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Bell, MD, FACP — By Caitlin Geng on July 13, 2022Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that affects the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and connective tissue. The muscular and skeletal systems work together to move and support the body. Musculoskeletal pain affects up to 80% of the population. Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain, and 30–85% of people with musculoskeletal pain experience this condition. This article looks at the symptoms, causes, treatments, and diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome. We also discuss prevention and answer some frequently asked questions. Symptoms Share on Pinterestminiseries/Getty ImagesMyofascial pain syndrome typically causes pain and tenderness in a specific area, such as the neck and one shoulder. The pain generally links to trigger points in the muscles, which radiate pain to the affected area when something applies pressure. However, pain may occur spontaneously with no pressure and may appear in areas of the body that seem unrelated to the trigger points. Common symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome are localized pain in the muscles and trigger points in the muscles that activate pain. Less common symptoms may include:muscle stiffnessfatiguedifficulty sleepingheadachesaffected posture, such as rounded shoulders or hunchingdizzinesstinnitus Causes Experts do not fully understand the causes of myofascial pain syndrome, but various factors can contribute to the condition. These include:Ergonomic factors: One example is abnormal posture, which might be due to working at a desk all day. Another is mechanics, which may involve repetitive overhead activity, such as painting a ceiling.Traumatic events: An event such as a car accident or sports injury may cause this condition.Systemic factors and diseases: Deficiency in certain minerals or vitamins, such as iron or vitamin D, may increase a person’s risk of myofascial pain syndrome. Some health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, may also be risk factors.Structural factors: Conditions that affect the structure of the musculoskeletal system may lead to myofascial pain syndrome. Examples include:spondylitisosteoarthritisscoliosis Treatments Treatments for myofascial pain syndrome usually focus on the trigger points. The options can include:nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxantsred light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy or cold therapy, in which a doctor or technician exposes the person’s trigger points to near-infrared lightelectrical stimulation, in which a doctor or technician places electrodes onto the affected muscle to cause rapid contractionstranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, in which a technician or doctor attaches a small device to the painful area through pads that sit on the skin, sending low voltage electrical signalsphysical therapy, which will likely involve stretching exercises and activities to modify posture therapeutic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to penetrate soft tissuesdry needling, in which a practitioner inserts thin needles into and around the trigger point and sometimes also injects a steroid or numbing agentacupuncture, which involves the insertion of very thin needles into different locations on the body at various depthsKinesio taping to support muscles and joints There is scientific evidence to support the use of many of these treatments. For instance, 2022 research has shown that red light therapy can significantly reduce pain for people with myofascial pain syndrome. Slightly older research found that TENS may offer short-term relief from pain for these individuals. Diagnosis There is no specific test to diagnose myofascial pain syndrome. A doctor will examine a person and aim to eliminate other conditions that present similarly, such as fibromyalgia or cubital tunnel syndrome. An examination may include:Questions about the pain, such as:potential risk factors, such as repetitive movements or recent injurieswhere the pain occurshow often the person experiences the painwhen they experience the painA physical exam: A doctor will apply gentle pressure to feel for tight bands of muscle that may cause twitches or trigger pain.A visual exam: The doctor will look for postural abnormalities, such as hunching of the shoulders or the head position being far forward and misaligned with the spine.Diagnostic and imaging tests: X-rays and ultrasound scans can rule out other conditions. Prevention As experts do not fully understand what causes myofascial pain syndrome, a person may be unable to avoid the condition. However, reducing potential risk factors associated with the condition, where possible, could help prevent it. A person can take steps to counter certain risk factors, such as improper posture, repetitive motions, and underlying health conditions. These steps include:exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion and flexibilitystretching frequently throughout the daychanging positions regularly throughout the day to avoid the overuse of a particular muscle grouptrying to improve the posture with exercises, stretches, or posture devices and aidsspeaking with a doctor to diagnose and treat underlying conditions that may contribute to myofascial pain, such as:hypothyroidismosteoarthritisspondylitisscoliosis FAQs Below, we answer some common questions about myofascial pain syndrome. Can doctors cure myofascial pain syndrome? Doctors cannot cure myofascial pain syndrome. Although the symptoms of the acute form of the condition may spontaneously disappear or fully recede following treatment, the chronic form may produce symptoms over long durations. One study found that the average duration of symptoms was 63 months. The symptoms may also become more difficult to treat if a person does not address any underlying causes. However, by managing the condition through treatment, a person can minimize the symptoms. How do you release myofascial pain? A person can see a physical therapist for myofascial pain release therapy. This type of therapy involves gentle manipulation and massage of the trigger points and stretching. A person may be able to perform this therapy at home, using foam rollers and other tools. More research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of this therapy, but researchers believe that it shows promise. What muscles does myofascial pain syndrome affect? Myofascial pain syndrome can cause multiple areas of musculoskeletal pain. However, the affected sites are usually in the back, shoulders, and neck. Summary Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Experts do not fully understand what causes it, but factors such as repetitive movement or injury can contribute to the condition. In myofascial pain syndrome, trigger points radiate pain to other muscles. This pain tends to occur when trigger points are under pressure, but it can happen spontaneously. There is no cure for the chronic condition, but it is possible to manage it with treatments. The options may include medications, stretches and exercises, electrical stimulation, red light therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture. Last medically reviewed on July 13, 2022Bones / OrthopedicsMuscular Dystrophy / ALSPain / Anesthetics 11 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ajimsha, M. S., et al. (2014). Effectiveness of myofascial release: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25603749/Bourgaize, S., et al. (2018). A comparison of the clinical manifestation and pathophysiology of myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia: Implications for differential diagnosis and management.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6160895/Cao, Q.-W., et al. (2021). Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.https://www.wjgnet.com/2307-8960/full/v9/i9/2077.htmde Lima Ferreira, A. P., et al. (2017). Short-term transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain and improves the masticatory muscle activity in temporomandibular disorder patients: A randomized controlled trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393531/Kalichman, L., et al. (2016). Effect of self-myofascial release on myofascial pain, muscle flexibility, and strength: A narrative review [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28532889/Myofascial pain syndrome. (n.d.).https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/myofascial-pain-syndrome/Plaut, S. (2022). Scoping review and interpretation of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome: An attempt to assemble a medical puzzle.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0263087Tantanatip, A., et al. (2021). Myofascial pain syndrome.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499882/Touma, J., et al. (2022). Cervical myofascial pain.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507825/Tsagkaris, C., et al. (2022). Infrared radiation in the management of musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain: A systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8946909/Wu, Z., et al. (2021). Myofascial release for chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.697986/fullFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — By Caitlin Geng on July 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage6 of the best myofascial release toolsMedically reviewed by Lauren Jarmusz, PT, DPT, OCS Myofascial release tools may help with muscle soreness, pain, and stiffness. This article looks at some of the best. 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