Myofascial Pain
THE CLINICAL SYNDROME
 If your pain doctor has diagnosed myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), this may occur alone or in conjunction with other syndromes. MPS is a disorder of the muscle in which there exists abnormal, sustained contraction of part of a muscle fibers. Muscle knots can form degenerative, hard, painful nodules called Trigger Points (TP). Unfortunately if left untreated, more Trigger Points can develop and spread to a wider area or extend to the other side of the body. This phenomenon is called Recruitment. Myofascial trigger points can cause severe debilitating pain in areas remote from the source. These pain referral patterns are very consistent. For example, pressure on a TP in the low back can radiate to the lower buttocks. With pressure on the neck, pain can be felt down the arm or up in to the head.
Trigger Point Areas
Predisposing factors for MPS include stress, overexertion, advancing arthritis, spinal vertebral disorders, facet joint disease, sacro-iliitis and fibromyalgia. Regrettably, some patients may have undergone spinal surgery for myofascial pain with no pain relief established.
Pain treatment is directed at:
- Elimination of emotional stress with psychological consultation. Elimination of physical stress with strengthening exercises, stretching massages and aquatic therapy.
- Medications such as muscle relaxants may be used for short-term relief. Mineral supplements such as magnesium can be helpful. Compounded topical agents can promote blood flow to TP areas and was away tissue toxins.
- Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) may provide excellent long term relief of MPS and is a painless and cost-effective treatment of this condition.
- Treatment of underlying disease is important for complete resolution of the condition.
- Treatment of Myofascial trigger point by direct injection. The technique of trigger point injection is safe and easy to perform. A thin needle is used to enter the center of each TP. Injection with local anesthetic and steroid will relax the muscle, wash away toxins, break the cycle of pain and reset muscle to a normal level of function. Occasionally, botulinum toxin-A (botox) or ketorolac to buttress the efficacy of trigger point injections. Ask your pain doctor for details.
- Nutritional Supplementation coupled with a wellness product alternative may be helpful in treating this condition. Ask your doctor for a program.
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