Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition that is very painful. It affects the neck, back, and shoulders and involves trigger points. These “trigger points” are actually small lumps in the muscle that when pressed on, are very tender and painful.
Back several years ago, I was being treated for myofascial pain – this was before my Fibromyalgia diagnosis. The treatment was more painful than the condition. The doctor would find these trigger points and give me a shot directly into the trigger point. Sometimes he would miss because of how the knots can move and he would have to do it again. It was a very agonizing procedure.
It is estimated that approximately 9 million people live with myofascial pain syndrome with many of these people also having Fibromyalgia. Myofascial pain syndrome and Fibromyalgia are two distinctly different illnesses, however. Fibromyalgia is more widespread pain in the muscles and tissues with fatigue and other symptoms. Myofascial pain syndrome is a more localized syndrome associated with trigger point tenderness.
Mayo Clinic has developed a new imaging technology that shows promise for a definitive diagnosis for myfascial pain syndrome and with diagnosis comes future treatments.
Mayo Clinic’s new wonder technology is called MRE, or magnetic resonance elastography. A MRE provides images of the affected muscles with clarity that is not possible with MRIs. According to Science Daily News:
While an MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create clear and detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal tissues and organs, an MRE measures the elasticity of tissue as it is gently vibrated.
“Additional research is necessary, but our findings in this pilot study provide a strong basis to suspect that MRE technology can identify changes in muscle tone and stiffness that could previously only be identified by physical examination by a physician or a therapist,” says Jeffrey Basford, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and an author of the study. “Prior to these findings, we did not have a good diagnostic test for myofascial pain syndrome.”
Khurt says
My wife was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago and our lives were changed forever. I am developing an online community for people suffering from fibromyalgia. The online community, “You’re Not Alone” ( http://fibromyalgia.ning.com ), will allow members to participate in fibromyalgia-related discussions in the Forum, share their thoughts and ideas in their blog, and post their personal photos and videos. There is no cost to join. Members of the site follow a simple process to create their profile page, which they can later customize including a profile photo and additional details about themselves. I created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community. When I had the opportunity to create a project that would make a difference in the community, it was only natural that my wife’s illness would be the inspiration. Landmark Education is an international training and development company, who is known for offering their flagship course The Landmark Forum (www.landmarkeducation.com).
Beth Lynn Campbell says
I have had the symptoms of fibromyalgia for 5 1/2 years(maybe longer). It took three years to have a diagnosis. Along the way, I had many misdiagnoses. In the end, I have Bell’s Palsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in addition to the Fibro.
This fall I was in a serious flare-up, and really wondered how I’d manage to live this way. Fortunately, my doctors were able to find an ideal drug mix, and my quality of life went up radically.
I realize that I am very lucky to have a great job, that I am able to still work hard at (I supervise 93 art teachers and the curriculum for 39,000 kids).
I often have to use mind over matter to survive work and helping to raise my 3 youngest children (all teens).
I feel so fortunate that I can still work, play, and be happy most of the time. Blogs and FMS newsletters and google alerts let me know that I am never alone in the fibro fight.Thanks so much !
Janis Maxymof says
FM is a constant source of worry. I never know when a flare up will occur. I have discovered that Physical Therapy( myofacial expert) provides resistance techniques that really change my level of pain and that draggy feeling. It somehoe opens up the blood flow and I feel so much better.
I tried to blow it off and within 2 weeks my body reverted back to the original tightness and almost like arubber band my body created the defense against pain that is the tightening of the muscles that my body thinks is helpful.
I returned to PT and immediately felt better, along with massage and excersize I function normally . The drug cocktailI have found works for me is tramadol am and pm, low dose of zoloft and lorzapam for sleep. The mornings are the hardest and as the day progresses I feel better. At night I always apply heat to my back and neck.
I hope this helps someone.
Janis
sandy says
Hi Khurt! Thanks for the info. I will check out the site! I also have a forum for CFS, Fibromyalgia, IC and other chronic illnesses. It is at https://fightingfatigue.org/forum.
sandy says
Beth Lynn, Wow – you really have a lot of health problems! I am sorry to hear that. What is the drug mix you mention the doctors have you on? I am curious to know what you are taking that has helped.
sandy says
Hi Janis, I am glad to hear that physical therapy is helping your Fibromyalgia! I hope you have continued success with it. Thanks for stopping by!
Joy says
Why is there an X-ray of someone’s feet in this article?
(I have chronic myofascial pain, and I just figured out that I also have Morton’s Foot, which is apparently a large contributing factor for a lot of people.)
MARY says
Hi!!
Has anyone gone to the pain treatment center at Mayo Clinic in
Rochester,Minnesota it is their Pain Rehabilitation center for 3weeks
out-patient.
sophie says
i have myofascial pain syndrome , i`ll like to take to someone like me…..
tonya says
Yes, I have been to the Mayo Pain Clinic and completed the three week program. Best thing that ever happened in my life. If you have any questions, just ask, I’ll try to help.
sophie says
hi, tonya… i `m 33 yrs old 3 kids(9,8,5) i find life myserable since my diagnosed last yrs i`m a x-ray tech and i`m off work since feb 2007 , i just want to go back but the pain is so constent…. what about the 3 wks treatement and where to go , i`m from Canada … do you how much it cost ?? after your 3 wks are you back to work … can you tell me where i can have all those info if ever you don`t know thanks alot SOphie
Candice says
Hi Sophie and Tonya, i have had myofascial pain syndrome for just over 3 years now, I just turned 34 yrs old. I see a specialist called a physiatrist who does trigger point needling. Unfortuneatly here in Canada, i hardly get in to see my specialist unless I’m in a crazy amount of pain then I sometimes can get in on a cancellation.
i’m really interested in the 3 week rehabilitation program at the Mayo Clinic, how much does that cost?
What do they all do to treat you?
Thanks!
Kelly says
I am 34 also and have been battling CMP since 2003. I would love to hear any stories of successful treatments. Also – Tonya – can you please let us know any info on the Mayo program – please!! My CMP is just getting worse now that I have had a baby (lifting 20lbs constantly) I feel like I have been through every drug and treatment available – and it just keeps spreading to other parts of my body. Any help/info would be greatly appreciated!!
ben says
Greetings. I have myofascial pain….How I have used mircocurrent to treat the trigger points…..It has helped loosen up and heal the myofascia….How do I sign up for the Mayo clinic 3week treatment..???Where do I get the imaging MRE Scan????
Will insurance cover it???
Thanks…
Mia says
Hi, tonya
I have had myofascial pain syndrome for more than 10 years and it often trouble me. I am 40 yrs old, I find life myserable since my diagnosed and I’ m off work and find it hard to cope with in the recent years, I just want to go back but the pain is so constent…. what about the 3 wks treatement and where to go , I’m from Canada. Do you know the cost ?? what do you do after your 3 wks in terms of follow up ? can you tell me where I can have all those information. Thanks alot !!
If some one have more information in this, please help. Appreciate.
Jean Martin says
I have myofascial pain syndrome. I have lived with this pain and stiffness for over ten years and it seems to be getting worse.
Does anyone know of a resource person at Mayo Clinic that would be able to supply information to patients, and physicians as well as health insurance carriers pertaining to this 3 week program of treatment?
Perhaps Mayo would welcome myofascial pain syndrome patients as a part of research with the new MRE?
Any help would so greatly be appreciated.
Jean
Barb says
I have had Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrom for over 25 years now. I did go through the 3 week outpatient pain program at Mayo in Rochester. Just as a cautionary statement:
If you have Chronic Fatigue be very careful with this program. While they say that they are treating both CFS and Chronic Pain care must be taken with the excersize programs they have within the program. I did get some good out of it but in the long run it exasberated my CFS symptoms so profoundly that I am now unable to work. Please use caution. You really need to find an MD that is knowledgable about CFS. Not one that believes that CFS and Fibro are the same.
Barb says
For more info on the program including the prices you can call the Mayo Clinic and ask for information on their “Comprehensive Pain Management Program”. It is pricey. If your insurance will cover it make sure you get in writing exactly what is and what isn’t covered. This is an “outpatient” program so each visit and or test and treatment may have a co-pay which really adds up in 3 weeks time!
If anyone would like more info I can try to help. My e-mail address is: WILDETMR@YAHOO.COM put Mayo pain management in subject line
Janice says
Does anyone know of a place in Canada – need relief from pain from FMS and MPS. What about a trigger point therapist – are there any in Canada – the 3 week program at the Mayo Coinic – is there something comparable inCanada. Really really need something. Thanks
Janice says
want to talk to Sophie. Did you find any help in Canada?
Nicole Henderson says
I have myofascial pain and it is very painful. I just found out in 3/08. I fell in 07 and the are just now telling me about this. No one knew what it was . The pain really hurts and there is nothing that I can do about it. I am a mother of 4 . 16, 11, 10,and 4. I cant even play with them without having pain. I wish it would stop. Medicine does not work at all. Any Ideas?
Kelly A says
http://www.mayoclinic.org/pain-rehabilitation-center-rst/
Here is the link for The PRC: Pain Rehabiliation Center at the Mayo Clinic. I would RECOMMEND this to ANYONE who has chronic pain. My life before PRC, I had a part-time job, working 4-5 hours a day and I was in bed sleeping whenever I wasn’t at work. Now I am able to work through the pain and do things with my friends again. The three week program is a great thing, on one hand it is hard because it’s new you are exercising, learning new things, but the people there both staff and patient’s are amazing. It’s kinds of nice (for lack of another word) to hear others stories and have others who understand what you go through and not criticize as the general public not going through this do. OH my gosh that staff is so caring. You’ll hate to leave them….!!!!!!! Well, that’s the time I have if you have any other questions, feel free to answer, I would love to answer any questions that you may have. If you want to move toward a better life, this is the KEY!
Jeannie says
I’ve had myofascial pain for about 6 years now. My pain comes from my glutes, IT band down each side of my hips, my quads, and hamstrings. I have never read on the message boards any messages from any one with trigger points in these same places. If you are like me, I would love to hear from you. I have tried physical therapy, accupunture, chiropractic adjustments, trigger point dry needling, myofascial release therapy, pain meds, and muscle relaxers. While some of the things listed have helped me to a certain degree, what has really done the trick is a $18 foam roller that I ordered on-line from Walmart. The one I bought is 6″ in diameter and 3′ long. I roll on my tight muscles once or twice a day and do exercises to strenghten my core. It took about a month and a half to see an improvement but I kept with it. This is not a cure but has allowed me to manage CMP and have an active lifestyle again. The roller presses on the trigger points and uses the weight of my body to stretch the muscles out. I had tried using tennis balls previously to do this, but on the larger muscles the surface of the tennis balls is not big enough. Also, I live 65 miles from any size of a town and it is time consuming and expensive to go to a doctor’s office. This is a technique I can do at home as many times a day as I need to. Before, I had gotten to the point that I was suicidal because I couldn’t find anything that improved my condition and I couldn’t hardly do anything the least strenuous anymore. I have a horse and can now ride up to ten miles at a time. I take a muscle relaxer for two nights after a ride and roll a little more and am doing very well. And best of all no out of pocket doctor visits for 4 months now! I find it ironic that of all of the many doctores and therapists I went to,it was the least educated massage therapist who recommended getting a roller. Hope this helps someone else.
Tracey from Chicago says
I was diagnosed with FM and MPS after taking a ten day course of Levaquin. My pains began only twelve hours after taking the first pill, and now, six years later, I still have them. Has anyone else developed chronic pain after taking Levaquin…or Cipro, which is in the same class of drugs called Fluoroquinolones?
I’m also now burdened with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity – so perfumes, lotions, and even food colorings and artificial ingredients will cause severe flare-ups. Anyone else experiencing that?
Jeff says
I know this is an old thread,,,,, Tracy if your still out there I would like to talk to you. Yes, I developed MPS after a two week course of cipro a year ago to the day! Also developed other things nerve and tendon issues which have cleared up for the most part, however still suffer from MPS. I’ve always had a couple trigger points here and there over the years but nothing like what I suffer from now. I was working out heavily at the time I was taking the cipro, which could explain the trigger points in my back. I also have them in my hips and could never understand how I got them there. Often wondered if maybe the cipro reaction had anything to do with this and if it will ever improve. My MPS symptoms developed in the months following the course of cipro. Not immediatly like you. After extensive online research for cipro reactions and MPS caueses, you are the only one I have ever found that relates the MPS to cipro/ leaquin reaction. Could it have been the stress and anxiety from ADR’s that cauesed this? I guess I/ we will never know. I seriously doubt MPS could manifest with trigger points etc. in just twelve hours. If your still out there I would like to hear from you. Jeff
Tina says
Jeff or Tracey,
Diddo.. I think mine was from cipro and levaquin in repeated doses to try to clear a uti/kidney infection.. Been dealing with being crippled since about 2003.. Had what seemed to be tendon ruptures in feet that never healed after the meds…I’ve never found anything to help. feels like I just rip in all my muscles constantly especially arches of feet and calves.. Held a baby for a few hours the other day and still can’t straighten my arms out… I took the meds before the side effects were known.. My medical records are so old my dr said they don’t keep files that long so I have no recourse for a lawsuit I guess. But if its from the antibiotics then the manufacturers lie.. They say now you can have a tendon rupture.. But in my case I still keep ripping.. I now just rip continuously.. for years now.. Completely lost my quality of life.