| Myofascial pain
is a chronic condition that
affects the fascia
(description below). Myofascial pain syndrome may involve
either a single muscle or a muscle group. In some cases,
the area where a person experiences the pain may not be where
source of the myofascial pain is located. Experts believe that
the actual site of the injury or the strain prompts the
development of a trigger point that, in turn, transfers your
pain to other areas of your body. This 'pain transfer' is known
as referred pain.
What Causes
Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain may develop
from a muscle injury or from excessive strain on a particular
muscle or muscle group, ligament or tendon. Some other reasons
for your pain may not even be near your area of pain. Some
of causes are:
- Injury to intervertebral
disc
- General fatigue
- Repetitive motions
- Medical conditions
(including heart attack, stomach irritation)
- Lack of activity (such as a
broken arm in a sling)
What Are Some of
the Symptoms of Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain symptoms
usually involve muscle pain with specific "trigger" or "tender"
points. Your pain can be made worse with activity or stress. In
addition to the local or regional pain associated with
myofascial pain syndrome, some people with the disorder also can
suffer from depression, fatigue and behavioral disturbances.
Talk with your doctor if you begin to notice these symptoms.
What Is Fascia?
Fascia is
essentially all of the connective tissue in the body.
It is a tough covering, much like a sausage
casing, that surrounds every muscle. It forms a vast supporting
network found throughout the body and is continuous from head to
toe. It is marked as the white in the picture shown to the
right.
Like a coiled telephone cord,
fascia holds imprints of our posture and old injuries. Thus, the
fascia dictates our shape and freedom of movement. All the
nerves and blood vessels run through the fascia. So, if the
connective tissue is tight, the associated tissues will have
poor nutrient exchange. This exacerbates any painful situation
because toxic metabolic waste products build up which will
further aggravate pain receptors. This creates a vicious cycle
by creating more muscle tension, leading to further thickening
and hardening of the fascia, which will further limit mobility.
Chronic pain due to Myofascial
Pain Syndrome can be reduced and controlled by various methods
that we use successfully.
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