Myofascial pain syndrome
Chronic pain syndrome involving myofascial trigger points.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), also called chronic myofascial pain (CMP), involves ongoing pain tied to multiple myofascial trigger points—often called knots—and tightness in the fascia, the body’s connective tissue. This condition can affect any part of the body and is a frequent source of pain in the temporomandibular joint area.
A myofascial trigger point produces several distinct symptoms: tenderness at a specific spot, pain that reappears when that spot is pressed, a hardening of the muscle under pressure, a sense of weakness in the involved muscle, pain that spreads to other areas, and a reduced range of motion after sustained pressure on the trigger point.
The pain itself is usually steady, deep, and aching. Its intensity can vary from mild discomfort to severe, lightning-like pain, depending on the location and individual case. Knots may be visible or felt under the skin. This pain does not go away with basic self-care like ice, heat, or rest. Electromyography (EMG) has been used in some studies to detect abnormal motor neuron activity in the affected area, but it is not a standard diagnostic tool for MPS in routine clinical practice. During a physical exam, a doctor can often feel taut bands of contracted muscle and trigger points that are extremely tender to the touch.
The exact causes of MPS are not fully understood. One study has rejected the idea that trigger points themselves cause the syndrome, though it acknowledges the clinical phenomena exist and can be explained by known neurophysiological processes. Some systemic diseases, such as connective tissue disorders, can lead to MPS. Poor posture and emotional distress may also trigger or worsen the condition.
Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and, in some cases, sleep studies.
MPS is often confused with fibromyalgia because their symptoms overlap. However, fibromyalgia usually includes fatigue, depression, and cognitive problems. The pain in fibromyalgia is widespread, affecting both sides of the body above and below the waist, while MPS pain is limited to a specific region, like the jaw or shoulders. In MPS, trigger points feel like distinct, palpable nodules within the muscle; in fibromyalgia, the tender points are not distinguishable from the surrounding tissue. Distinguishing the two can be difficult because it is hard to reliably tell fibromyalgia trigger points from myofascial
- field
- Medicine
- also known as
- Chronic myofascial pain (CMP)
- primary symptom
- Chronic pain in myofascial trigger points
- common cause of
- Temporomandibular pain
- diagnosis based on
- Symptoms and possible sleep studies
Quick Facts
- Field
- Rheumatology
- Differential
- Giant cell arteritis, arthritis
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition marked by chronic pain arising from multiple myofascial trigger points, often described as knots, and fascial constrictions. The pain is typically steady, aching, and deep, ranging from mild to excruciating. Trigger points are exquisitely tender spots on taut bands of muscle, and symptoms include focal point tenderness, reproduction of pain upon palpation, hardening of the muscle, pseudo-weakness, referred pain, and limited range of motion after sustained pressure.
Reader's Guide
The cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not fully documented or understood. Muscle tension or spasms are believed to contribute, but emerging evidence suggests fascial tissue and its biomechanical and neurophysiological properties may also play a role. Some systemic diseases, such as connective tissue disease, can cause MPS, and poor posture or emotional disturbance may instigate or contribute to it. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and possible sleep studies. Treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, mouth guards, and occasionally benzodiazepine. Massage therapy, myofascial release, dry needling, posture evaluation, and gentle stretching are also used. The syndrome is commonly confused with fibromyalgia, but MPS pain affects a particular region, while fibromyalgia pain is generalized and bilateral.
Did You Know?
- The theory that myofascial pain syndrome is caused by trigger points has been refuted by at least one study.
- Symptoms of a myofascial trigger point include limited range of motion after sustained pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition in which multiple trigger points—often nicknamed 'knots'—form within muscle and the surrounding fascia, producing persistent discomfort that can appear in virtually any region of the body.
What are Myofascial Pain Syndrome's powers/role?
Its signature 'abilities' include sharp localized tenderness, a palpable hardening of the muscle when pressed, a spreading of pain to distant areas, and a noticeable weakening of the involved muscle. These hallmark effects are what make the condition so recognizable to both patients and clinicians.
How does Myofascial Pain Syndrome's story end?
Because it is classified as a chronic condition, there is no single definitive resolution; instead, the 'arc' centers on diagnosis through the characteristic symptom pattern and, when needed, sleep studies to exclude other causes. Management focuses on relieving the trigger points and reducing fascial tightness over time.
Why is Myofascial Pain Syndrome important?
It is one of the most frequent underlying causes of temporomandibular joint pain, making it a major contributor to jaw and facial discomfort. Its ability to strike any body region also means it is a widespread source of chronic, disabling pain for many people.
What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome's alias?
The condition is also commonly referred to as Chronic Myofascial Pain, abbreviated CMP. Both names describe the same ongoing trigger-point and fascial-tightness picture.
More in Chronic pain syndromes 1-19
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