The one thing I do, and have for years, layered my clothing. They sell those silk like insulated underwear that traps body heat. Keeping muscles extra warm has always helped me. I think during the colder months we are more inactive. Even if we exercise, we still don't move around as much. I try to make an effort to get up and move around and not sit for long periods of time.

Hi Estranged78. I am marcsinchan and I live in the Philippines. Our weather is tropical. Yeah and most of the time its warm during the day. So I am currently working in a company with a cold temp due the air conditioner. The coldness flares up my pain even if I am wearing thick jacket. However, when I do massage, after my shift, I noticed that the pain is lesser or could be pain free the next day..

We have laser here and I tried that during my PT sessions but PT sessions doesnt really help that much. it is expensive and time consuming. I rely on my own heat packs, massage, some pain meds once in a while (seldom), stretching and most of all I have a tennis ball that I use to massage hard to reach area. My pain is located at my right trapz.

Marcsinchan,
I know what you mean about AC. If you are near a duct, even worse. I would try wearing a light long sleeved T-shirt under your regular shirt to trap body heat. MPS is neuro-muscular, as I am sure you know, and TrP's can also be the result of poor body mechanics. Just something maybe to remind yourself, but if you are often cold, it can be hard to relax your muscles. I cannot stand when AC blows directly on me or down my neck, it is uncomfortable, even painful.

Me too with drafts, miserable. I'm in the upper northeast US and today it is a minus 10 degree wind chill. If I have to go out I'll wear a turtleneck sweater and a scarf around my face and I use these automatically heating pads (thermocare) that stick to your skin, I'll stick one on the inside of my shirt up near my neck and that will help as well.
I'm not certain what low level laser is but I have had great luck with ultrasound therapy and using an infrared light at home. Warm baths (about 98 degrees) with epsom salts are terrific help as well.
I agree with Caroline, thermasilk is great stuff., so thin you don't know you are wearing it and nice and warm.

Thanks Caroline for your tip.

I am at work right now and I am wearing lared clothing. Starting with a sando, then a shirt then my corporate long sleeves and then a jacket. it is quite helping. The pain is not so strong right now. I have also noticed that when I am out in the sun and my body is warmed, I feel relief of the pain. I am also working on a desk for 12 hours so I can put strain on my back that causes pain eventually.

Is there anyone at your place of employment available to do an ergonomic evaluation? This involves making sure your chair fits you properly and your computer or other equipment is at an optimal level. I don't know if your employer is aware of your condition or if you want to get involved with that but have you thought about trying something like a cushion, foam or memory foam? Another suggestion would be to get up and walk around every so often or if that draws too much attention, do a few neck stretches and maybe just stand for a minute.i have a lot of problem with my trap muscles too and I do neck stretching daily. These techniques can be taught by a good physical therapist. I know you mentioned you felt PT was not helping you. I just want to tell you these therapists and types of PT can be very different.. Always good to find someone experienced in treating myofascial pain and or fibromyalgia. You do not want aggressive PT as in sports medicine. Hope you can find something to make your work day more comfortable.

Cold temps are hard on my body too. I also have a severe case of Raynaud's which is often a comorbid condition found in patients with MPS and fibro. In addition to all the other good advice written, I drink something warm throughout the day. I even microwave my water. I find keeping warm on the inside helps with the outside.

Never thought of that Zingara, good one!