Treatment for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
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The term Myofascial Pain syndrome means chronic pain which is due to fascial compression and squeezing. Fascia is actually the medical term used to call the connective tissues that cover different body structures like blood vessels, nerves and most especially, muscles. The fascia is mostly made up of bundles upon bundles of collagen fibers. Currently, the cause of this syndrome is still being studied by doctors and scientists all over the world. The underlying origin is yet to be discovered. Some doctors may say that other diseases like connective tissue diseases can cause Myofascial pain syndrome. There are also studies that have been done saying that emotional disturbance has a link in this syndrome. Having a poor posture may be a contributing factor to Myofascial pain syndrome but it does not necessarily cause the said disease. There are certain times when the muscles in the body specifically the skeletal muscles form muscle fibers or knots. These muscle knots are better termed as trigger points. These points are very sensitive and irritable and when compressed, can produce severe pain to the patient. These trigger points and fascial constrictions are the culprits of Myofascial pain syndrome.
A symptom of Myofascial pain syndrome includes steady pain, either isolated or referred. The term referred pain means that the pain that the patient is feeling is being felt or perceived at a different location aside from the origin of the pain itself. An example for this is the injury is at the lower back but the pain is felt not only in that area but is also radiating to the legs. The pain that this syndrome may cause could vary greatly. And since pain is not measured accurately, complete comparison may not be possible. Some people may just feel tingling, numbing or mild steady pain but other people with the same syndrome may feel deep, stabbing and excruciating pain causing severe discomfort. Extreme pain can instantaneously bring the person to disability and inability to perform. Those trigger points may also be palpable on the skin too. The problem with Myofascial pain syndrome is that the pain does not resolve overtime. Putting ice over the painful site, application of heat or even resting does not completely reduce the pain level either.
The best way to relieve the pain temporarily is through massage. Massage therapy will be able to utilize some techniques that will be able to release muscle knots. Once these trigger points disappear, the pain will subside. At that time, the patient will be able to participate in movement exercises for rehabilitation purposes. If we are dealing with the long term treatment for Myofascial pain syndrome, then the patient needs to undergo physical therapy. Therapy sessions will be able to help the person be able to achieve full range of motion again and it will help in coordination too. Strengthening of the muscles should also be the focus of the exercises. Different drugs can be administered to patients with Myofascial pain syndrome like muscle relaxants, calcium channel blockers and anti-depressants.
A symptom of Myofascial pain syndrome includes steady pain, either isolated or referred. The term referred pain means that the pain that the patient is feeling is being felt or perceived at a different location aside from the origin of the pain itself. An example for this is the injury is at the lower back but the pain is felt not only in that area but is also radiating to the legs. The pain that this syndrome may cause could vary greatly. And since pain is not measured accurately, complete comparison may not be possible. Some people may just feel tingling, numbing or mild steady pain but other people with the same syndrome may feel deep, stabbing and excruciating pain causing severe discomfort. Extreme pain can instantaneously bring the person to disability and inability to perform. Those trigger points may also be palpable on the skin too. The problem with Myofascial pain syndrome is that the pain does not resolve overtime. Putting ice over the painful site, application of heat or even resting does not completely reduce the pain level either.
The best way to relieve the pain temporarily is through massage. Massage therapy will be able to utilize some techniques that will be able to release muscle knots. Once these trigger points disappear, the pain will subside. At that time, the patient will be able to participate in movement exercises for rehabilitation purposes. If we are dealing with the long term treatment for Myofascial pain syndrome, then the patient needs to undergo physical therapy. Therapy sessions will be able to help the person be able to achieve full range of motion again and it will help in coordination too. Strengthening of the muscles should also be the focus of the exercises. Different drugs can be administered to patients with Myofascial pain syndrome like muscle relaxants, calcium channel blockers and anti-depressants.