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Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain

Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are chronic conditions. While overlap in symptoms can occur, they are separate conditions. Neither condition has a cure, but both are treatable. Both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome can be difficult to diagnose and may take time as other conditions are ruled out.

  1. Fibromyalgia

    • The pain associated with fibromyalgia is typically a dull ache. The pain involves at least 11 out of 18 possible tender points that include the back of the head, between shoulder blades, top of shoulders, front sides of the neck, the upper chest, outer elbows, upper hips, sides of hips and inner knees.

    Myofascial Pain Syndrome

    • Myofascial pain syndrome involves the fascia (the connective tissue over the muscle). The pain is a deep ache and may involve one muscle or a group of muscles. Myofascial pain syndrome involves trigger points, where pain is produced on pressure and may also be referred to other areas and often results in knots or tight spots in the muscles.

    Trigger Points vs. Tender Points

    • While they sound very much alike, the tender points of fibromyalgia and the trigger points of myofascial pain syndrome are different. Tender points are sensitive or painful upon pressure and are in specific points of the body. Trigger points are sensitive to pressure, but they can be in any muscle or muscle group in the body. Tender point pain may come and go and vary in intensity, while trigger points are consistently painful in the same spot.

    Myofascial vs. Fibromyalgia Pain

    • Fibromyalgia must involve pain on both sides of the body and be both above and below the waist for a diagnosis of the condition. Myofascial pain syndrome can be limited in area but will be a persistent and worsening pain.

    Other Symptoms

    • Fibromyalgia patients often suffer from stomach ailments, headaches, sleep disturbances, frequent depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Those with myofascial pain syndrome often suffer from insomnia from the pain, and they also experience depression and fatigue.

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