Myofascial pain

Myofascial pain occurs when predisposing factors combine with provoking ones. In the concepts of people uninitiated in anatomy, the entire muscle layer is represented only by muscles.

Many people do not even realize that there are also ligaments and fascia, which are also an integral part of the muscular skeleton. Muscle pain differs from fascial pain not only by the area of damage to different tissue systems, but also by the level of location. Thus, muscle pain is superficial, and myofascial pain is deep. Myofascial pain syndromes are also called inflammation of periarticular soft tissues.

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What causes myofascial pain?

Congenital or acquired disorders of the skeletal system, which may be: flat feet, pelvic deformities, a large difference in the length of the legs. In the presence of such disorders, there is a constant imbalance in the redistribution of the load on all muscle groups, giving an overload to individual groups or individual muscles. Being in constant overstrain, the muscles suffer from a lack of all the nutrients necessary for active life. As a result, pathological processes begin to develop that cause irritation of the nerve endings, which the muscles themselves, tendons, but most of all the fascia are rich in. Hence:

• severe pain syndrome;
• constant muscle fatigue as a result of poor posture or repetitive work activities that put stress on a certain muscle group;
• prolonged compression of muscles (for example, with medical splints if applied incorrectly during a bone fracture);
• colds and hypothermia;
• joint diseases;
• diseases of internal organs (peptic ulcer, myocardial infarction and angina pectoris, renal pathologies and gynecological problems);
• overweight;
• mental disorders caused by nervous exhaustion due to frequent stress or the presence of some mental illness. Any state of anxiety is accompanied by muscle tension. Long-term muscle tension, as already indicated above, leads to the development of a situation in which myofascial pain appears.

It is worth noting some predisposing factors that allow us to predict the occurrence of problems with the human musculoskeletal system. These include:

• underdeveloped (untrained) muscles
• weakened immunity
• lack of vitamins (long-term vitamin deficiency) and essential microelements in the body
• thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism

Diagnosis of myofascial pain

To make an accurate diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome, the doctor must analyze many facts, superimpose the results of the patient's survey on the data of instrumental and laboratory examinations. During the initial examination, the doctor must note the following data:

• Is there a connection between pain and muscle tension during physical activity - myofascial pain tends to increase during muscle tension, exposure to low temperatures, and subside in a resting position, as well as under the influence of heat;
• whether the spasmodic area of the muscle is palpated, resembling a dense cord, causing an increase in pain at the moment of its palpation. This is an indicator of the fascial nature of the pain;
• Is the pain reflected at the moment of palpation of the spasmodic area of the muscle in areas sufficiently distant from the sore spot;
• the presence of highly sensitive zones (point pain) when palpated. Such painful points are called trigger points. When pressing on the trigger point of the spasmodic cord, the pain increases many times over. This is also very indicative and simplifies further diagnostics;
• Is it typical for pain to “retreat” with local action on the painful area of the muscle using specialized methods?
• the general psychological state of the patient, whether there are signs of depression or nervous tension, a feeling of fear, depression or, conversely, increased excitability, aggressiveness.

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Treatment Methods for Myofascial Pain

Myofascial pain can be treated with or without medication.

Actually, you need to start with a non-drug method.

• A person suffering from myofascial pain syndrome needs to master, with the help of a specialist, some techniques that allow for quick muscle relaxation.
• It is worth paying attention to the organization of your workspace - nothing should force you to violate correct posture or stay in the same position for a long time.
• Eliminate exposure to drafts completely.
• Avoid overexertion.
• Make it a habit to do morning exercises, do physical exercises during work breaks, for 10 minutes, every hour, visit a fitness center or gym at least once a week, preferably, at first, conduct classes with a personal trainer.
• Attending physiotherapy classes during an acute attack
• Conducting several courses of massage per year, aimed either at all muscle groups at once, or at individual muscles that are more susceptible to negative impact.
• If there are congenital disorders in the skeletal system, correction should begin in early childhood.

Drug treatment, especially during an acute attack, should begin with taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These may be diclofenac or ibuprofen, orthofen or naproxen.

Myofascial pain can be temporarily relieved by strong analgesics, such as tramadol. This drug is a synthetic opioid and is available to doctors, administered only as prescribed by a doctor in severe cases. At home, it is possible to use over-the-counter drugs that can relieve spasms, related to antispasmodics or simple painkillers - no-shpa, baralgin, lidocaine and others.

The use of muscle relaxants and antidepressants is indicated if there is a suspicion of a psychogenic nature of the pain. Local action on the muscle by applying medicinal ointments and gel preparations.

In each specific case, different combinations of drugs will be selected, in combination with non-drug treatment methods. For some, taking tablets will be enough, for others, intramuscular administration of drugs will be required. There is also a category of patients who, in order to stop a pain attack, have to inject the sore spot (subcutaneous and intramuscular administration of drugs) with painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. This method is called a blockade.

Prevention of myofascial pain

Already while reading the text, you can draw conclusions about how to protect yourself from the occurrence and development of myofascial pain. It is important to monitor your posture, observe the work and rest regime, avoid stressful situations and overwork. Pay more attention to the health of the body, work on strengthening the muscular-ligamentous apparatus. Saturate your diet with highly vitaminized food, do not abuse carbohydrates and calories. Give up bad habits and focus on strengthening the immune system.

People with congenital or acquired changes in the musculoskeletal system should take a particularly careful approach to training their bodies. They will need to make maximum efforts to achieve the set goals of combating overload and spasms of different muscle groups. Only willpower and a determination to win will be their most important incentive. Agree, a state of complete satisfaction with your own health is worth overcoming your laziness and fear of difficulties.

As can be seen from the material provided, myofascial pain is a rather serious problem and it needs to be solved in close cooperation with professionals, both in the field of medicine and in maintaining a healthy mind in a healthy body.