Myofascial Pain Q & A
What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a term used to describe chronic pain in your muscles and other soft tissues. The condition can cause pain in just one area of your body or be widespread. It’s even possible to feel pain in an area removed from the actual source of the discomfort, a situation known as referred pain.
Symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome include:
- Aching, deep muscle pain
- Pain that persists over time or worsens
- Sleep disruptions due to muscle pain
- Tender knots in your muscle tissue
Occasional muscle pain is usually nothing to be concerned about, but when pain persists over time you should come in for a thorough diagnostic exam.
What Causes Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome occurs when areas of your muscle fibers become tight and overly sensitive. These knots are called trigger points and they can easily become irritated.
These following conditions can cause trigger points to begin aching:
- Muscle injury
- Anxiety or stress
- Repetitive motions
- Certain medical conditions like stomach problems and a heart attack
- Injured intervertebral discs
- A period of immobility like using a sling for a broken arm
Don’t live with ongoing muscle pain when safe and effective treatments are available.
How is Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treated?
Of the many ways to address chronic muscle pain, medications can offer relief but carry a risk of side effects. Physical therapy can help loosen trigger points and improve your posture, which takes the pressure off your muscle tissues.
Ultrasound therapy can help improve circulation and deliver warmth to the painful area, which can speed your natural healing process. Dry needling techniques can help release trigger points and soothe tight knots of muscle tissue.
Trigger point injections can help by delivering a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid into the trigger point. This therapy inactivates the trigger point and brings swift pain relief. Multiple trigger points can be treated in just one brief session with your doctor.
To learn more about these and other treatments of myofascial pain syndrome, schedule a consultation today by calling our office.