Myofascial

Myofascial pain is defined by painful muscles and the presence of trigger points. It often coexists with fibromyalgia and can be the cause of some of the pain felt by fibromyalgia patients.  Trigger points are different than fibromyalgia tender points because they refer pain to different areas.  For instance, a person may have a whiplash injury with pain localized to the neck and shoulder areas.  As time goes on the person might develop pain in an arm.  During a detailed examination a "lump or knot" in a muscle close to the neck may be found that when pressed on causes the pain felt in the arm.  Trigger points refer pain and can be found throughout the body. They are not specific to one area.  Fibromyalgia tender points are always found in the same locations and do not refer pain to other body parts when pressed on.  Trigger point pain may be alleviated by injections while tender points do not respond to these injections.  Myofascial pain should always be addressed in fibromyalgia patients because if the trigger points can be alleviated, chances are the accompanying myofascial pain will be greatly improved, thus helping with the overall discomfort of fibromyalgia.