Myofascial pain, also known as MPS or CMP, is a painful syndrome characterized by chronic pain, caused primarily by pressure on specific sensitive points of the face, commonly known as trigger points. Pressure on these points causes not only facial pain, but also in apparently unrelated parts of the body. This kind of pain is known as referred pain.
As well as referred paint, pressuring a trigger point can cause oversensitivity in the pressure point, point palpitation, a very painful muscle hardening after pressuring the trigger point, weakness and limited motion range of the involved muscles. Myofascial pain can occur in different parts of a person's body and affect any muscle or group of muscles, causing a distinctive kind of pain in each. The intensity of the pain can go from slight discomfort to crippling pain, and it doesn't typically go away by itself even after applying ice, heat, cold packs or taking other similar measures.
Myofascial pain and fibromyalgia sometimes share common symptoms, like hyperirritability and pain, but they are two different conditions and, as such, are treated differently. It is possible, however, for someone to suffer from both myofascial pain and fibromyalgia at the same time. In fibromyalgia, chronic pain is constant and generalized. On the other hand, while myofascial pain affects many parts of the patient's body, it is still limited to the particular trigger points and spots where referred pain can be felt.
The exact causes of this pain are still not completely documented or understood. It is believed that poor posture, emotional disturbance, stress and back-related problems might also contribute to cause myofascial pain. According to Mayo Clinic specialists, it can also typically occur after a muscle or group of muscles has been contracted repetitively. This can be caused by repetitive motions used in specific activities, like some jobs or a hobby, or by muscle tension related directly or indirectly to a stressful situation.
Treatments
Pretty much everyone has experienced pain, but the distinctive discomfort of myofascial pain persists and/or worsens in a way no other kind of pain does. Treatment options for typically include physical therapy, trigger point injections and medication. Physical therapy involves gentle stretching and exercise, which is useful for recovering a full range of motion of the affected zones. This can cause long-term health of muscle or group of muscles suffering from pain.
Trigger Point Injections use local anesthetic, like Lidocaine. This treatment has been found effective by many patients, who have experienced longer-term relief after a few sessions.
Anti-depressants, anticonvulsants -like pregabalin, for example- and muscle relaxants such as Baclofen are listed among the various medications that are effective against myofascial pain.
Truth is, not much is known of understood about myofascial pain, so the effectiveness of each treatment will wildly vary. However, there is always hope and, as many patients have reported, real improvement is a true possibility.
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