MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS AND CHRONIC PAIN- Premier Alternative Health

MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS AND CHRONIC PAIN

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common type of non-articular musculoskeletal pain that is associated with regional pain and muscle tenderness characterized by the presence of hypersensitive nodules, also called Myofascial Trigger Points (MTP).  This is often a result of a traumatic injury that was undiagnosed or undertreated. 

It is estimated that 95% of people with chronic pain disorders have some degree of MPS.  There are two main categories of MTPs, Active MTPs which are associated with pain, acutely tender to palpation and may contribute to decreased range of motion.  Latent MTPs on the other hand, have similar physical findings are often associated with motor dysfunction and muscle tenderness, but without spontaneous pain.  Shah, et al. 2008 report that biochemicals associated with pain and inflammation are elevated in soft tissue in the vicinity of Active MTP.  Subjects with the Active MTP have a greater presence of inflammatory mediators and therefore a higher sensitization to nociception.  Deactivation of these MTPs is paramount to reducing the inflammatory cascade in skeletal muscle, reduce pain and increase function.  This can be accomplished with simple manual medicine techniques along with trigger point injections, acupuncture and ischemic compression. 

Premier Alternative Health Center

Dr. Sean Billings

473-0399

107 N Union Blvd

Colorado Springs, CO 80909