Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are often compared and confused. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common, painful muscle disorder caused by taut bands or “trigger points” in the muscles. These trigger points are tender areas in muscles causing local and referred muscle pain. They can create a “jump sign” or twitch response, which means an involuntary shortening of the band of muscle.
How does myofascial pain syndrome develop?
A common cause of pain, as in myofascial pain syndrome, as well as many other clinical syndromes, is rooted in muscle spasm. Muscles commonly contract to stabilize a joint when a ligament is lax or weakened. As a result, muscle spasm may cause ischemia, which is a decreased flow of blood and poor oxygen to tissues. This can stimulate pain receptors that are sensitive to chemicals. The blood vessels are compressed and blood flow is decreased with a muscle spasm, accompanied by a concurrent increase in the rate of metabolism in the muscle tissue. Trigger points can be caused by a number of factors, including sudden trauma, fatigue, repetitive motions and over-activity, nutritional deficiencies and nervous tension or stress. The most common cause, however, is chronic ligament laxity.
What are the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome?
Trigger points are usually classified as active or latent. Active triggers are constantly painful while latent ones are “silent” until examined. A local twitch response is created by both forms when examined medically and usually brings a loss of range of motion, weakness and decreased flexibility of the muscle to actively and passively stretch. Sometimes trigger points can set off secondary trigger points due to the increased stress on the affected groups of muscle.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome, but they do not address the root of the problem. By strengthening structural weaknesses in the body, as natural medicine treatments like Prolotherapy do, myofascial pain syndrome may be alleviated permanently.
Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat myofascial pain syndrome.
The treatment regimens suggested here are based on the experience of Caring Medical. They do not apply to every case or condition. A person using these recommendations without the aid of a personal physician does so at their own risk.
This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is essential to have your condition evaluated by your own personal physician.
For an appointment with Ross Hauser, M.D., please call 708-848-7789. or email us at scheduling@caringmedical.com.
