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Treatment and management of myofascial pain syndrome

Ivan Urits1, Karina Charipova2, Kyle Gress2

  • 1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Anaesthesiology
|October 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common regional pain disorder characterized by trigger points. Current diagnostic criteria and understanding of its pathophysiology are incomplete, necessitating further research for standardized treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pain Medicine
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a prevalent regional pain disorder affecting all age groups.
  • It is characterized by trigger points (TrPs) in muscles or fascia, often diagnosed through physical examination.
  • Prevalence in pain clinics ranges from 30% to 93%, highlighting its clinical significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).
  • To discuss diagnostic criteria and challenges.
  • To explore existing and needed management and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria including trigger points, palpation pain, referred pain, and local twitch response.
  • Examination of various treatment modalities and research gaps.

Main Results:

  • MPS diagnosis relies on physical exam findings, but clear criteria are lacking.
  • Pathophysiology of MPS remains incompletely understood.
  • A wide range of treatments exist, including exercise, injections, medications, and alternative therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized diagnostic criteria for MPS are needed.
  • Further research is essential to elucidate MPS pathophysiology.
  • Uniformly accepted treatment guidelines for MPS require development.
Keywords:
alternative therapychronic painmyofasical pain syndromeregional paintrigger point

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