What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that affects the soft tissue, or fascia, which connects the muscles. Instead of causing direct pain, myofascial pain syndrome causes something called referred pain. Referred pain is when unrelated parts of the body become painful due to pressure on the sensitive points on the muscles. These sensitive points are also known as trigger points. In addition to pain in the muscle tissue, myofascial pain syndrome can cause the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Spasms
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stiffness
How is Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treated?
Most symptoms from myofascial pain syndrome can be treated using self-care techniques or gentle therapies such as massage therapy, heat therapy, and physical therapy. However, if these treatments are not able to produce the desired relief, patients may choose to pursue further treatment. At Alimran Medical Center, we often recommend
trigger point injections for myofascial pain syndrome. These injections force muscles in the body to relax, which can help relieve many of the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome. Trigger point injections can also provide short-term pain relief, as these injections include an anesthetic.
Chiropractic
Steroid injection
- Trigger point injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Transforaminal injections