Muscle pains are common and we all come to experience them every once in a while. It is known that running, swimming or exercising can make your muscles sore, and generally, the pain or discomfort fades away with time, but how far do we know about the myofascial muscle pain?. In fact, only a very few people are aware of the term itself.

What is myofascial muscle pain?

Myofascial pain is a chronic muscular pain disorder. Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that produces pain in apparently unrelated body areas when pressure is applied to sensitive spots in the muscles. The condition frequently occurs as a result of repetitive injury or muscle overuse. 

Despite the fact that almost everyone has experienced muscle tension pain, the pain, and discomfort associated with myofascial pain syndrome lingers or increases. Physical therapy and trigger point injections are two treatment possibilities. Pain relievers and relaxation techniques might also be beneficial.

Causes of myofascial muscle pain

Major causes of myofascial muscle pain include:

1. Muscle injury
2. Muscle strain
3. Living in a cold environment.
4. Lack of muscle activity
5. Pinched nerves
6. Emotional stress.
7. Vitamin deficiencies
8. Presence of infections.
9. Metabolic or hormonal conditions

And even emotional stresses can aggravate this condition of muscle pain. 

Symptoms 

Myofascial pain syndrome symptoms vary from person to person. Sometimes the pain comes on quickly and instantly, called “flare-up” of symptoms. At times, it’s a persistent, dull ache that persists in the background.

Symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome are:

• Deep aching, throbbing and stiff pain
• Muscles become tender or sore
• Weakness in the muscle
• Reduced mobility in the affected areas
• People with myofascial pain syndrome also often have other health problems, Commonly reported problems include:
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue 
  • Poor sleep
  • Stress, anxiety, depression

How common is myofascial muscle pain?

Myofascial discomfort affects around 85 percent of people at some point in their lives. Both men and women are equally impacted, with middle-aged inactive women being the most vulnerable. Myofascial pain is frequently misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or missed because it is concealed by another type of disease, such as:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain 
• Pelvic pain
• Limb pain
• Nerve pain syndrome

What is the best treatment for myofascial pain?

Medication, trigger point injections, or physical therapy are common treatments for myofascial pain syndrome. Although there is no compelling evidence to support the use of one therapy over another, exercise or physical therapy is seen as a crucial component of the treatment regimen. Consult your doctor about your treatment options and preferences. To get pain relief, you may need to use more than one method. 

Therapy programs can include,

1. Stretching

A physical therapist may guide you through gentle stretching exercises to help alleviate pain in the problematic muscle. When stretching, if you have trigger point pain, the physical therapist may apply a numbing medication to your skin.

2. Posture training

Improving your posture, particularly in your neck, can soothe myofascial pain. Exercises that develop the muscles surrounding your trigger point can assist you in avoiding overworking any one muscle.

3. Massage

To help ease your pain, a physical therapist may massage the concerned muscle. To relieve tension, the physical therapist may use lengthy hand massages along with your muscle or apply pressure to specific parts of your muscle.

4. Heat 

Whether from a hot pack or a hot shower, it can effectively ease muscle tension and pain.

Taking medications and needle procedures are also common treatment regimens for myofascial pain. Medications can go on like taking pain relievers, antidepressants, and sedatives

Try to diagnose and understand your pain. If it doesn’t go away by time or keeps getting worse it is advised that you take an appointment with your doctor.

For more help and support, contact us on 1800 889 2559.