Myofascial pain syndrome refers to chronic pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. In this condition, pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in the muscle and sometimes in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. Myofascial pain syndrome affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles). It may involve either a single muscle or a muscle group. In some cases, the area where a person experiences the pain may not be where the myofascial pain generator is located. This syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. And it can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension.
Myofascial pain symptoms usually involve muscle pain with specific "trigger" or "tender" points. The pain can be made worse with activity or stress. In addition to the local or regional pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome, people with the disorder also can suffer from depression, fatigue and behavioral disturbances.
