Chronic myofascial pain (CMP), also called myofascial pain
syndrome, is a painful condition affecting the muscles and the
sheath of the tissue --called the fascia --that
surround the muscles. CMP can involve a single muscle or a group of
muscles.
What are the symptoms of CMP?
The most notable feature of CMP is the presence of tender points
that are tender to the touch and create a twitch response leading
to pain. Trigger points are tender points that cause pain that can
be felt in another area of the body, called referred pain.
CMP is often described along with fibromyalgia; however, they
are different disorders. CMP is a neuromuscular disorder affecting
the muscles and fascia directly. Fibromyalgia is believed to stem
from a dysfunction of the chemical substances --such as
neurotransmitters and hormones --that transmit information
from tissue to tissue. Fibromyalgia can affect the body in many
ways, often causing a general aching, while CMP is related to
specific triggers points and is more localized.
Trigger points might be "active" or "latent." An active trigger
point is always sore and can prevent the full use of the muscle,
leading to weakness and decreased range of motion. A latent trigger
point does not cause pain during normal activities, but is tender
when touched and can be activated when the muscle is strained,
fatigued, or injured.
Other symptoms associated with CMP include a sensation of muscle
weakness, tingling, and stiffness. The pain associated with CMP
might also lead to problems sleeping.
What causes CMP?
No one is sure what causes CMP. Possible causes include mechanical
factors --such as having one leg longer then the other
--poor posture, stress, and overuse of muscles. Exercising or
performing work activities using poor techniques can also put
excessive strain on muscles, leading to CMP. In addition, anxiety
and depression can cause increased muscle tension, leading to
significant myofascial pain. Trigger points might be activated by
overwork, fatigue, direct trauma, and cold.
How common is CMP?
Pain originating in the muscles and fascia is very common. Nearly
everyone at some point suffers from this type of pain, known as
myalgia fascitis or myofascitis. CMP, however, involves pain that
is chronic, or long lasting, and is associated with specific
trigger points.
CMP most often occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 60
years. It affects men and women equally.
How is CMP diagnosed?
Your health care provider usually begins with a thorough physical
examination and medical history, including a review of symptoms.
The provider will likely perform a detailed exam of the affected
muscles, including strength and range of motion testing. He or she
will rub the suspected trigger points to see if the muscles
respond, or twitch, and cause pain in a predictable pattern or
specific region.