Myofascial pain syndrome: causes, symptoms, and how to treat it & bull; hello healthy

Myofascial pain syndrome or myofascial pain is a chronic pain disorder that affects the joints and muscles (musculoskeletal). Myofascial pain syndrome usually occurs when muscles wear out after repeated use, for example when exercising or operating heavy machinery.

Signs and symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome

Symptoms that may occur in myofascial syndrome include:

• Muscle pain that gets worse over time.
• If the sore muscles are pressed, the pain can spread to other parts of the body.
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain
• Muscle weakness and stiffness
• Limited motion

What causes myofascial pain syndrome?

In people who have myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), the pain point is typically centered within the fascia, the thin sheath-shaped tissue covering the muscles. When this area is pressed, pain can be felt in other areas of the body.

This pain can continue and get worse. There are several factors that can increase your risk of muscle pain, including:

Muscle injury

Acute muscle injury or continued muscle pressure can cause pain that feels radiating. Repetitive movements and poor posture can also increase your risk.

Stress and anxiety

People who experience frequent stress and anxiety may be more likely to increase trigger points in the muscles. One theory supporting this is that people may tend to clench their muscles, and this is a form of repetitive tension that makes muscles vulnerable to trigger points.

Another factor

Other factors that can increase the risk include malnutrition, lack of exercise, fatigue, hormonal changes (menopause), obesity, and smoking. In addition, too often being in a cold room such as sleeping in an air-conditioned room can also increase the risk.

How is myofascial pain syndrome diagnosed?

In diagnosing this condition, the doctor will look for points that trigger muscle pain. The doctor will look for soft nodules that trigger pain when pressed. There are two types of trigger points, namely:

• An active trigger point, which can be a soft nodule in the affected muscle that triggers pain and twitching when pressed
• Latent trigger points, these trigger points do not trigger pain when touched. This point may not cause pain in the long term, but can be triggered when there is stress or trauma.

What is the treatment for myofascial pain syndrome?

There are many ways to experience myofascial pain, including:

Drugs

• NSAID antinyerias, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
• Analgesics, eg lidocaine, diclofenac patch, tramadol, tropicetron.
• Muscle relaxants, such as benzodiazepines and tizanidine to reduce muscle spasms.
• Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin and pregabalin can reduce pain and reduce muscle spasms.
• Tricyclic antidepressants to treat chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain, which are conditions that mimic MPS.
• Botox injections

Therapy

There are many therapies that can be used to relieve pain due to myofascial pain syndrome, such as dry needling and massage therapy. Ultrasound therapy has been used successfully for MPS pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism).

Simple lifestyle changes

There are several steps you can take at home to reduce pain and improve your quality of life, namely:

• Choose a better office chair to improve your posture.
• Try adjusting the height of your computer so that it falls in your natural line of sight.
• Try a new mattress, or adjust your sleeping position.
• Practice yoga, pilates, or other stretching techniques.
• Use a personal massage or vibrating device.
• Start an exercise program and train your muscles to move every day.
• Reduce your stress level.
• Apply ice immediately after a muscle injury. Use a warm compress to treat muscle inflammation.
• Hot shower.
• and so forth.

Although almost everyone has experienced muscle pain. However, if the muscle pain does not go away or it hurts more, even after resting, massage or similar treatment. Contact your doctor immediately to get the right treatment.