and spasms.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another standard treatment for myofascial pain syndrome. A physical therapist can work with you to develop a personalized exercise plan to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. They may also use techniques such as massage and stretching to help relieve pain and tension in the affected muscles.
Alternative Treatments
In addition to traditional treatments, several alternative therapies may help manage myofascial pain syndrome.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body. It effectively reduces pain and improves the range of motion in people with MPS.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can also be beneficial for people with myofascial pain syndrome. A massage therapist can use deep tissue massage and myofascial release techniques to help reduce tension and pain in the affected muscles.
Yoga
Yoga is another alternative therapy that may be helpful for people with MPS. Certain yoga poses can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are an effective treatment for people with myofascial pain syndrome. The therapy involves injecting a small amount of medication, such as a local anesthetic or corticosteroid, directly into the trigger point to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
While trigger point injections can effectively reduce pain, they should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Myofascial Pain Syndrome
You can also make several lifestyle changes to help manage myofascial pain syndrome. These include:
Improving your posture
Avoiding repetitive motions
Managing stress
Getting regular exercise
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Making these changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Prevention
While it may not be possible to prevent myofascial pain syndrome entirely, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. These include:
Maintaining good posture
Avoiding repetitive motions
Stretching regularly
Getting regular exercise
Managing stress
Taking these steps can help reduce your risk of developing MPS and other chronic pain conditions.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Myofascial pain syndrome can be challenging to manage, but it is possible to live a pain-free life with the proper treatment approach. Whether you opt for traditional treatments such as medication and physical therapy or alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage, many options are available to help relieve your symptoms.
It is also essential to make lifestyle changes, such as improving your posture and managing stress, to help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
If you are experiencing chronic pain or have been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome, contact us to see how we can help. We can develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and enables you to get back to living your life to the fullest.