Myofascial Pain Syndrome Facts
Myofascial Pain Syndrome – There are more things that one should learn about the very complex condition causing Myofascial Pain. And so, here are some facts that people should know to better understand this medical condition.
- Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by trigger points in the musculature and associated fascia, causing pain in localized areas of the body and surrounding areas via referred pain.
- When the muscle’s myofascial trigger point is activated, the fibers of the muscle contract and create a taut band of tissue. This leads to soreness, aching or burning muscle pains. Such may take the form of referred pain, or the pain in a certain area other than where it originated.
- “Myofascial” is a word that originated from “myo” or the muscle tissue, and “fascia” which is the connective tissue in and surrounding the muscles.
- Women are more vulnerable to CMP. Other individuals susceptible to this condition are middle-aged adults, people who have suffered from injuries and those who are exposed and experiencing high stress levels. While the cause of this condition is still relatively unknown, it is believed that the factors contributing to myofascial pain includes injuries caused by repetitive movements, trauma, inactivity of the muscles, and prolonged poor posture.
- Treatment of myofascial pain revolves around focusing on the factors that contribute to the condition, the pain experienced by the patient, as well as the relief of the active myofascial trigger points.
- Trigger Point Pressure Release is a specialized practice that is meant to release myofascial trigger points. This is done by increasing pressure to soften knotty muscle tissues. Another treatment which is called “Spray and Stretch” involves the application of a cold spray, distracting the muscle long enough for a therapist to stretch this muscle. The injection of a local anesthetic or corticosteroid to the trigger point may also be used to relieve pain in the area so that the muscle can be stretched. In cases where a trigger point becomes released, the muscle must be stretched regularly and moved throughout its full range of motion.
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs as well as tricyclic antidepressants and muscle relaxants are said to give effective pain relief from myofascial pain.
- A person who suffers from myofascial pain should avoid unhealthy lifestyle and routing that contributes to their condition. By exercising regularly, minimizing stress, adopting a good posture, having adequate sleep, and having a healthy diet-particularly by ingesting soft foods, can help ensure optimal health conditions. These help minimize the chances of one contracting myofascial pain or worsen it.
- One may feel helpless with the pain and suffering that they have to go through because of myofascial pain. That is why good awareness about this condition and a strong support network are needed to help alleviate such feeling. The American Chronic Pain Association as well as other similar organizations can offer counseling, provide support groups and educate people with CMP and their loved ones about this condition.