Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder characterized by tender areas in your muscles known as trigger points that cause muscle pain. The syndrome affects the fascia which is the connective tissue that covers your muscles.The muscle pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome goes beyond typical muscle tension pain that many people experience; with myofascial pain syndrome, the muscle pain persists much longer or worsens beyond normal muscle pain.Although the cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not completely understood, this condition often affects people after a muscle has been overused or contracted repetitively such as repetitive motions used at work or for hobbies. It may also be caused by stress-related muscle tension and may be linked to anxiety and depression. Stress, anxiety and depression can cause you to keep your muscles clenched all day without giving them a chance to relax. Myofascial pain syndrome may also result from an injury. The pain often worsens with activity or stress.
Myofascial pain syndrome includes symptoms beyond muscle pain and trigger points. Other symptoms include muscle tenderness, muscle spasms, localized pain, poor sleep, muscle fatigue and stiffness.There are treatment options for myofascial pain syndrome including physical therapy, trigger point injections, massage therapy and medication. If you are experiencing the symptoms described in detail below, especially persistent muscle pain that won’t go away, seek professional medical help to alleviate your pain.
