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Treatment for Myofascial Pain Dysfunction

What is myofascial pain dysfunction?

Myofascial pain dysfunction, also known as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), is essentially a mild way of describing muscle pain and inflammation of the body’s tissues. Myofascial pain dysfunction is a common condition characterised by severe pain in specific muscles in the body. Pea-sized knots, called trigger points in the body, usually cause this.

When pressure is applied to these points, it causes pain in another part of the body. This type of pain is called referred pain. Almost everyone experiences muscle pain at one time or another, but it typically resolves on its own after a few days or weeks. But when muscle pain persists, it is myofascial pain dysfunction.

Causes and risk factors

Trigger points typically occur at sensitive areas of tight muscle fibres due to injuries, overuse, or psychological stress. Some of the common causes of trigger points include lifting heavy objects, working on a computer all day, and strenuous physical activities.

Myofascial pain syndrome is usually caused by an event or stimulus that sets off the trigger points that have developed in your muscles. While no one single culprit can be blamed for setting off these trigger points, some contributing factors include:

  • Poor body posture
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Lack of adequate exercises
  • Injury to the muscles, bones or intervertebral disks
  • Fatigue and lack of sleep
  • Hormonal changes
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Weight gain
  • Smoking

Complications

There is evidence to show that various health complications may come up as a result of untreated myofascial dysfunction. These complications include:

  • Sleep difficulties
  • Fibromyalgia

Symptoms of myofascial pain dysfunction

Almost everyone has experienced muscle pains, but the discomfort associated with myofascial pain dysfunction is usually worse than normal. It is important to point out that the symptoms of this condition are similar to those of a secondary pain condition such as arthritis.

So how can you tell if you are suffering from myofascial pain dysfunction? Look out for the following signs and symptoms:

  • Deep, aching pain in localised areas of your muscle
  • Pain the worsens when the muscle is put under pressure
  • Tender knot in a muscle that pain elsewhere in the body
  • Weakened muscles and reduced range of motion
  • Difficulty sleeping due to pain

People with this condition also tend to suffer from depression and behavioural problems.

Diagnosing myofascial pain dysfunction

Because myofascial pain dysfunction is similar to other primary or secondary pain syndromes, there is no exact test to determine if you are suffering from myofascial dysfunction. However, your doctor can rely on your description to determine the severity of your pain condition.

Your doctor will also likely feel your muscles to identify trigger points. These points can be identified if you experience pain when pressure is applied to specific areas of your body.

Treating myofascial pain dysfunction

Ordinary muscle pains can be treated with over the counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. When it comes to myofascial dysfunction, however, extra efforts are required.

Some of the more popular ways of managing and treating myofascial pain dysfunction include:

  • Massage and physiotherapy: These include special exercise programmes and massages that will gently stretch the muscles without causing further pain.
  • Trigger point injections: Composed of local anaesthetic and steroids, trigger point injections can greatly reduce the pain and stiffness associated with myofascial dysfunction.
  • Dry needling, similar to acupuncture: Dry needling is similar to the acupuncture process, but involves smaller clinical needles. Evidence shows that inserting needles into the trigger points can provide relief from trigger point pains.

Getting help

Studies suggest that about half the population in the UK suffers from chronic pain. In this number, 3% are women suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, while 1% are men. This condition typically affects people between the ages of 35 and 55.

Myofascial pain syndrome can hamper productive activity if not treated. Therefore, if you suffer from chronic muscle pains, proper physiotherapy and osteopathy will help you discover the problem and provide a lasting solution. Contact us today on 0000000000 to get the help you need for your spinal condition.

Myofascial Pain Dysfunction FAQ’s

What is the difference between myofascial pain dysfunction and fibromyalgia?
Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia can be present at the same time, but they are not the same condition. While myofascial pain is characterised by pain set off by trigger points in your muscles, fibromyalgia is characterised by pain spread over a wide area of your body. However, myofascial pain dysfunction, if not treated, can lead to fibromyalgia.
Is myofascial pain dysfunction an autoimmune disease?
Myofascial pain dysfunction is caused by a number of reasons, but a primary cause could be infection brought on by other health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
The infected area of the muscles, if not treated on time, can cause muscle degeneration,
inflammation, and eventually, myofascial dysfunction.

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