Myofascial pain syndrome (MPA) develops by any of the following causes in the lists below. Should you experience any of these symptoms or chronic issues, please see your doctor or healthcare provider. Based on our research, we have found the following causes or potential causes of myofascial pain:
- Overuse of muscle
- Trauma/injury
- Psychological/emotional stressors
Further potential factors may also include but are not limited to:
- Bad posture
- Small lesions
- Soft tissue tension
- Rheumatic arthritis
- Gout
- Thyroid problems
- Psoriasis
Sometimes, it is clear how overuse of the muscle could result in myofascial pain syndrome in certain athletes, like a shortstop in baseball. This condition would probably develop in their shoulders over time.
Unfortunately, I am that athlete and have personal experience in this area. Currently, experiencing myofascial pain throughout my whole body in my shoulders, lower back, mid-back, neck, knees, and upper thighs. A lot of times, nerve pain will shoot from my lower back, down my legs, that hurts so much, it literally debilitates me.
While I have worked for many years in physical therapy, have sought treatments through acupuncture and chiropractic care, I have finally surrendered and conceited to my physician’s advice and started utilizing the medicinal benefits of gabapentin.
Now, each month, I get gabapentin online. For reference, gabapentin is generally utilized alongside other drugs to prevent and manage seizures. Moreover, it is employed to alleviate neuralgia or nerve pain following the occurrence of shingles in adults or those like myself with myofascial pain. Gabapentin is categorized as an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medication.
(Always remember information within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological support. Seek appropriate advice from a healthcare professional should you feel it necessary.)
What causes myofascial pain syndrome?
We listed the causes and conditions above. Let’s dive a little deeper into some more. Take, for example, overuse of muscles. It is the most widespread cause of myofascial pain syndrome with repetitive, heavy, or excessive muscle use, which ultimately leads to micro-tears in the muscle fibers, causing pain and tightness. Again, this is especially true for athletes like me, who put a lot of strain on their muscles.
Trauma/injury to the muscle can also cause myofascial pain syndrome. Let’s again consider the baseball shortstop. We shortstops are known for utilizing our whole body to stop the ball, which, a lot of times, results in injuries caused by blunt force – such as getting hit by the ball.
Psychological stress with depression or anxiety may be a significant factor that adds to muscle tension, thus leading to myofascial pain. For instance, what about those sufferers with psychological stress; if their mind is in a constant fight or flight mode, then the muscles of the body will match what their mind is doing.
In other words, psychological stress contributes to myofascial pain syndrome should a person feel anxious or overwhelmed and start to tense the muscles, which leads to myofascial pain. Additionally, if we consistently feel stressed, our muscles could become tight and overworked, resulting in myofascial pain.
Lifestyle changes such as stress management, relaxation techniques, and regular sleep help reduce symptoms of myofascial pain. In some cases, psychotherapy might be recommended to help cope with the condition – I am proof that it works!
Bad posture is another potential cause, as it strains the muscles excessively, which could cause pain and tightness. Small lesions, such as a pinched nerve or inflammation, or soft tissue tension, such as scar tissue or adhesions, may lead to myofascial pain syndrome.
Rheumatic arthritis, gout, and thyroid problems could potentially be a factor in myofascial pain. Rheumatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and muscle pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe joint pain. Thyroid problems can also cause muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
How debilitating is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a common debilitating disease of the muscles and associated soft tissues. Pain radiates from one or more trigger points stimulated by pressure or by nothing at all.
When it happens seemingly without provocation, that’s when the sufferer can really feel defeated as healthcare pros may ask what’s going on and cannot put this type of pain into a diagnosis.
The severity of myofascial pain ranges from mild to severe, varying in intensity, with some cases where the pain can be so intense it interferes with the sufferer’s ability to perform daily tasks.
In the worst-case scenario, it can be debilitating and so severe that it can cause complete loss of mobility or even paralysis. This may be especially true if the trigger points are located in the spine or neck, and these folks may be unable to walk or even sit.
An unfortunate example, again, is me. The myofascial pain I was experiencing (before the gabapentin) was so severe it was debilitating. So much so that I had to use a walker, and I am only fifty years old! It was so intense that it hurt to sit, it hurt to stand, and it was excruciating when I tried to lie down. I could find no relief. Meditation helped some, but working on new thought patterns around the pain proved to be most beneficial.
Symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome include pain that’s described as deep aching, throbbing, tight, stiff, or vice-like. From my own experience, it has felt like someone is squeezing or compressing me. The trigger points or knots in the muscle that cause the most pain when touched sometimes hurt even when they’re not touched.
Other worst-case scenarios of myofascial pain syndrome can include:
- Complete loss of sensation in the affected area
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Pain that persists even after treatment
- Inability to perform regular activities
- Inability to participate in physical activities
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
Causes of myofascial pain
Various factors like overuse, trauma, and stress can cause myofascial pain syndrome. It can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and mobility. Seeking treatment options like medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes is crucial for managing the symptoms. Remember, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.