Myofascial Pain Syndrome Support Group
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (or MPS) is a term used to describe one of the conditions characterized by chronic pain. It is associated with and caused by "trigger points" (TrPs), sensitive and painful areas between the muscle and fascia. The symptoms can range from referred pain through myofascial trigger points to specific pains in other areas of the body. It may be related...
Hello all,
Its great to find this group as no one in my life seems to understand what I'm going through. I have had suspected MPS for 15 years but just got diagnosed earlier this year. Today is a bad day as my neck feels so tight like there are hands wrapped around my throat starting to squeeze. The pins and needles has started to spread down my right leg as well, it was only in my hands about a month ago. I have a referral to pain management, my old Neuro and PT but its been so hectic since I was fired last month(possible disability discrimination, waiting on unemployment appeal before I call a lawyer) I haven't had a chance to make the appointments which is only going to prolong the pain. I have been trying to relax when I can but its not easy being the only licensed driver in the house with 3 young children and a boyfriend with medical issues of his own. I am going to try to take it easy today though because I feel if I don't its going to only get worse.
My question is what treatments did you start out with from the pain management? Aside from opiates I have tried everything but gabapentin, tramadol gives me minute relief enough to take the edge off and not be in a haze. I've had PT and went twice a week and by the next appt. the TrP were back. I'm running out of options, botox has been thrown at me but I am not so sure it will help with the MPS and the constant headache and migraines im getting with this.1
Its great to find this group as no one in my life seems to understand what I'm going through. I have had suspected MPS for 15 years but just got diagnosed earlier this year. Today is a bad day as my neck feels so tight like there are hands wrapped around my throat starting to squeeze. The pins and needles has started to spread down my right leg as well, it was only in my hands about a month ago. I have a referral to pain management, my old Neuro and PT but its been so hectic since I was fired last month(possible disability discrimination, waiting on unemployment appeal before I call a lawyer) I haven't had a chance to make the appointments which is only going to prolong the pain. I have been trying to relax when I can but its not easy being the only licensed driver in the house with 3 young children and a boyfriend with medical issues of his own. I am going to try to take it easy today though because I feel if I don't its going to only get worse.
My question is what treatments did you start out with from the pain management? Aside from opiates I have tried everything but gabapentin, tramadol gives me minute relief enough to take the edge off and not be in a haze. I've had PT and went twice a week and by the next appt. the TrP were back. I'm running out of options, botox has been thrown at me but I am not so sure it will help with the MPS and the constant headache and migraines im getting with this.1
The best Treatment is if you are lucky enough to find a Myofascial trigger point therapist and get good tx. Next can be a massage therapist with some education. Very few PTs are actually trained, Doctors take weekend classes and start doing injections, add steroids and don't give stretches or address perpetuating factors.
You might be really lucky and live in a state that the PTs and a few others do real training (500 hours) and do Dry needling which is very effective and pretty safe. Bodyworkers that have 100 hours+ in Trigger point therapy are the best and safest bet.
I expect you have TrP in the right scalenes which can cause pain down the arm and effect the nerve too. TrP in the upper trapezius and a LOT of others will cause headaches and migraines.
Both Traps and scalenes can be treated yourself, but they are not the easiest to do yourself. Stretching is very important too. Every hour is not too often, just a few of each for the specific muscles you are treating.
http://www.myofascialtherapy.org/symptom-checker.html
There is a LOT more info out there and if you take to time to look, you will probably know more than your Dr in a few hours.
Botox has been shown to be very effective in treating certain types of migraines. It comes with risks. You'll have to read about them and use your judgment. I had Botox twice in the traps. Once it worked, the other time, I didn't get any benefit. That was a long time ago and I'm considering it again.
This is a time consuming ailment. To stay barely functional, I work my TrPs, stretch, walk and do ab exercises. As you learned, many PTs aren't familiar with treating our condition. I have to throw self education into the time consuming pot!
Good luck. Feel free to vent any time.