Downtown Spine, Sports & Orthopedic Rehabilitation P.C.
65 Broadway / 47 Trinity Place, Suite 603 New York, NY 10006. (212) 422-1111
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Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS): An overview














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Downtown Spine, Sports & Orthopedic Rehabilitation P.C.

65 Broadway / 47 Trinity Place, Suite 603
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New York, NY 10006

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Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition wherein the fascia is affected brought about by the abnormal trauma on the muscles. The fascia is a connective tissue covering the muscles and joints. Tension, spasm and muscle fatigue are often the causes of pain and is usually affecting neck, shoulder and back. Limited jaw movement and teeth clenching are likewise related to this disorder. More so, it is capable of affecting any other muscle within the body and not only limited to the parts mentioned.

In diagnosing this disease, great care shall be applied as it imitates the symptoms of other disorder. Thorough physical examination and investigation shall be carried out. The defining characteristic of this disease is locating the possible trigger points. This is a distinct softness and sensitivity in a muscle that when touched will produce pain. There are several factors that aggravate the symptoms of this disorder such as sudden changes in weather, stress, fatigue and anxiety to muscle tightness causing the trigger points to be aggravated.

There a variety of causes of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

1. Skeletal and Muscle Damage: This cause varies from person to person and may not occur at the same time. Persons whose work and even daily routines require the use of strength would definitely make use of the muscles forcing it beyond its limits. It can lead to muscle fatigue causing some damage in certain areas that would soon develop into a trigger point. Skeletal problem is often a result of poor posture, irregular size of legs, feet and toes and can also be a factor leading to MPS development.  

2. Fibromyalgia Pain: Persons with fibromyalgia is more likely to experience myofascial pain too. Due to the severe pain caused by fibromyalgia, there is limited and controlled movement and proper posture is no longer observed thus, the possibility of developing trigger points is at high risk. This severe pain causes muscle contraction in the region of the tender points that can later on bring about trigger points to develop.

3. Depression Related to Fibromyalgia: About 30% of persons with fibromyalgia are suffering from depression causing a huge decrease of serotonin inside the brain, a neurotransmitter that regulates pain in the body. When this happens, depression has a tendency to obstruct the process of normalizing the pain thus, can cause myofascial pain syndrome.

Though MPS is not classified as fatal it can considerably put a significant effect in the daily life of persons suffering from this condition. Two helpful treatment modes are that of physical therapy and relaxation. These relieve muscle tightening to ease the pain in the trigger points. Therefore, adequate rest is still the best option to relieve the pain of MPS. Medication like Tylenol, sleep aids and NSAIDs can be of help also. To prevent teeth clenching especially during sleep, a mouth guard is recommended.

What is so interesting about myofascial pain syndrome is that patient’s having this disorder stop experiencing the symptoms in 2-3 years after they acquire it, even if they did not undergo any kind of medical treatment.
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