Myofascial syndrome could be the cause of experiencing repetitive or chronic muscle contractures in various muscles, whether due to work-related postures, a hobby, sports, or stress itself.
It is characterized by the appearance of trigger points, which are very sensitive points in the muscle with continuous contracture of the muscle fibers, and when pressed, cause pain in that muscle and sometimes referred pain.
The pain from myofascial syndrome is so intense that it sometimes interrupts sleep, as we notice the contracted muscle when changing sleeping positions. Sometimes the area feels like it’s burning, or there’s a pins and needles sensation, and hardened areas, which are the muscle contraction knots, can be palpated.
What therapies are used for trigger points?
- heat, either direct or via radar or ultrasound
- massages to relax contractures
- stretching to help muscle fibers release contractures
- dry needling (an acupuncture needle is inserted to deactivate the trigger point)
- infiltrations with corticosteroids and local anesthetic
- infiltrations with botulinum toxin
What promotes the appearance of this syndrome?
Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension and prolong the presence of painful points. Therefore, the treatments and therapies we propose for trigger points must always be accompanied by relaxation techniques or stress coping techniques.
Besides trigger point treatment, what else should I consider?
If the contractures have been caused by poor posture or repetitive sports injuries, if we do not change certain habits, it is possible that we will not achieve complete healing or that it will take longer than usual for the trigger points to disappear.
For those who do not regularly exercise, it is a good time to start, as physical activity and exercises are the basis for improving muscle pain (broadly speaking, muscle work helps oxygenate tissues and promotes injury healing).
I frequently encounter patients in my practice who, when they have contractures, completely stop sports activity for fear of worsening the potential injury, when the most appropriate approach is to adapt the activity.
Before starting any type of sport, I recommend performing postural and functional training to exercise the muscles surrounding the affected area and relieve the contracted muscle.
Is myofascial syndrome related to fibromyalgia?
Some studies have indeed linked them, meaning people with fibromyalgia are more prone to developing myofascial syndrome, but they are not the same diagnosis. As we have mentioned, myofascial syndrome involves muscular trigger points and affects a specific muscle area, whereas fibromyalgia involves painful points throughout the body associated with generalized fatigue, stiffness and body pain, migraines, depression or anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ problems, tingling in hands and feet, and memory or concentration problems.
Patients with fibromyalgia can also occasionally suffer from myofascial syndrome, which should be treated and not attributed to or confused with their underlying diagnosis.
