What is myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is associated with the soft tissue or sheath called fascia that wraps around the muscles in your body. Physicians are learning more about fascia and how it relates to acute and chronic pain and how best to treat it. Myofascial pain syndrome is known as a musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain in the muscles and connective tissue. It is often described as trigger points or tender areas in the muscle that are painful when touched. Additionally, this condition may lead to referred pain, making diagnosing the disorder difficult.
How does myofascial pain develop?
Myofascial pain may develop from acute injuries, overuse, poor posture, or muscle trauma. It may develop slowly over time or appear suddenly after an injury like a pulled muscle. Myofascial pain syndrome most often affects middle-aged adults, likely because younger individuals have more muscle mass and can better handle stress and strain on their bodies. Additionally, working in a job or living a lifestyle that involves repetitive stress on the body like lifting, bending, twisting, or sitting at a computer, may lead to myofascial pain syndrome. And the longer you do these activities throughout life, the more likely you are to develop the disorder. That is why myofascial pain syndrome mostly occurs in middle-aged or older adults.
Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is reported to have the following symptoms:
- Pain that feels achy and deep within a muscle
- Pain that does not go away or worsens
- Tender knots or trigger points in a muscle
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain
- Increased pain when over doing it
How is myofascial pain treated?
Treating myofascial pain depends on the cause, location, and severity of your condition. Some cases may be managed at home with self-care, or by receiving therapeutic massages and undergoing physical therapy to strength muscles and increase mobility. However, when conservative treatments no longer provide relief, minimally invasive pain-relieving treatments are available at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP).
Depending on your condition and pain levels, you may benefit from a corticosteroid injection known as a trigger point injection that is delivered directly into the affected muscle. The injection may also include an anesthetic paired with botulinum toxin like Botox. The purpose of this treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and increase mobility. Known as trigger point injections, this pain relief therapy is non-invasive and little to no recovery. Many patients who receive trigger point injections experience reduced pain within 24 to 72 hours after their treatment. However, results may only last about a month. It is likely that you may also be advised to undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility so that when the medication wears off, your muscles better support your skeletal system, and be less likely to develop trigger points. You may also benefit from more than one round of trigger point injections.
Treating Myofascial Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN
Reclaim your health and your movement, pain-free, by choosing Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates. Learn more about trigger point injection therapy or schedule a consultation by calling (662) 284-8565.