Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic and painful condition in which there is pain in muscle due to pressure on certain specific sensitive points. It can also lead to referred pain or pain in some other part of the body due to this problem. It can happen due to many reasons like overuse, repetitive stress and injury.
This pain is different from what we know as muscle pain in that it usually persists and worsens over time. The pain is very dull in nature with formation of palpable knots in the muscle. The patient usually finds it difficult to sleep because of pain.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
When our muscles become tight due any reason, some sensitive points develop in the muscle. These sensitive points are known as trigger points. They are very sensitive to pressure and can cause pain in whole of the muscle. When this pain persists for long time and worsens along with it, we call it as myofascial pain syndrome.
WHAT TO DO?
There can be multiple treatment options for this condition including medications and physiotherapy.
1. Medications: Medicines like pain relievers ( ibuprofen etc) can help in reducing the pain. These can also be used as patches on the skin. Also you can go for medications like antidepressants and sedatives as they help in relieving pain and improving sleep. Do not forget to consult your doctor before starting any medicine.
2. Physiotherapy: Below are some physiotherapeutic techniques that can help in myofascial pain syndrome.
- Stretching: Mild stretching exercises can help in easing out the pain due to tight musculature and trigger points.
- Postural Retraining: Improving your posture can help relieve myofascial pain, particularly in your neck. Strengthening exercises helps in avoiding overworking of one particular muscle.
- Massage: Deep friction massage can be used to release the trigger points thus treating the problem.
- Heat: Hot pack can be used to help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain.
- Ultrasound: The ultrasonic waves increase blood circulation and temperature that promotes healing in muscles affected by myofascial pain syndrome.
Need more advice or treatment? Many health care experts at Antarnaad are always here to help you out. Antarnaad is a growing network of experienced physiotherapists, dietitians, nutritionists, fitness trainers and Yoga experts providing treatment for all the conditions. For more information visit our website www.antarnaad.net or call our Consultant: Mb: 9899700187
