Myofascial Pain Syndrome


Myofascial Pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of pain experienced by patients. Myofascial pain is the result of inflammation in the muscles and connective tissues that results in soft tissue pain.

What causes myofascial pain?


There is a vast array of causes for pain which include but are not limited to nerve injury, bone pain, central pain (pain from insult to the brain or spinal cord) and muscle pain. External factors such as overall body habitus and age related changes, poor postural mechanics, recent weight gain, poor sleep patterns or congenital malformation increase the risk and predisposition of forming trigger points. Poor form and posture has often been attributed as a major trigger to myofascial pain. Commonly, facet joint arthritis of the spine, which are weight bearing joints of the spine as well as nearby motor nerve irritation from the spinal cord may be the cause of adjacent muscle spasms and myofascial related pain. Joint inflammation in the hips, shoulder and sacroiliac joints can also cause myofascial pain in the muscles that are involved in joint motion.

What are the symptoms of myofascial pain?


  • Spots of extreme tenderness
  • Aching muscle pain

What treatments are available?