Orofacial Pain, TMJ Disorders & Dental Sleep Medicine Specialists

Myofascial Pain

Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) is a condition characterized by trigger points—sensitive, painful spots within your muscles—that cause pain in specific areas of the body. These trigger points can be severe and debilitating. While the exact cause is not fully understood, research suggests that CMP stems from muscle injury, repetitive strain, or psychological stress. It is a common condition, with an estimated 44 million Americans suffering from related issues.

Pain from CMP is typically described as a dull, aching sensation within the muscle. A unique feature of this condition is referred pain, which is discomfort felt in an area of the body that is not directly at the site of the trigger point. For example, a trigger point in a shoulder muscle can cause pain that radiates up to the neck and head, leading to what feels like a headache.

These active trigger points are believed to form from a variety of factors:

Repetitive overuse or injury

Poor posture or prolonged inactivity

Sustained heavy lifting

Regular muscle tension and clenching

When a trigger point becomes active, the muscle fibers tighten, forming a taut band that keeps the muscle in a constant state of contraction. This can make the muscle weak and inflexible, and may even trap nearby nerves, causing secondary sensations like numbness or aching. If left untreated, this can cause a chain reaction where surrounding muscles become overworked and develop their own trigger points, creating a complex network of referred pain.

It’s worth noting that many people have trigger points that are latent (asymptomatic unless pressed) and do not cause pain. For these individuals, a trigger point may only become active when the muscle is aggravated by stress, overuse, or injury.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can experience chronic myofascial pain, certain groups are at a higher risk. This condition is more likely to develop in:

Women: Myofascial trigger points are more likely to be active in women than in men.

Middle-aged adults: Chronic myofascial pain most frequently develops in this age group, as younger muscles may be better equipped to handle strain.

Individuals who are injured, stressed, or inactive: Injury, illness, and stress can activate trigger points, while a sedentary lifestyle or poor posture can weaken muscles and make trigger points more likely.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Because its symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders, a proper diagnosis of CMP requires a thorough physical examination. However, CMP is a manageable disease. With professional attention, you can pinpoint the source of your pain and receive a positive diagnosis.

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but we’re here to help. Our goal is to create a comprehensive plan that’s just for you. This plan may include a variety of treatment options, such as: such as physical therapy, injections, oral appliances, and medications. By improving your overall physical and mental health, you can reduce your risk of pain and take a proactive step toward managing it. Our specialists, who have completed residency training in the U.S., are here to help diagnose your condition and recommend treatments that can help you find relief.