Myofascial pain syndrome

src: i.ytimg.com

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), also known as chronic myofascial pain (CMP), is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain in multiple myofascial trigger points ("knots") and fascial (connective tissue) constrictions. It can appear in any body part.

Characteristic features of a myofascial trigger points include: focal point tenderness, reproduction of pain upon trigger point palpation, hardening of the muscle upon trigger point palpation, pseudo-weakness of the involved muscle, referred pain, and limited range of motion following approximately 5 seconds of sustained trigger point pressure.

Video Myofascial pain syndrome

Symptoms

Myofascial pain is pain in muscles or fascia (a type of connective tissue that surrounds muscles). It can occur in distinct, isolated areas of the body. Because any muscle or fascia in the body may be affected, this may cause a variety of localized symptoms.

Generally speaking, the muscular pain is steady, aching, and deep. Depending on the case and location the intensity can range from mild discomfort to excruciating and "lightning-like". LA SKIN'S DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA:

• Unilateral pain
• Muscle tenderness
• Clicking sound
• Limitations in jaw function.
• When related to night time Bruxism (i.e. jaw clenching or temporomandibular joint disorders) the sensation that teeth 'levels' feel different. Tooth/jaw pain. Difficulty in biting down, chewing. Weight loss due to inability to eat normal foods
• Speech problems
• 'Lightning' like pain both upwards and downwards in jaw in multiple sites
• Referred pain (nerve pain) from the muscle actually affecting other non-related body areas

Knots may be visible or felt beneath the skin. The pain does not resolve on its own, even after typical first-aid self-care such as ice, heat, and rest.

Maps Myofascial pain syndrome

Causes

Usually chronic and flare ups can occur in the future. The causes of MPS are not fully documented or understood. At least one study rules out trigger points: "The theory of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) caused by trigger points (TrPs) ... has been refuted. This is not to deny the existence of the clinical phenomena themselves, for which scientifically sound and logically plausible explanations based on known neurophysiological phenomena can be advanced." Some systemic diseases, such as connective tissue disease, can cause MPS. Poor posture and emotional disturbance might also instigate or contribute to MPS.

src: i.ytimg.com

Diagnosis

For jaw/tooth pain - GP, though normally a Specialist or Specialist Dentist.

src: s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

Treatment

Massage therapy using trigger-point release techniques may be effective in short-term pain relief. Physical therapy involving gentle stretching and exercise is useful for recovering full range of motion and motor coordination. Once the trigger points are gone, muscle strengthening exercise can begin, supporting long-term health of the local muscle system.

Myofascial release, which involves gentle fascia manipulation and massage, may improve or remediate the condition.

A systematic review concluded that dry needling for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome in the lower back appeared to be a useful adjunct to standard therapies, but that clear recommendations could not be made because the published studies were small and of low quality.

Posture evaluation and ergonomics may provide significant relief in the early stages of treatment. Movement therapies such as Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method may also be helpful.

Gentle, sustained stretching exercises within a comfortable range of motion have been shown to decrease pain thresholds. Regular, non-intense activity is also encouraged.

Specifically, for night time 'dental clamping' or grinding/jaw issues - Firstly, use of a bespoke mouth guard and pain medication as agreed by GP/specialist. Usually Amitriptyline (nerve pain) for night time and suitable pain meds for the day (vary). Botox may also assist and Cerezen ear canal inserts. Both of the latter assist with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and associated MPS where initial treatments need to be bolstered

Relaxation techniques

src: i.ytimg.com

References

src: i.pinimg.com

Sources

• Starlanyl, Devin J.; Copeland, Mary Ellen (2001). Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. ISBN 978-1-57224-238-8. 

src: i.ytimg.com

External links

Source of the article : Wikipedia