Causes and Risk Factors of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
What Causes Myofascial Muscle Pain?
Similar to headaches, the exact cause of myofascial pain is unknown. However, some working theories might help explain myofascial pain symptoms. One underlying reason seems to be muscle injury or repetitive strain, activating myofascial trigger points. Another cause might also involve psychological stressors and physical strain because both can increase muscle tension along fibers referred to as the taut band. The taut band is a hardened, ropelike stretch of muscle fibers where triggers can present. Finally, myofascial pain might originate from postural stressors, such as poor body posture while sitting at a desk, for prolonged periods.
What Are Risk Factors for Developing Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
While no singular cause of myofascial pain has been determined, specific populations seem to have a higher risk:
- Women: Myofascial active trigger points are more likely to be active in women than in men; 55 percent of women have latent trigger points compared to just 45 percent of men.
- Middle-age adults: Chronic myofascial pain most frequently develops during middle age. At younger ages, it’s believed that muscles are better able to cope with the strain of stress and overuse.
- Injured: Acute injury, trauma, or illness increases the odds of developing or activating myofascial trigger points.
- Stressed: An individual may aggravate a myofascial trigger point as a result of mental stress or anxiety that leads to increased muscle tension.
- Inactive: A sedentary lifestyle or significant time spent in poor posture, such as at a desk, can weaken and strain muscles, making the occurrence of a myofascial trigger point more likely.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain
What are the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome?
The primary symptoms characterizing myofascial pain syndrome are:
- Limited range of motion due to tight, stiff, and aching muscles
- Weak muscles
- Local pain at a trigger point or referred pain
- Recurrent muscle pain and soreness
- Shoulder pain
- Muscle spasm
Secondary myofascial pain syndrome symptoms occur in patients affected by other health conditions. They can include general pain throughout the entire body, persistent exhaustion, stress, poor sleep quality or sleep disturbances, anxiousness, headaches, and depression.
How Do Specialists Diagnose Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
A clinical diagnosis of chronic myofascial pain means that myofascial trigger points are the primary source of pain symptoms. Unfortunately, myofascial pain can also mimic a variety of other conditions. A medical provider may mistakenly overlook a myofascial pain diagnosis if a patient is also suffering from another pain-causing condition.
Since the symptoms of myofascial pain concern a patient’s personal perception and experience of pain, diagnostic methods for myofascial pain syndrome specialists are often qualitative. Standard methods such as imaging technology, lab testing samples (of blood, urine, or biopsied tissue), and other physical examination variables don’t apply.
Our qualitative assessment starts with a clinical interview in which the patient answers questions about their symptoms and medical history. Then, we will conduct a physical exam, applying gentle pressure to trigger points and noting muscle spasms, how patients react, and where they report feeling pain. If the patient describes sensations of referred pain and regional pain when we apply gentle pressure to active trigger points, we can better determine if myofascial pain syndrome is the correct diagnosis.
