[Diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain]

Myofascial pain (MFP) is a regional muscle pain disorder characterized by localized muscle tenderness and pain and is the most common cause of persistent regional pain. MFP is frequently overlooked as a diagnosis because it is often accompanied by signs and symptoms in addition to pain, coincidental pathology conditions, and behavioral and psychosocial problems. Evaluation of myofascial pain includes locating the trigger points and muscles involved as well as recognition of these contributing factors. Management of the syndrome follows with palliative care, splint therapy, muscle exercises, therapy to the trigger points, and behavioral therapy that depends on complexity of the case. The short term goals is to restore the muscle tot normal length, posture, and full joint range of motion with exercises and trigger point therapy. The long term goals include reducing the symptoms and their negative effects while helping the patient return to normal function without need for further health care. The difficulty in managing MFP lies in the critical need to match the level of complexity of the management program with the complexity of the patient. Failure to address the entire problem through a team approach if needed, may lead to failure to resolve the pain and perpetuation of a chronic pain syndrome.