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Eugene K. Wai MD, MSc, CIP, FRCSC, Associate Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cross Appointment to School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, FCFP, Clinical Associate Professor, Program Director, Family Medicine Chronic Pain Enhanced Skills R3, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.
Abstract
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by localized pain originating from myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) within the skeletal muscle of the spine and should be included in the differential diagnosis for non-surgical back pain. The etiology of MPS is multifactorial, involving trauma, repetitive strain, and postural dysfunction, leading to the formation of hyperirritable nodules that cause both local and referred pain. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, relying on the identification of MTrPs through physical examination. Treatment approaches include pharmacological interventions, manual therapies, and needling techniques. Evidence for long-term efficacy remains limited. Future research is essential to establish reliable diagnostic criteria and effective treatment modalities for MPS.
Key Words: Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Trigger Points, Diagnosis, Treatment, Chronic Pain, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Manual Therapy, Pharmacological Interventions.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by regional pain originating from hyperirritable spots located within taut bands of skeletal muscle and the sheaths of connective tissue, known as fascia, that surround them. Unlike other forms of pain, MPS is associated with specific trigger points within muscle tissue known as myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This condition is a significant and often overlooked cause of musculoskeletal pain, affecting a substantial portion of the population and presenting a complex challenge for both diagnosis and treatment.1,2
To review this condition, let’s consider a typical patient who may present to a family physician’s office.