Difference Between Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain

Fibromyalgia and chronic myofasical pain syndrome are both conditions characterized by continual muscle pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic myofascial pain may eventually become fibromyalgia in some cases.

Effects

• Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by muscle, tendon and ligament pain. Fibromyalgia pain may be worse at certain tender points. Chronic myofascial pain syndrome is a condition characterized by ongoing muscle pain. The pain is often triggered by pressure placed on trigger points within the muscles.

Fibromyalgia Effects

• Fibromyalgia causes constant pain and fatigue. Individuals with fibromyalgia often have trouble sleeping. Many also have other conditions such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Effects

• Chronic myofascial pain may cause headaches and pain affecting the legs, arms, pelvic area, lower back area, neck and jaw. Muscle stiffness may also occur and sometimes various muscles may feel as if they are in a knot. Pain may interfere with sleep.

Identification

• Chronic myofascial pain is diagnosed based on a patient's description of symptoms and a physical exam. The physician will look for sensitive or tense muscle areas. Fibromyalgia diagnosis is also based on a patient's anecdotes and a physical exam. In this case, the physical looks for history of pain and at least 11 tender points.

Treatments

• Chronic myofascial pain may be treated with massage, stretching, physical therapy and injections of numbing medications or corticosteriods into the affected muscles. Also, ibuprofen may be used to reduce pain and depression medications may prescribed to alleviate pain and improve sleep. Fibromyalgia may also be treated with physical therapy. Medications that may be used include Tylenol, Motrin and prescription medications such as antidepressants and Lyrica.