Exploring the Vicious Cycle of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

For individuals who have to be in one position for long periods, have poor postural alignment, and perform repetitive motions, what are myofascial pain syndrome spasm cycles?

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Spasm Cycles

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition that causes pain symptoms in a particular body area (Jafri M. S. 2014). A myofascial pain syndrome spasm cycle is a recurring pattern in which muscle tension and spasms in affected regions, caused by myofascial pain syndrome, lead to pain, triggering more muscle spasms. This creates a vicious cycle of discomfort and tightness that can be difficult to break without treatment; the pain perpetuates muscle spasms and vice versa.

Spasm Pain Cycle

Left untreated, myofascial pain is often experienced as a recurring cycle of spasm, pain, and spasm. (Kojidi M. M. et al., O2016) The exact cause of the spasm is not known. It may be related to excessive accumulation and release of acetylcholine, which causes sustained muscle contraction. (Nicol A, Crooks M, Hsu E, Ferrante M. 2018) Another theory is that repetitive small muscle trauma helps create a trigger point or knot in the muscle. (Thorne. 2021)

Active trigger points in muscles characterize myofascial pain syndrome. (Shah J. P. et al., 2015) These trigger points cause pain in the area where they are located and sometimes in other places, known as referred pain. Each muscle has a particular referral pattern of pain that goes from a trigger point in that muscle to another place in the body. (Shah J. P. et al., 2015) Medical providers and massage therapists trained in this area can identify trigger points by their pain patterns. With myofascial pain syndrome, muscles tense, and joint range of motion may decrease. (Jafri M. S. 2014)

Trigger Points

• Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by trigger points and sensitive knots within muscles that can cause referred pain when pressed, contributing to the spasm cycle.

Muscle Tension

• A repeatedly tense or injured muscle can develop trigger points, which can lead tocle tightness and potential spasms.

Pain-Spasm-Pain Cycle

• The pain from a trigger point can cause the muscle to further contract and spasm, leading to even more pain and perpetuating the cycle.

How Spasms and Pain Present

Myofascial pain is often caused by long periods of poor postural alignment, muscle injury, and repetitive motions. (Cleveland Clinic, 2023) For example, the upper body slumps forward when sitting at a desk workstation all day. The upper section of the trapezius muscle is located on the back of the neck and the top of the shoulder. The upper trapezius muscle works to raise the head. (Yoo W. G. 2015) The trapezius muscle now has to work more than it is used to. This overuse may cause microscopic muscle injury, leading to muscle spasms and pain. (Bron C., & Dommerholt J. D. 2012) (Nicol A, Crooks M, Hsu E, Ferrante M. 2018) Without treatment, the muscle spasms, pain, and microscopic muscle injury may persist or worsen, leading to trigger points and chronic pain. (Jafri M. S. 2014)

Causes

Repetitive Motions

• Repeating the same movement, like typing on a computer, can trigger muscle tension and points.

Poor Posture

• Maintaining incorrect posture for extended periods can strain muscles and contribute to trigger point development.

Muscle Injury

• Past injuries can leave muscles susceptible to developing trigger points and pain cycles.

Stress

• Psychological stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate existing trigger points.

Break the Cycle

Physical Therapy

• A physical therapist can use stretching, massage, and trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and address trigger points.

Exercise

• Regular exercise, including gentle stretching, can help improve muscle flexibility and reduce tension.

Heat Therapy

• Applying heat to affected areas can help relax muscles and alleviate pain.

Ergonomics

• Modifying work habits and posture to reduce strain on muscles.

Stress Management

• Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help reduce stress-related muscle tension.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.

Personal Injury Rehabilitation

References

Jafri M. S. (2014). Mechanisms of Myofascial Pain. International scholarly research notices, 2014, 523924. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/523924

Kojidi, M. M., Okhovatian, F., Rahimi, A., Baghban, A. A., & Azimi, H. (2016). Comparison Between the Effects of Passive and Active Soft Tissue Therapies on Latent Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius Muscle in Women: Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15(4), 235–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.08.010

Nicol A, C. M., Hsu E, Ferrante M. (2018). Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Science Direct, 207-212. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-40196-8.00025-5

THORNE. (2021). Understanding Muscle Pain, Fascia, and Myofascial Release. https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/understand-muscle-pain-fascia-and-myofascial-release?srsltid=AfmBOop3Pp0wWEeiQEqpfPgAaTOpLvU7lOAGUv5VRYQdoH8OBcW4D_wk

Shah, J. P., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J. V., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2015). Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. PM & R: the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 7(7), 746–761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.01.024

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Chronic myofascial pain (CMP). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12054-myofascial-pain-syndrome

Yoo W. G. (2015). Comparison of activation and change in the upper trapezius muscle during painful and non-painful computer work. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(10), 3283–3284. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.3283

Bron, C., & Dommerholt, J. D. (2012). Etiology of myofascial trigger points. Current pain and headache reports, 16(5), 439–444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0289-4