Think of all the repetitive movements you make each day that you might not even be aware of — from typing on a keyboard to bending over to pounding nails into surfaces, if that’s your job.
Unfortunately, these repetitive motions, which cause muscles to repeatedly tense over a short time, can cause problems, including different types of chronic pain. One potential condition is myofascial pain syndrome, or MPS. This is when trigger points develop within the muscles and the thin covering that envelops them (called the fascia), causing intense, prolonged pain that simply doesn’t go away.
Other causes of myofascial pain are stress and inflammation, and, unfortunately, some people experience idiopathic MPS, which means that the cause isn’t known.
The Houston Neurological Institutes’s stellar team of providers delivers well-investigated, accurate MPS diagnoses and effective treatments that offer patients lasting relief. You can count on receiving prompt, expert care that’s always provided with warmth.
Myofascial pain can be severe and unrelenting. Symptoms include:
There are several factors that increase your risk for MPS, like pinched nerves, vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin D and folate), chronic infections, and having a metabolic or hormonal condition like thyroid disease or diabetic neuropathy.
You’re also more likely to be diagnosed if you have muscle weakness or something that causes a complete lack of muscle activity, such as wearing a cast.
Stress, which we mentioned earlier, is linked to MPS, as is spending lots of time in cold environments — either indoors or out. And a surprising cause is poor posture — and that’s something you have the power to change!
Our MSP patients often say that myofascial pain syndrome’s pain and discomfort can be unbearable, which is why we’re committed to treating you if you’re living with it.
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options if you’re struggling with MPS symptoms, so be proactive and contact Houston Neurological Institute so you can avoid worsening pain and discomfort as the condition progresses.
Getting a diagnosis is the first step, and your provider will manually evaluate you, but they may also use imaging tests or an electromyogram (EMG) with nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test.
Additionally, some research has found that MPS can lead to fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. This is yet another reason to get medical help for your symptoms sooner rather than later.
Your Houston Neurological Institute provider may recommend a combination of management approaches and treatments, including:
There are also lifestyle changes you can enact to ease your symptoms, which all address inflammation, including upping your physical exercise with routines that maintain your muscle mass, adopting the Mediterranean diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, and whole grains), getting enough vitamin D, and making sure you get sufficient high-quality sleep.
Also, be posture-aware. Sitting up, standing straight, and setting up your work area so it’s ergonomically well-designed are all important. This eliminates strain when typing, looking at your screen, or using your phone.
Finally, strive to manage your stress well. Everyone faces stress, but yoga, meditation, enjoying your favorite hobbies, and connecting with friends and loved ones go a long way toward minimizing it.
You don’t have to go another day enduring MPS pain. Call our Perland or Pasadena office to schedule an appointment to get relief, or book one online.
