Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) is a chronic pain disorder. It’s caused by tension in muscles, fatigue, or spasm in the masticatory muscles. Usually, it occurs in patients suffering from normal temporomandibular joints. Moreover, it’s more common among women than men. 
A patient experiencing Myofascial Pain mostly feels pain and tenderness in his/her right shoulder as well as neck region. These sensitive spots are known as trigger points. When pressure is applied to these points, severe pain arises.
In this article, we will highlight the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment procedures of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Read further to know more about this condition in detail.

Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction

A stimulus, such as muscle tightness, commonly causes Myofascial Pain Dysfunction. It can occur due to accidents or repetitive injuries happening on trigger points. These points can cause strain and severe strain throughout the muscles. Signs and symptoms of myofascial pain dysfunctions may include:

• Aching muscle pain
• Persistent pain on triggered points
• Tender knot in a muscle
• Difficulty in sleep due to excess pain
• Reduce range of motion in weak or stiff muscles
• Feeling severe pain when affected muscle is stretched or strained

Causes & Risk Factors

Muscle overuse, injury, muscle trauma, and psychological stress are among the main factors that cause myofascial pain. In some cases, trigger points can develop as a result of sustained repetitive tasks, like lifting heavy objects at work or working on the computer all day.
However, no single factor is responsible for causing myofascial pain. A combination  of two or more aspects may trigger the sensitive points:

• Sitting for long periods in a single position
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Lack of exercise or physical activity
• Poor body posture
• Lifestyle diseases
• Emotional & psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, etc.
• Obesity, smoking, or heart-related diseases
• Menopause or hormonal changes
• Repetitive injuries caused in the same troubled area.

Diagnosis

The doctor will examine you physically to look for myofascial trigger points. Your doctor will examine your taut bands of muscles to determine if there is a pain response. While pressing the trigger point, your doctor will look for a cramp in the muscle.
As there is no specific test that can examine MPS, doctors mainly rely on your explanation of the problem and how you are experiencing it. Hence, it’s crucial for you to describe everything you are feeling when pain arises, past injuries, or anything associated with severe muscle pain.
Following are some types of myofascial trigger points that your doctor may find while examining you:

• Active Trigger Points

These sensitive points are usually the nodules within the muscle’s taut band. These areas are tender and cause severe pain when touched. Basically, they are associated with acute muscle injury or continual muscle stress.

• Latent Trigger Points

These trigger points don’t cause pain when touched. They are usually unspotted for years but become active when you are emotionally or physically stressed. In most uncertain situations, they are caused by trauma or physical abuse.

• Secondary Trigger Points

These nodules get activated when you stress another muscle. In the gym or while forcefully lifting weights, these muscles get stressed, supporting the adjoining muscles. Usually, it takes a week or two to recover. However, it’s advisable to consult a doctor if the pain is persistent.

• Satellite Myofascial Points

These nodules are passive trigger points. It is a painful spot which becomes active because another trigger point is nearby. Anxiety, depression, or other social dilemmas can also activate these satellite myofascial points.

What is the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome?

Along with multi-pronged treatment plans, overcoming myofascial pain requires patience, a change in eating habits, and some modification in lifestyle habits.
Following are some treatment procedures for treating myofascial pain:

• Medications

Here are some over-the-counter (OTC) and doctor-prescribed medications that might ease the symptoms of MPS:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are commonly available OTC medications. These medical drugs can relieve pain and swelling.

• Muscle Relaxants

Benzodiazepines and tizanidine (Zanaflex) might reduce the effect of muscle spasms. However, it is strictly advisable to consult a doctor before taking these medications to avoid adverse effects.

• Botox Injections

A potent neurotoxin, Botulinum type A, prevents muscle contraction and might reduce muscle pain. However, you need a medical prescription to get it from the pharmacist.

• Dry Needling

Dry Needling is one of the most effective ways of relieving myofascial pain. Your doctor inserts a needle into your trigger points, moves it into a circular motion, and pokes it inside out. It might be painful at the start, but it effectively inactivates a trigger point and reduces pain.
Few clinicians make use of acupuncture needles. These needles are smaller in size and less painful than the hypodermic ones.

• Ultrasound Therapy

An ultrasound machine transmits sound waves through the skin through a sound-conducting gel. These sound waves relax muscles, improve the flow of blood, and remove scar tissue. At the same time, this treatment reduces stiffness in muscles and increases the mobility of the body.
Many doctors recommend ultrasound therapy to effectively reduce pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, which also triggers myofascial pain.

• Massage Therapy

Here are some basic massage techniques that can relax myofascial trigger points:

• Passive rhythmic release
• Acupressure
• Active rhythmic release
• Aromatherapy

If done correctly, massage helps increase blood flow, warm muscles, and reduce muscle stiffness. Simultaneously, it eases pain and overcomes physical as well as emotional stress. Usually, massage therapists use their thumbs to put pressure on your trigger points and release muscle tension.

To Conclude:

Myofascial pain can be a daunting condition to live with. You can successfully manage this condition and lead a healthy, pain-free life with proper medical attention and healthy lifestyle choices. 
To efficiently manage myofascial pain, it is best to visit your nearest doctor. The doctor will examine the area and offer the most effective treatment for the patient. For more information regarding Myofascial Pain Dysfunction treatment, connect with us today. We will be happy to assist you.
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FAQ

Q1: What is Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS)?
Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by the presence of trigger points in muscle and fascia, resulting in localized or referred pain, as well as muscle stiffness and restricted movement.

Q2: What causes Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome?
The exact cause of MPDS is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to muscle overuse, trauma, stress, poor posture, and even certain medical conditions. Trigger points can develop due to these factors, leading to the pain and dysfunction associated with MPDS.

Q3: What are trigger points?
Trigger points are hypersensitive areas within muscle fibers and fascia that can cause pain when pressed or stimulated. They often feel like knots and can refer pain to other areas of the body.

Q4: What are the common symptoms of MPDS?
The most common symptoms of MPDS include localized pain, referred pain, muscle stiffness, limited range of motion, and sometimes even muscle weakness. Headaches and jaw pain (temporomandibular joint disorder) can also be associated with MPDS.

Q5: What are the common symptoms of MPDS?
The most common symptoms of MPDS include localized pain, referred pain, muscle stiffness, limited range of motion, and sometimes even muscle weakness. Headaches and jaw pain (temporomandibular joint disorder) can also be associated with MPDS.

Q6: How is MPDS diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history review and physical examination by a healthcare professional. Trigger points are identified through palpation, and imaging studies may be used to rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms.