The "Ugly" Truth about Myofascial Pain Syndrome

To explain this Myofasical Pain Syndrome further in terms we can all understand, I was reading one of my books entitled "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain. A Survival Manual. 2nd Edition" by Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland. Mind you this is the only book I've ever found of the two subjects mixed together. Anyways, point being that, if you imagine a piece of uncooked chicken. The skin is slimmey and slippery and moves about very easily. Now imagine your neck for example is made of human skin, underneath is "chicken skin", (I know lots in between), then bone, then more "chicken skin" then human skin again. Everyone without Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome moves that "chicken skin" around very easily. You don't have an issue checking your blind spot while driving, or turning your head when someone yells your name out in a crowd. Then there's me, and maybe you, if you have this unfortunate diagnosis. This "chicken skin" has turned into concrete. Yep, hard as a rock, can't hardly move an inch, rebar and all...Concrete. Now you add in good old Fibromyalgia which most of you are now familiar with and what do we have? A very painful experience my friends, So, next time you ask why I hurt so bad...thank your lucky "Chicken Skins"


Amanda Lakso
May 26 2011 7:47pm

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), also known as Chronic myofascial pain (CMP), is a condition characterized by chronic and, in some cases, severe pain. It is associated primarily with "trigger points", localized and sometimes extremely painful lumps or nodules in any of the body's muscles or connective tissue known as fascia. Other symptoms include referred pain, restricted movement, and sleep disturbances.


Symptoms:


Myofascial pain can occur in distinct, isolated areas of the body, and because any muscle or fascia may be affected, this may cause a variety of localized symptoms. More generally speaking, the muscular pain is steady, aching, and deep. Depending on the case and location the intensity can range from mild discomfort to excruciating and "lightning-like". Knots may be visible or felt beneath the skin. The pain does not resolve on its own, even after typical first-aid self-care such as ice, heat, and rest.


Further Info:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myofascial_pain_syndrome


http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/myofascial-pain-syndrome


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/myofascial-pain-syndrome/DS01042

Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Topic Overview - Health.com

Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Topic Overview - Health.com

Most people have muscle pain from time to time. But myofascial pain is a kind of ongoing or longer-lasting pain that can affect the connective tissue (fascia) of a muscle or group of muscles. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. Trigger points are usually in fascia or in a tight muscle.


Also, I have what's known as Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Which is way worse than this article makes it sound. 


http://www.health.com/health/library/topic/0,,uz2319_uz2320,00.html