Myofascial Pain Syndrome
MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic or recurrent pain condition involving the muscles and the surrounding fascia, often associated with painful myofascial trigger points. These areas may feel tight, tender or knotted and can produce pain locally or refer pain to another part of the body. It commonly affects the neck, shoulders, back, lower back, hips and limbs and may interfere with movement, sleep and daily activities.
Diagnosis,
Diagnosis is primarily based on a detailed history and physical examination.
The doctor assesses the location and pattern of pain, muscle tenderness, range of movement and the presence of characteristic painful areas or trigger points.
Imaging and laboratory tests are not usually required to diagnose myofascial pain but may be recommended when another underlying condition, such as a joint, spinal or neurological disorder, needs to be excluded.
Treatment,
Treatment is individualized according to the severity, duration and contributing factors. The main goals are to reduce pain, restore normal muscle function, improve mobility and prevent recurrence.
1. Activity Modification:
Temporarily reducing or modifying activities that aggravate pain while maintaining appropriate movement can help the muscles recover without prolonged inactivity.
2. Physiotherapy & Exercise:
Stretching, strengthening, posture correction, mobility exercises and other physiotherapy techniques can reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility and restore function.
3. Heat Therapy:
Heat can help relax tight muscles, improve local comfort and reduce stiffness.
4. Medications:
Depending on the patient's condition, pain-relieving medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines or selected muscle-relaxing medications may be used for short-term symptom control.
5. Trigger Point Injections:
In selected patients, medication may be injected directly into painful myofascial trigger points to reduce localized pain and muscle spasm and facilitate rehabilitation.
6. Dry Needling:
A fine needle is inserted into selected trigger points to help reduce abnormal muscle tension and pain. It may be used as part of a broader physiotherapy or rehabilitation program.
7. Other Targeted Interventions:
Patients with persistent or complex myofascial pain may require further evaluation to identify an underlying spinal, joint or nerve-related source of pain and guide appropriate treatment.
At AREVA
At AREVA, we evaluate the underlying cause and pattern of myofascial pain before developing a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may combine physiotherapy, exercise and rehabilitation, medication, trigger-point interventions and other targeted image-guided pain procedures to reduce pain and restore function.