Symptoms Of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Tender Knots In Muscles

Myofascial trigger points are one of the most common causes of pain. Trigger points are areas of muscles that are tender to the touch and are characterized by taut muscle fibers and the generation of referred pain. There are two phases after the formation of a trigger point: active and latent. The active phase causes unrelenting pain typically described by sufferers as deep pain, dull ache, pressuring pain, or burning pain. A latent trigger point can be present for years after an apparent recovery from an injury. Although they aren't as tender, latent trigger points can restrict movement and cause muscle weakness in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

In most instances, the muscles in the human body make up roughly forty percent of a person’s total weight. This translates into a large amount of potentially active and latent trigger points, as well as a broad spectrum of possible locations where those triggers might result in a tender knot in muscles. An example is when your head hurts because of the application of pressure to the trapezius muscle near the apex of your shoulder. In addition to repetitive motion, poor posture can sometimes be a contributing factor to myofascial pain syndrome. Interestingly, while there are so many muscles in the body, there is no specific area of medical study devoted to specializing in muscle treatment.

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Persistent Pain

Persistent pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome is sometimes the result of one trigger point, but other times it is the result of many. The persistence of trigger points can lead to changes in the body resulting in the worsening pain (central sensitization) that spreads beyond the initial pressure point. Thus, an individual suffering from this chronic pain condition will experience more and more pain over time unless it is treated.

It is not entirely understood why pain in one part of one’s muscles is caused by pressure being applied in another. What is clear, however, is one of the characteristics of myofascial pain syndrome is unrelenting pain. When a patient has been experiencing this type of pain on an ongoing basis, they require special treatment to help mitigate symptoms. Living with consistent chronic pain is not merely a burden, it is an insurmountable obstacle that can create a major traffic jam on the highway of life. Fortunately, there is a roadmap available that can guide patients toward relief.

Keep reading for more information on symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome.