Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
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Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a pain syndrome involving local and referred pain caused by an Active Trigger Point (TrP).
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An active TrP is an exquisitely tender nodule located within a taut muscle band. When the nodule is appropriately palpated, it reproduces the patient's pain complaint
How Important is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
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The available research shows that MPS is the primary diagnosis of 55%-74% of patients evaluated in regional pain centers (Fricton, et.al.,1985; Gerwin, 1995)
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A majority of these patients have been seeking help for their pain problems for years without any doctor giving them the diagnosis of MPS.
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MPS can be as severe as other severe pain disorders such as heart attack, broken bones, and renal colic(Skootsky, et.al.,1989.)
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Even when MPS is not a primary diagnosis, it is an accompanying phenomenon, often increasing the severity of pain originating from other pain disorders.
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Without appropriate diagnosis, patients have no hope of receiving appropriate care.
When a person experiences trauma or repetitive strain, muscles may heal normally in which case there is no chronic pain problem. But all too often, taut bands of muscle remain days, months, or even years after the original injury. Within these taut bands are tender nodules called Myofascial Trigger Points that cause local and/or referred pain.