Treatment for Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Augusta GA

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common cause of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed aches and pains, especially for recurrent headaches, neck pain and back pain.

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Myofascial (my-oh-fass-shal) Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a painful condition that is characterized by localized pain, muscle tendernes, decreased range of motion, mood and sleep problems.

The pain in Myofascial Pain Syndrome most commonly occurs in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and lower back. However, it can occur in any muscle group.

What causes Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic form of muscle pain caused by myofascial trigger points located within taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers.  In other words,  Myofascial Pain Syndrome is considered in the narrow definition to be a disorder of trigger points. Trigger points are found in taut bands (firm elongated bands) within the muscle fibers and are associated with the local twitch response. This local twitch response is an involuntary transient contraction of the taut band muscle fibers and can be elicited by snapping or pinching the taut band. Some authors assert that both disorders (fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome) can magnify and perpetuate the symptoms of the other.

The Difference between Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

While it is possible to have both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain, there are definite differences. One difference is that more women than men have fibromyalgia, but the ratio of men to women who have myofascial pain syndrome is equal.  Fibromyalgia can be thought of as a generalized amplification of pain or hypersensitivity condition and is associated with tender points in the muscles.

If fibromyalgia can be distinguished with the muscles having generalized sensitivity, those with  myofascial pain have the pain in the muscle areas located away from the trigger points and their referral regions have normal sensitivity. With fibromyalgia, there is total body achiness, while with myofascial pain there are specific pains in specific areas. With myofascial pain, the areas not affected by trigger points don’t hurt, but with fibromyalgia, the areas outside the tender points still ache. Fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder while myofascial pain is a neuromuscular condition.

Treatment with a Myofascial Pain Syndrome Specialist in Augusta GA

Treating the underlying etiologic lesion responsible for Myofascial Pain Syndrome is the most important strategy.  As specialists in treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome we are able to provide very effective treatments to help alleviate the trigger points causing the syndrome.  At Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic we have found to be the most effective way to treat is to not only address the muscle itself, but also the bone to which the muscle attaches.  Through a variety of muscle treatment techniques, we can relieve muscular adhesions.  After that, we make sure that the muscle is functioning well.  It is then vital to address the skeletal component.

Trigger points are certainly painful, but certainly treatable with our specialized techniques.  As one of the few Chiropractors in Augusta GA that are able to provide treatments tailored for trigger points, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if your Myofascial Pain Syndrome would be a candidate for our customized treatments.

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The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.

Augusta GA Chiropractor Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized treatments to Augusta GA, Martinez GA, and Evans GA patients. Visit the main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for a chiropractor in Augusta GA.

Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call (706) 814-5053 or use our online form.