Myofascial Pain Syndrome Support Group

Welcome to the group tamh1234.
My personal opinion is that this pain management doctor doesn't understand chronic myofascial pain (CMP). It is a complicated condition or illness that causes severe pain and disability. What seems to set CMP apart from regular pain is that we have trigger points, which are knots in the muscles that shorten them. If weight lifting "scares" you, because of your experience lifting anything over 15 pounds, I think you should listen to your instincts. I've never found any research to indicate that the three things this doctor recommended "cure" chronic myofascial pain. If you don't have the book Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain (second edition) by Devin Starlanyl, M.D., I would suggest that you purchase it. The author has both conditions and her book is the best that I've found on myofascial pain. In her book she states, "I have seen more people with active TrPs become disabled by repetitive motion exercises and inappropriate physical therapy than from anything else." She further explains, "Patients should avoid activities that produce repetitive muscular loads." I just happen to have CMP in my legs and back, so I found that any repetitive exercise,significantly increases my pain, but I do light stretches twice a day after I've warmed my muscles. On the other hand, there are some people in this support group that can tolerate some exercise. Look back at previous posts on this topic.
It is my understanding that intervention is necessary to deactivate the trigger points. What types of bodywork have you tried and have any been successful? I've tried trigger point injections, chiropractors, myofascial release, and a Bonnie Prudden trained Myotherapist (form of trigger point therapy) Currently, along with Active Release Technique (ART), I'm having prolotherapy injections into some of my weak/lax ligaments in both SI joints and lumbar spine that seem to be causing my back pain and I'm hoping will also resolve my leg pain. One thing that I've learned the hard way over the 12 years that I've had CMP, is that it is important to educate yourself so that you can be your own advocate. Read everything that you can find on this condition. Many doctors and physical therapists don't understand myofascial pain, and if they aren't willing to listen to you, then find another doctor or therapist. Each person has to find the therapy or therapies that work for their pain. It seems to be trial and error. I wish you much luck in finding what works for you. (If you want websites for any of the therapies I mentioned, send me a message and I'll pass them along.) Kat

Exercise and nutritional supplements have helped me immensely, but I also take strong drugs like morphine and get steroid injections. I no longer lift weights. He may not understand as much about chronic myofascial pain as he thinks. Some docs are opiophobic. Others don't want the hassle and liability of Rxing these effective meds. You will probably need to start with pain meds, supplements, and light exercise (walking, yoga) and progress to lifting weights and aerobic exercise (in my experience). Trust your intuition and do whatever you think is right. I'm not a doc and I haven't examined you. I can only speak to my own experience, which is considerable.

Kat always has such good knowledgeable advice. I want to add that I just dropped my pain management doctor to go to a physiatrist that specializes in Myofascial and Fibromyalgia areas. I thought my pain management doctor would end up killing me and I don't believe for a minute that the advice your pain management doctor gave you is correct for Myofascial people. Please find a physiatrist and get another opinion.

Hi, I'm a new member...I'm also going to see a pain management doctor for the first time on Monday and I certainly he doesn't offer the above advice. The weight lifting is really bad for chronic myofascial pain. You have to go really slow to even get there, if ever. The last personal trainer I used made things so much worse for me. And multivitamins are likely not enough -- it's great to get a real workup and see which supplements would be right for you.