Myofascial Pain
Myofascial pain, or myofascial pain syndrome, is a relatively common, debilitating disease affecting the muscles and soft tissues. Individuals suffering from this condition may experience pain radiating from one or more trigger points that become stimulated with pressure and sometimes spontaneously with no pressure or catalyst. In some cases, the pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome can be in what seems to be an unrelated area of the body. If you suffer from myofascial pain, undergoing treatments can help you find relief.
Our dentist in Lilburn, GA, with Smile Pleasant Hill, is your myofascial pain specialist, offering innovative and effective myofascial pain management and treatments that help restore patients’ quality of life and help them resume their daily activities affected by pain. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment with our myofascial pain specialist in Lilburn and to learn more about our available family and general dental services for comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.
What Is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a painful condition affecting muscles and fascia. Muscle pain can affect anyone at any time in their life. Unfortunately, this pain can be extremely severe and can become long-lasting. If you experience muscle pain that will not go away for a long period of time, you may have myofascial pain. Contact Smile Pleasant Hill to schedule an appointment with our myofascial pain specialist in Lilburn.
Myofascial Pain Symptoms
Myofascial pain is a common syndrome causing pain and tenderness in the muscles in a specific body areas. This muscle pain and tenderness are often related to one or several trigger points. When touched, trigger points may feel like small nodules, knots, or bumps in the muscle. Trigger points can develop in all muscles and may even develop in many muscles at one time. This can produce the feeling that the pain shifts or moves to different areas of the body. Common symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome include the following.
- Pain described as a deep throbbing, aching, tight, or stiff.
- Trigger points, small bumps, nodules, or knots in the muscle cause pain when touched or without touch.
- Muscles that are tender, sore, or painful.
- Weakness and heaviness in the affected muscle or muscles.
- A reduced range of motion in the affected area or areas.
Individuals with myofascial pain syndrome often experience other health issues that coincide with this condition. Commonly reported issues include headaches, difficulty sleeping, stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Where Does Myofascial Pain Occur?
Myofascial pain and trigger points can occur in any muscle in the body. Yet, the muscles most affected are within the upper back, head, and neck regions. For more information, contact Smile Pleasant Hill.
How Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome Diagnosed?
Myofascial pain syndrome has several possible causes, including muscle injury or strain, muscle weakness, lack of muscular activity, poor posture, working or living in a cold environment, emotional stress, and a pinched nerve. Myofascial pain is often underdiagnosed and overlooked.
There are no diagnostic tests to diagnose myofascial pain syndrome. The best way to diagnose myofascial pain is with an evaluation by a certified specialist, such as those with Smile Pleasant Hill. Our specialist will physically examine your muscles, feeling for the tight bands of muscles and then identifying the exact locations of tenderness. You may also be asked about other health problems contributing to myofascial pain, including your sleep schedule and whether you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. Schedule your appointment with us today for clinical relief of your pain condition.
How Is Myofascial Pain Treated?
If you have myofascial pain syndrome, we recommend seeking treatment early after your symptoms develop, as early treatment can be more successful before trigger points are established. There are several treatments and therapeutic procedures available, and you may benefit from a combination of them to effectively manage your pain and restore affected muscles. Potential myofascial pain management and treatments may include the following. To learn about the available treatments at Smile Pleasant Hill, contact our office.
- Dry Needling
- Wet Needling/Trigger Point Injections
- Spray & Stretch Treatment