Myofascial Pain
There are 2 common types of muscle pain syndromes - fibromyalgia and myofascial pain.
People with myofascial pain experience chronic muscle pain that can worsen. The pain centers around sensitive points in your muscles called trigger points. These trigger points can be painful when touched, and that pain can spread throughout your affected muscle.
Some statistics about myofascial pain:
- About 10% of the US population have one or more chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common disorder among them. (Based on an article by the Physical Medical Rehabilitation Clinics of North America.)
- Myofascial pain is one of the most frequent causes of back pain and neck pain.
Myofascial pain has been linked to many kinds of pain, including headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, low back pain, pelvic pain and arm and leg pain.
Signs and symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome may include:
- Area of tension in your muscle that may feel like a knot or tight spot
- Deep, aching muscle pain
- Pain that persists or worsens
- Muscle or joint stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Weakness
- Clumsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain
What causes myofascial pain?
Trigger points can form in a muscle after it's been injured or overused. A muscle trigger point can cause pain throughout the muscle. When this pain persists or worsens, doctors call it myofascial pain syndrome.
How is myofascial pain treated?
Myofascial pain may respond to local and specific techniques, such as relief of inflammation, prevention of further injury, reducing spasm, correcting posture and improving circulation. Typically, physical therapy, trigger point injections or medications can help. A combination of therapies may be necessary to ultimately find relief from pain.
NOTE: ULTRAM® ER has never been studied in specific myofascial pain patients.
If you think you may suffer from myofascial pain, ask your doctor if ULTRAM® ER could be the right course of treatment for you.
