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Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Alternative Therapies

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Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Alternative Therapies

Myofascial pain, characterized by chronic pain affecting connective tissue of muscles is often chronic and the most common symptom is trigger points. Trigger points are areas of highly sensitive muscle tissue prone to spasm and pain (sometimes referred) upon palpation. Myofascial pain is related to strains or injuries to the muscle tissue or strenuous use of muscles after a period of sedentary activity such as after having a stroke or breaking a bone. (Webmd.com, 2013) Most often, myofascial pain affects areas of the spine; lower back, shoulders, and neck. Myofascial pain is identified or diagnosed by a physician upon completion of a physical exam involving questions surrounding the onset of the symptoms. Which include tender muscles, pain that happens with pressure on a trigger point, weakness in the affected area and sometimes limitation to the range-of-motion of the affected area. (Cleveland Clinic, 2013)

Causes are suspect related to stress; stress is probably the biggest factor. Poor posture combined with overuse of muscles is also suspected contributors to the cause of myofascial pain and trigger point sensitivities.

Conventional treatment for myofascial pain and trigger points include physical therapy, which focusses on strengthening, stretching and posture improvement exercises. Medications can also be used like Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs, analgesics like Tramadol® for mild-to-severe pain and benzodiazepines like Valium, which help relieve anxiety (stress) and muscle spasms. (Cleveland Clinic, 2013)

Alternative therapies include acupuncture and trigger point injections. Acupuncture has been shown to be as effective or more effective than conventional treatment, but only more effective if combined with conventional treatment; either one on their own is less effective than the

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