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Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Understanding Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Teaser: 

Eugene K. Wai MD, MSc, CIP, FRCSC, 1 Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, FCFP,2

1Associate Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cross Appointment to School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
2Clinical Associate Professor, Program Director, Family Medicine Chronic Pain Enhanced Skills R3, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.

CLINICAL TOOLS

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.

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Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is characterized by the presence of hyperirritable nodules, or myofascial trigger points, within taut bands of skeletal muscle, leading to localized and referred pain.
2. MPS can be caused by factors such as trauma, repetitive strain, poor posture, and muscle deconditioning, with theories suggesting muscle fiber energy crises or neurogenic inflammation as the main contributors.
3. The diagnosis of MPS is primarily clinical, relying on physical examination including palpable nodules, local twitch responses, and reproduction of the patient’s pain with trigger point palpation. There are no standard imaging or lab tests.
4. Treatment includes a combination of exercise, manual therapy, pharmacological interventions, trigger point injections and dry needling. Dry needling has shown the most promise.
5. There is no established Clinical Practice Guideline for MPS, and high-quality evidence supporting the long- term efficacy of current treatments is lacking. Further research into pathophysiology and treatment strategies is needed.
1. Trigger points are active or latent—active points cause spontaneous pain and limit muscle function, while latent points are asymptomatic until palpated.
2. MPS involves localized pain and trigger points; fibromyalgia presents with widespread pain and central sensitization. Conditions may coexist but require different management strategies.
3. A multimodal approach, combining dry needling with other physical therapies, yields better outcomes compared to single-modality treatments.
4. Opioids have limited evidence of efficacy and the potential to delay recovery. Use non-opioid and non-invasive interventions.
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Related Terms: Back Health, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Trigger Points, diagnosis, treatment, chronic pain, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Manual Therapy, pharmacological interventions