Myofascial Pain

What is myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain is a chronic pain condition that involves the connective tissue that covers your muscles, known as your fascia. 

Your fascia is the tissue that surrounds and contains your muscles and muscle tissue. It supports your muscles, provides shape, and separates and protects your muscles from other body structures.

When stressed, whether real or perceived, your fascial tissue thickens. Over time, the tissue becomes inflamed and painful and the muscles may develop knots, referred to as trigger points. 

What causes myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain often develops from injury or overuse. When your muscle is injured, it responds by contracting or tightening in an effort to protect itself and the underlying tissue. 

Repeated contractions compromises blood supply to your muscles, which prevents oxygen from reaching the area. The lack of blood and oxygen to your muscles results in myofascial pain. 

What are myofascial pain symptoms?

Myofascial pain most often causes muscle aches with trigger points (knots of muscle that cause radiating pain) or tender spots (knots of muscle that cause localized pain). 

You may notice that your pain worsens with activity or stress. In some cases, the pain is severe and affects your ability to get a good night’s rest.

If your trigger point is located near motor nerve points, you may experience referred pain (pain not at the site of your trigger point) due to the stimulation of the motor nerves. 

Your myofascial pain may also restrict muscle movement or function. Your myofascial pain may also lead to other health issues such as depression or fatigue.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact Interventional Spine Medicine to schedule an evaluation. The experienced pain management team diagnoses myofascial pain after a review of your symptoms and a physical exam. 

How is myofascial pain treated?

The pain management experts at Interventional Spine Medicine focus your myofascial pain treatment plan on techniques that relax your muscles, thereby stopping the contraction and pain. Your treatment plan may include:

• Trigger point injections
• Therapeutic massage
• Heat and/or ice therapy
• Acupuncture

No single treatment works for everyone suffering from myofascial pain, and the team works closely with you to find the treatment that provides the best relief.

For management of your myofascial pain from an experienced team that takes a comprehensive approach to care, call Interventional Spine Medicine.