Mysofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by muscle tightening, spasms, and the formation of trigger points (“muscle knots”). Fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue that surrounds each muscle in the body. This fascia can become inflamed and constrictive. In addition, the associated muscle can be tonically (“permanently”) contracted. When these things occur, a muscle knot can form. These trigger points typically cause significant pain that can radiate to other anatomic regions. Futhermore, they can severely limit function and range of motion.

When this type of problem occurs regularly in multiple areas and over the course of several months, it becomes a chronic condition known as myofascial pain syndrome.

There are two schools of thought in treating myofascial pain syndrome:

• Oftentimes, muscles and fascia become inflamed and reactive to other underlying problems (i.e. spinal arthritis) that can then lead to the formation of trigger points. If those underlying problems are treated, then the muscles and fascia can become less inflamed and reactive, which can then lead to release of the trigger points.
• In addition, these painful and restricting muscle knots can be treated directly through a unique trigger point treatment session created by the Centers for Pain Control.