Myofascial Pain

Fascia tissue responds to stress becoming thicker. Myofascia pertains to tissues that surround and contains muscles and muscle tissue. Its purpose is to support the structure and shape of the muscles it surrounds. It also separates muscles from other body structures and forms a protective covering.

Fascia tissue responds to stress, becoming thicker to real or perceived threats. When an injury to a muscle occurs, it responds by contracting or tightening in an effort to protect itself and any underlying organs. Repeated contraction can compromise the muscle’s own blood supply preventing oxygen from reaching the area which can cause myofascial pain.

Patients who experience myofascial pain often feel it in a circumscribed area of muscle. It is sometimes felt as a taut band or knot (referred to as a trigger point) caused by an area of local muscle nerves or small areas of hyperirritability within muscles. If these trigger points are located near motor nerve points, the patient may experience referred pain caused by stimulation of those motor nerves. Myofascial pain can also restrict movement or function.

ISM pain doctors and other providers treat myofascial pain by working to relax the muscle, thereby stopping the contraction or spasm. Treatment includes:

• Trigger point injections
• Chiropractic care
• Therapeutic massage
• Acupuncture
• Heat and/or ice therapy