Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial Pain Syndrome can be characterized by extremely sensitive trigger points that can be anywhere on the body but are usually located in the back or neck. These trigger points can be caused by overwork, physical trauma, emotional distress or joint stress, among other things. Myofascial Pain Syndrome can be a very difficult disease to diagnose and treat because the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other syndromes and disorders.

Where Myofascial Pain Comes From

Fascia is the white, opaque material underneath the skin, which you can see sometimes on a chicken breast just beneath the skin. Fascia is under the skin almost everywhere in the body and is where Myofascial pain comes from. Fascia covers many parts of the body but there is no particular field of medicine that deals with fascia, making its treatment and diagnosis difficult.

There are two kinds of Myofascial trigger points, active and latent. An active trigger point causes pain and tenderness at rest or in motion. A latent trigger point isn't painful during day-to-day activities but is tender to the touch.

The most important part of treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome is being diagnosed. Those who have been diagnosed are a step ahead of those who suffer chronic pain but do not know where the pain comes from. Anyone experiencing chronic pain and/or sensitive trigger points would benefit from an examination to determine whether or not they have Myofascial Pain Syndrome.