Muscle Pain Syndromes and Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Rehabilitation

What is Regional Muscle Pain Syndrome (Myofascial Pain Syndrome)? Myofascial pain syndrome is a regional muscle pain disorder characterized by the presence of painful, tense bands and trigger points in the muscle when pressed. Muscle pain, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, and rapid fatigue are commonly observed.

What Are the Risk Factors for Regional Muscle Pain Syndrome (Myofascial Pain Syndrome)?

Trauma, repetitive muscle strain and overuse, muscle deconditioning, prolonged static positioning, postural abnormalities, spinal mechanical disorders, joint disorders, psychological stress, sleep disturbances, and metabolic disorders (such as vitamin deficiency, hypothyroidism) are risk factors for myofascial pain syndrome. Office activities such as working on a computer with low shoulders, head extended forward, and a hunched back are serious risk factors for the development of myofascial pain syndrome.

What Are the Symptoms of Regional Muscle Pain Syndrome (Myofascial Pain Syndrome)?

Patients complain of aching pain caused by repetitive activity and prolonged static positions, with relief from rest and heat. On examination, painful, tense bands and trigger points in the muscle are present, along with tenderness, significant pain when pressure is applied to the trigger point, the patient jumping in response, and restricted movement. Diagnosis is made through history and physical examination.

How is Regional Muscle Pain Syndrome (Myofascial Pain Syndrome) Treated?

Treatment methods include patient education, medical treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, and local injections. It is crucial to inform the patient about the factors that cause and maintain the condition, provide guidance on what to pay attention to in daily life, and teach them how to protect their spine. Office ergonomics and posture education are also important, as is emphasizing the importance of an exercise program in treatment.

The goal of the physical therapy program is to reduce pain and tenderness in the muscle, relieve muscle spasm, restore range of motion, increase function, and prevent the recurrence of muscle pain. The most important treatment for myofascial pain syndrome is the exercise program. In the rehabilitation program, physical therapy methods (such as heat treatment, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser, vacuum therapy) and exercise therapy should be applied together. After the patient's pain and muscle spasms are reduced with physical therapy, an exercise program is initiated. The exercises include stretching, strengthening, aerobic exercises, and posture exercises. Trigger point injections are recommended to treat the pain source and support the physiotherapy program before stretching exercises.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread and chronic pain. The prevalence in the population is 1-4%, and 75% of fibromyalgia patients are women. Viral infections, physical and emotional trauma can trigger the development of fibromyalgia. Genetic factors, musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric, hormonal disorders, and sleep disturbances are the causes of fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is made through history and examination, and imaging and blood tests are used to differentiate it from other diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, irritable bowel disease, unpleasant sensations such as numbness, burning, and tingling, along with depression and anxiety, may accompany the condition. On examination, tender points are found throughout the body. Pain typically starts in the neck and shoulders and then spreads across the body. Patients do not wake up feeling rested in the morning.

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Treatment includes patient education, medication (pain relievers and antidepressants), exercise therapy, physical therapy, trigger point injections, and cognitive-behavioral therapy programs. Recommended exercises include walking, water-based exercises, and swimming.

Last Updated Date: 21 September 2023

Publication Date: 21 September 2023