A Primer on Myofascial Pain Syndrome

by Kevin Smith Author

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) results in severe discomfort in certain body parts, such as the lower back, neck, knees, and elbows. This article summarizes everything you need to know about this musculoskeletal condition. Read on to learn about its causes and remedies.

Overview

MPS mostly only affects the sensitive areas of the body called "myofascial trigger points." In most cases, just touching them causes a lot of pain in the muscles and, sometimes, even in unrelated body parts.

Often, the discomfort goes away after a couple of days, but it's also possible for the aching to persist. If the latter happens, the patient should get medical attention immediately.

Common Causes

MPS usually occurs due to muscle overuse. So, athletes, construction workers, musicians, and other people who perform heavy and repetitive activities are often at risk of developing myofascial trigger points. Other causes of this condition include improper posture, nutritional deficiencies, inadequate exercise, lack of sleep, fatigue, and hormonal changes.

Diagnosis

A person who experiences chronic muscle aches should seek medical assistance. A doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the location of the myofascial trigger points. They'll apply pressure on certain parts of the body and ask the patient if the pain intensified or remained the same.

There's no other way to diagnose this condition, but an X-ray or CT scan can increase the accuracy of the tests. It's also crucial for the patient to inform the doctor about past surgeries or muscle injuries that could be the cause of MPS.

Treatment Procedures

Several medications can be a remedy for MPS. Doctors may recommend analgesics or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to temporarily relieve the pain. Muscle relaxants and anticonvulsants are also effective in reducing spasms and chronic aches.

Trigger point shots are also available. The doctor will inject numbing agents or steroids directly into the affected muscles to get rid of the pain.

Another treatment option is dry needling, which is considered to be the quickest way to make myofascial trigger points inactive. A needle will be inserted directly into the affected area to relax tense muscles. It's quite painful, but it's very effective. Some clinicians use acupuncture pins to reduce the discomfort during the procedure.

Ultrasound therapy can also be used to reduce MPS symptoms. This procedure involves exposing the myofascial trigger points to tiny and rapid vibrations. The waves will heat up and relax the muscles, and the pain will go away.

All of these treatment procedures should be coupled with physical therapy. Patients can get in touch with professionals who graduated from a massage school in Baltimore, MD, to ask for their services.