Myofascial Pain

Myofascial Pain Syndrome
What is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial is derived from the words “myo” which means muscle, and “fascia” which is the connective tissue that covers and intertwines with muscle. Myofascial pain is generated by hyperactive small areas of irritability in muscle or its associated fascia that are called myofascial trigger points. A trained examiner can usually feel these trigger points. The diagnosis is determined by physical examination, and not by medical tests such as X-ray, CT and MRI scans.

Muscles can cause many different pain conditions. Pulled or torn muscles can cause soreness, as well as pain that can be quite severe. Old injuries like recurrent back and shoulder problems seem to "act up" after certain physical activities. These various pain problems are often caused by muscles and the tissue called “fascia” that holds the muscles together. The pain caused by muscles and fascia is called “Myofascial pain.”

When muscles get injured, tiny knots form in the muscles and fascia. These knots are called “myofascial trigger points.” They are tiny powerful pain generators, that can cause sensations like numbness, tingling, burning, cramping, aching, and pain.
There are several common painful conditions that are now known to be caused by trigger points in muscle and fascia. These include back pain, plantar fasciitis, neck pain, TMJ syndrome, and various forms of headache. In addition, most of the pain we call fibromyalgia is actually myofascial pain. It is possible to have myofascial painwithout having fibromyalgia. I have never seen anyone with fibromyalgia symptoms who did not experience myofascial pain.

Each trigger point causes two pain patterns. One of these is right in the area of the knot, and the other may not be easy to figure out. Knots in the neck typically send pain and other symptoms to the head or down the arm. Those in the buttocks can send pain, burning, numbness, and tingling down the leg to the foot, or into the middle of the lower back. Diagrams of these referred pain patterns can be very helpful when trying to figure out where various pains come from. A good and easy to read reference is a book by Dr. Hal Blatman called: “Winners’ Guide to Pain Relief.”
Treatment of Myofascial Pain.

Myofascial pain treatment and fibromyalgia treatment have much in common. Indeed, the same nutrients and physical techniques are helpful for both conditions. The physical techniques are based on making these trigger points less active in producing pain. As the trigger points get smaller, they generate less pain. They also generate less burning, numbness, tingling, and aching.
Trigger points are made smaller by squishing them. There are tools and treatment techniques that make this easier such as injections, acupuncture, chiropractic, relaxation, and good nutrition. The book “Winners’ Guide” makes it easy to understand and figure out how to improve your fibromyalgia treatment and myofascial pain treatment

This article is written by Dr. Hal Blatman who owns and operates a successful pain clinic in the cincinnati, Ohio area. Dr. Blatman is also the current president of the American Holistic Medical Association. (AHMA)
Hal S. Blatman, M.D., D.A.A.P.M., A.B.H.M.
Office: 513-956-3200
Medical Director, Blatman Pain Clinic
President, American Holistic Medical Association
www.blatmanpainclinic.com