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Created: February 25, 1999
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by: Diane Manhattan
Revised: September 22, 1999
By: Diane Manhattan
An Introduction to Myofascial Pain Syndrome
(Some of the information in this section was obtained by The 'Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome Information Network", is a Washington State Licensed non-profit association. All information contained within this internet page is freely distributed.)Myofascia is a thin soft gel film that wraps around muscle, muscle fibers, and forms tendons and ligaments. This tissue supports all the structuring of the muscles.
When the tissues start to become hardened they also tend to lose their flexibility and shortening of the muscles occur.
An important source of pain in musculoskeletal pain syndromes is from muscle shortening that mechanically stresses muscle attachments. Shortening in muscles acting across a joint increases joint pressure and can therefore causing the tissues from taking on the soft gel state again which would bring them back to the elasticity form.
The trigger points of Myofascial Pain Syndrome are the same as Fibromyalgia, thus relating the two conditions together.
Informational Websites:
DEFINITlON OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME AND THERAPEUTIC PROTOCOL - Chang-Zern Hong M.D., Dept. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE, and KATELLA PAIN CONTROL MEDICAL CLINICFibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome Information - Devin J. Starlanyl, M.D. and Mary Ellen Copeland M.A. M.S.
Myofascial Trigger Points - by Devin J. Starlanyl, M.D.
Books Worth Reading:
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome : A Survival ManualAuthor: Devin J. Starlanyl, Mary Ellen Copeland
This manual offers the first comprehensive patient guide for managing these conditions. Readers learn to identify "trigger points" and find out how to cope with chronic pain, sleep problems, and the numbing effects of "fibrofog." Includes a wealth of information on the conditions and finding support.