Persistent Musculoskeletal Muscles Tension

2.jpg

Are you experiencing muscle tension that is persists. Muscle tension refers to the condition in which musculoskeletal muscles remain semi-contracted for an extended period. This is medical referred to as Chronic Myofascial Pain, CMP or Myofascial Pain Syndrome, MPS. A typical cause of muscle tension is physiological effects of stress and can lead to episodes of pain in different areas of the body

Tension develops as ropey bands of the muscles, the fascia. When pressure is applied to these tense muscle regions, pain can be generated. Which can be local to the pressure or distal, in a different part of the body.

What’s the difference between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia?

Both of the conditions are chronic pain disorders, they cause pain that lasts for long periods of time and can be difficult can be immobilising . Myofascial pain syndrome is muscular pain. Fibromyalgia is widespread body pain, and includes symptoms, such as headaches, bowel problems, fatigue and mood changes.

The pain of fibromyalgia is different, because it’s diffuse, migratory and involves both muscles and joints. It affects the whole body above and below the waist. the pain may move from one part of the body to another over time. The discomfort of fibromyalgia usually is felt as both joint and muscle aches and pain. It is believe that fibromyalgia causes pain because the disorder affects the way the brain processes pain signals, amplifying painful sensations.

In myofascial pain syndrome, areas of tight fibres form within the muscle or in muscle group, typically due to repeated muscular strain or injury. As a result, a tender, painful knot develops in the muscle. Known as a trigger point. When pressure is applied to the area, it leads an aching muscle pain which can be associated with an intense burning to a needle penetrating the area

What causes CMP/ MPS?

3.jpg

The exact causes chronic myofascial pain is not known. It may start after:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress can happen after a serious traumatic incident or many traumatic events.

  • Strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons.

  • Using a muscle after you haven't used it for a while, such as after a stroke or after having a broken bone.

What are the Symptoms of CMP or MPS?

The symptom of CMP is reoccurring or longer-lasting musculoskeletal pain, in the low back, neck, shoulders, chest, glutes, thighs or calf’s. You might feel the pain or the pain may get worse when you press on the knot. The muscle may be swollen or hard—you may hear it being called a "taut band" of muscle or "trigger point".

Symptoms of myofascial pain may include:

  • Muscle pain that feels like aching, burning, stinging, or stabbing.

  • Intense pain which is confined to a small areas of muscles

  • Muscle pain that increases or fails to decrease over time

  • Demobilising pain when the affected muscle is stretched or strained

  • The presence of painful areas in muscles that when pressed produce intense localised or referred pain

  • A muscle that is sensitive or tender when touched.

  • Weak, stiff, inflexible, muscles that reduced mobility

  • Sleep disturbances

Causes and risk factors

Myofascial Pain Syndrome occurs because of psychological stress, muscle trauma (injury), or muscle overuse. No single factor is responsible for the development of myofascial knots. A combination of contributing factors may include:

  • poor posture

  • sitting for a long time in one positions

  • nutritional deficiencies

  • lack of exercise or movement

  • generalised fatigue

  • lack of sleep

  • hormonal changes (menopause)

  • intense cooling of muscles

  • emotional problems (anxiety, depression, stress, anger,post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD))

  • obesity

  • smoking

  • medical causes, such as vitamin D deficiency or hypothyroidism.

People who frequently experience stress and anxiety may be more likely to develop trigger points in their muscles. These people are be more likely to clench their muscles, a type of repeated strain, leaving muscles susceptible to trigger points.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is required to keep the body functioning well. Vitamin D aids strong bones. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression. To get enough D, look to certain foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy.

Possible Treatment

1.jpg

MPS requires a multipronged treatment plan. Many people combine medications with other therapies that relieve muscle stiffness and pain.

Dry needling

Dry needling is one of the quickest ways to deactivate myofascial trigger points. There are a number of key differences between dry needling and acupuncture.

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).

TENS is a therapy that uses electrical current at low-voltage for pain relief. When the current is delivered, lower pain rate can be experience. This may be because the current stimulation of the nerves helps the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins, which blocks the perception of pain.

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound machines transmit sound waves into tissue through a sound-conducting gel applied to the skin. The sounds waves can heat up and relax muscles, improve blood flow, and remove scar tissue. The pain-relieving effects may be minimal.

Massage therapy

There are several types of massage treatments that can relax myofascial trigger points. These include:

  • Myofascial Release, MFR

  • Remedial Massage

  • Acupressure

  • Trigger Point (TrP) Pressure Release

Massage therapy increases blood flow and warms up muscles. This can help reduce stiffness and ease pain.

Stretches

Stretching helps many people with MPS. Some therapists apply a cold, numbing spray to the muscle area before leading someone through stretches. Suitable stretches can be found on this website at https://therapitylino.co.uk/suggested-exercises

Complications

You may not be able to participate in physical activities that you used to enjoy. This could lead to depression and isolation. MPS can also impact your mobility, it can affect your quality of life.

mainGeoff HarperTherapi Tylino