Myofascial pain syndrome is a painful condition characterised by pain in any part of the body and painful muscle tension with localised hardening – trigger points. The source of this pain is the muscles and the fascia, the connective tissue that covers the muscles.

People with this kind of pain often consult a rheumatologist, neurologist or orthopaedic surgeon specialising in pain management. However, the diagnosis is often overlooked, because myofascial pain is a poorly understood phenomenon.

Trigger points, like myofascial pain, can be located in any muscle. Their occurrence does not depend on race or sex, but the risk of developing them increases with age.

The main way of classifying myofascial syndrome is by the location of the condition. Accordingly, it may be:

  • facial;
  • cervical;
  • dorsal (back);
  • pelvic;
  • thoracic;
  • abdominal.

The presence of trigger points is what myofascial syndromes in different parts of the body have in common. These tender areas cause the patient severe pain when pressed. In addition, the sense of muscle function is disturbed, and the pain is referred to other parts of the body. Another manifestation of the syndrome is muscle spasm.

The classic signs of myofascial pain are:

  • trigger points that produce referred (radiating) pain in a pattern characteristic of each muscle;
  • Stiffness and restricted movement in the part of the body where the myofascial pain has arisen;
  • muscle contractions, visible or palpable;
  • overloading of untrained muscles – this often happens when exercising outdoors;
  • sudden movements;
  • excessive physical exertion;
  • internal diseases such as hepatitis and pyelonephritis;
  • emotional stress.

Other causes of myofascial syndrome may include prolonged static muscle tension and repetitive movements, especially at low temperatures. These factors include frequent twisting and turning of the trunk, repetitive and strenuous physical work, long hours sitting at a desk and long drives.

Treating the pain syndrome

Myofascial syndrome requires comprehensive treatment. This includes both manual therapy and physiotherapy methods.

Medicines and treatment methods are selected by the doctors of the clinical team on a strictly individual basis. Therapeutic exercise, gymnastics and swimming, which relieve muscle pain, are also recommended.

Treatment aims to eliminate the cause of the hardening, relieve pain and increase the range of movement.

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain.
  • Medicines with local or systemic action are used.
  • Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle tension.
  • Where mental well-being is affected, antidepressants are prescribed for sleep disturbance.

Above all, avoid self-treatment and self-prescribed therapy, and consult a specialist about any form of treatment and physical exercise.