Definition, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in Acute Low Back Pain

by Son PMR(Physical medicine &Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

1. Definition of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a localized chronic pain disorder affecting the muscles and fascia. It is characterized by specific muscle nodules known as Trigger Points, which cause local pain when pressed and may lead to referred pain patterns.

2. Causes of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

MPS can arise from a variety of factors, including:

  • Muscle Overuse: Micro-injuries from repetitive movements or prolonged muscle tension.

  • Muscle Trauma: Physical impacts or injuries.

  • Postural Imbalance: Poor posture or habits leading to structural changes.

  • Stress and Psychological Factors: Chronic stress and anxiety can increase muscle tension.

  • Circulatory and Metabolic Issues: Reduced blood flow and nutritional imbalances.

  • Upper Cervical Misalignment: Misalignment of C1 and C2 vertebrae can lead to myofascial tension.

3. Diagnostic Methods

(1) Medical History

  • Pain Characteristics: Assessment of local pain, referred pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.

  • Aggravating Factors: Identification of specific postures or movements that trigger or worsen pain.

(2) Physical Examination

  • Inspection:

    • Evaluating gait patterns, posture, and overall appearance to determine the cause of pain and muscle tension.

    • Checking for muscle asymmetry, structural imbalances, and pelvic tilt.

    • Gaining valuable insights through visual assessment to aid in diagnosis.

  • Palpation:

    • Identifying Trigger Points that may cause local and referred pain.

    • Evaluating muscle responses to pressure, as Trigger Points often generate specific pain patterns.

4. Treatment Methods

(1) Chiropractic Treatment

  • Spinal and Pelvic Alignment:

    • Correcting lumbar spine and pelvic alignment to alleviate pain.

    • Addressing asymmetry and imbalance in the spine to eliminate the underlying causes of MPS.

  • Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treatment:

    • Correcting the alignment of C1 and C2 vertebrae to reduce overall myofascial tension.

    • Balancing the autonomic nervous system to relieve acute low back pain and muscle tightness.

(2) Injection Therapy

  • Perineural Injection:

    • Targeting the nerve areas to reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS):

    • Using specialized needles to stimulate deep muscle tissues.

    • Highly effective in relieving both chronic and acute pain.

  • Trigger Point Injections:

    • Utilizing saline, local anesthetics (e.g., Lidocaine), or dry needling techniques.

    • Injecting directly into Trigger Points to alleviate local and referred pain.

(3) Medication

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Acetaminophen

  • Muscle Relaxants

(4) Lifestyle and Exercise Therapy

  • Acute Phase Management:

    • Rest during the acute phase, gradually returning to normal activities as pain improves.

  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:

    • Reducing myofascial tension through tailored exercises.

Conclusion

Myofascial Pain Syndrome can develop due to various factors, including muscle overuse, trauma, postural imbalances, stress, and upper cervical misalignment. Effective treatments include spinal and pelvic chiropractic care, upper cervical chiropractic treatment, and injection therapies such as perineural injections, IMS, and Trigger Point injections.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treatment, in particular, helps reduce overall myofascial tension and optimizes the nervous system's function for a quicker recovery. IMS is also highly effective in targeting deep muscle tissues to alleviate myofascial tension.

A personalized treatment plan is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome, contributing to an improved quality of life for patients. Accurate diagnosis through thorough inspection and, if needed, additional testing ensures safe and effective treatment.

This approach emphasizes patient-centered care, aiming to provide lasting relief from acute low back pain associated with Myofascial Pain Syndrome.


👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

Feel free to reach out for further consultation or to schedule an appointment.


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