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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Question: I have three small children (oldest is 7) and I have been continually carrying one of them on my left hip since they've been born. I have a lot of pain and strained feeling in my upper back and neck, especially on the left side and some on the right as well. When I move my neck around, I can feel a cracking like sensation and I also have a couple of very painful areas on my upper spine if I press with my finger. I have been having this for at least the last three or four years. I also have an odd sensation on the left side of my face. I don't notice it unless I worry and think about it as I also have a lot of stress and anxiety. I don't really ever get headaches except for migraines occasionally around my menstrual period. I do, however, have a spot on the top of my head that if I press it hard, it sort of gives a strained feeling that refers another sensation to my jaw and back area. If I press on my back or neck, it similarly refers a strained sensation to my arm and up my neck. I also notice that if I scratch my eyebrow on the left side or press on my inner nose bridge on the left side or press my left nostril hard, it sort of refers an odd sensation to my left jaw area. It doesn't ever hurt, just feels weird. On the left side of my face, my jaw clicks every time I open it. Again not really painful, more just annoying. My teeth seem to fit tighter together on the right side and my teeth don't fit together as tightly on my left. My teeth are also off center in the front of my mouth. I think this is due to not fully having my bite corrected even though I had braces when I was 12. Any idea what this odd sensation could be? My primary care doctor told me he thought I was experiencing trigger points. Could this be the case? Could my neck, spine, issues cause my jaw area to feel strange. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Most likely to be due to myofascial pain syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms XXXXXXX
You seem to be suffering from Mysofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia .
Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by localized musculoskeletal pain and tenderness in association with trigger points. The pain is deep and aching and may be accompanied by a burning sensation. Myofascial pain may follow trauma, overuse, or prolonged static contraction of a muscle or muscle group. As in your case carrying baby and other body posture.
Trigger points are a diagnostic feature of this syndrome. Pain is referred from trigger points to defined areas distant from the original tender points. Palpation of the trigger point reproduces or accentuates the pain. The trigger points are usually located in the center of a muscle belly.
I wpuld suggest the following which can be carried out in consultation with your physician
1. Injection of a local anesthetic such as 1% lidocaine into the trigger point site often results in pain relief.
2. Another useful technique is first to spray from the trigger point toward the area of referred pain with an agent such as ethyl chloride and then to stretch the muscle. This maneuver may need to be repeated several times.
3.Massage and application of ultrasound to the affected area also may be beneficial. Patients should be instructed in methods to prevent muscle stresses related to work and recreation.
4. Posture and resting positions are important in preventing muscle tension
Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD
Most likely to be due to myofascial pain syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms XXXXXXX
You seem to be suffering from Mysofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia .
Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by localized musculoskeletal pain and tenderness in association with trigger points. The pain is deep and aching and may be accompanied by a burning sensation. Myofascial pain may follow trauma, overuse, or prolonged static contraction of a muscle or muscle group. As in your case carrying baby and other body posture.
Trigger points are a diagnostic feature of this syndrome. Pain is referred from trigger points to defined areas distant from the original tender points. Palpation of the trigger point reproduces or accentuates the pain. The trigger points are usually located in the center of a muscle belly.
I wpuld suggest the following which can be carried out in consultation with your physician
1. Injection of a local anesthetic such as 1% lidocaine into the trigger point site often results in pain relief.
2. Another useful technique is first to spray from the trigger point toward the area of referred pain with an agent such as ethyl chloride and then to stretch the muscle. This maneuver may need to be repeated several times.
3.Massage and application of ultrasound to the affected area also may be beneficial. Patients should be instructed in methods to prevent muscle stresses related to work and recreation.
4. Posture and resting positions are important in preventing muscle tension
Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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