Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic form of muscle pain that we see fairly often in our patients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. The pain of myofascial pain syndrome centers around sensitive points in your muscles called trigger points. The trigger points can be painful when touched. And the pain can spread throughout the affected muscle.

According to Dr. Bragg, our pain management doctor, nearly everyone experiences muscle pain from time to time that generally resolves in a few days. But people with myofascial pain syndrome have muscle pain that persists or worsens.

Myofascial Pain Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome may include:

  • Deep, aching pain in a muscle
  • Pain that persists or worsens
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Joint stiffness near the affected muscle
  • Area of tension in your muscle that may feel like a knot or tight spot and may be particularly sensitive to touch
  • Difficulty sleeping due to pain

Sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse. According to our physical therapists, these sensitive areas are called trigger points. A trigger point in a muscle can cause strain and pain throughout the muscle. When this pain persists and worsens, doctors call it myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by trigger points in your muscles.

Factors that may increase your risk of muscle trigger points include:

  • Muscle injury-Stress on your muscles can cause trigger points to form. For example, an injury in your muscle may cause trigger points. Repetitive stress also may increase your risk.
  • Inactivity-If you’ve been unable to use a muscle, such as after surgery or after a stroke, you may experience trigger points in your muscle as you start to move it during your recovery.
  • Stress and anxiety- People who frequently experience stress and anxiety may be more likely to develop trigger points in their muscles.

Read the article in Self Magazine, October 2002, page 189,   Don’t Let Stress Make You Sick! and see Dr. Bragg’s comments.

Treatments for Myofascial Pain

Make an appointment with Dr. Bragg if you experience muscle pain that doesn’t go away. Nearly everyone experiences muscle pain from time to time. But if the typical self-care measures you use in these situations, such as rest or massage, aren’t working, make an appointment with your doctor.

Treatment options include physical therapy, trigger point injections or medications.

If You Live in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Let Our Pain Management Doctor and Physical Therapists Help You to Relieve Your Pain without Surgery. Together We Strive to Knockout Pain®

Make an appointment to meet with Dr. Bragg to discuss how you may reduce your pain from Myofascial Pain.