Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that affects the musculoskeletal system and causes pain and inflammation in the body's soft tissues or muscles.

People with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) have sensitive spots known as trigger points. These trigger points develop in the taut, ropey bands of the muscles. When pressure is applied to these trigger points, pain is felt in a different part of the body.

Most points occur because of injury, muscle overuse, or psychological stress. Trigger points often stem from sustained repetitive activities, like lifting heavy objects or working on a computer all day. There is no single factor responsible for the development of myofascial pain.

A combination of factors may include:

  • Sitting for a prolonged time in awkward positions
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Bad posture
  • Hormonal changes (menopause)
  • Lack of movement or exercise
  • Injuries to the musculoskeletal system or intervertebral disks
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of sleep
  • Intense cooling of muscles
  • Emotional problems (depression, anxiety)
  • Other pain or inflammation conditions
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in localised areas of muscles
  • Pain that gets worse when the affected muscle is stretched or strained
  • Muscles that are weak, inflexible, stiff, or have reduced range of motion
  • Muscle pain that gets worse or doesn't improve with time
  • Painful knots in muscles that result in intense localised or referred pain when pressed
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Changes in mood

Treatment

At Pain Clinic Ethekwini we use Proliferative therapy, a method of injecting an anaesthetic and an irritant (usually containing dextrose) into the weak joints, ligaments or tendons which are damaged. It is a procedure which helps ligaments and tendons to be repaired naturally. Prolotherapy makes tissues strong, which in turn improves stabilisation, relaxes muscles and relieves pain.

Prolotherapy treatment can be used for:

  • Overuse injuries
  • Ligament or tendon dysfunction (sprain, strain, and tendonitis)
  • Bursitis
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative discs