Myofascial Pain Syndrome

More Than Just a Muscle Knot: Understanding and Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Everyone gets muscle tightness now and then—but if you’re dealing with chronic muscle pain that won’t go away, you might be experiencing Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Unlike temporary soreness, this condition involves deep, persistent pain that can affect sleep, movement, and your overall quality of life.

At Pain Management Solutions, we help patients find lasting relief from myofascial pain using targeted, non-surgical treatments that address the underlying trigger points and nerve irritation causing your discomfort.

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What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition caused by tight bands of muscle fibers known as trigger points. These trigger points can form after muscle injury, overuse, tension, or poor posture—and they don’t always go away with rest or massage.

Trigger points can:

• Cause localized, aching muscle pain
• Refer pain to other areas (e.g., neck pain causing headaches)
• Limit range of motion
• Lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and tension headaches

It most commonly affects the neck, shoulders, upper back, and lower back, but it can occur anywhere in the body.

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What Causes Myofascial Pain?

Common contributors include:

• Repetitive motions or overuse injuries
• Poor posture
• Stress or anxiety (leading to muscle tension)
• Injury or trauma
• Lack of movement or prolonged immobilization

Unlike fibromyalgia (a widespread pain condition), MPS is focused on specific trigger points that can often be felt during a physical exam.

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Diagnosis and Evaluation

At Pain Management Solutions, Dr. Francis Pecoraro conducts a thorough exam to identify active trigger points and rule out other underlying conditions. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical findings.

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Treatment Options for Myofascial Pain

Our approach focuses on reducing pain, releasing muscle tension, and restoring healthy movement. Treatment options may include:

• Trigger Point Injections – A local anesthetic (sometimes with steroid) is injected directly into the tight muscle band to reduce pain and allow relaxation.
• Dry Needling – A fine needle is inserted into the trigger point without medication to release tension and reset the muscle.
• Botox Injections – For more resistant cases, Botox may help relieve chronic muscle spasms.
• Peripheral nerve blocks – If pain involves irritated nerves in addition to muscle tension.
• Stretching and physical therapy coordination – To correct posture, improve flexibility, and prevent recurrence.
• Medication management – Including non-opioid options like muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications.

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Don’t Let Chronic Muscle Pain Hold You Back

If you’ve tried massage, stretching, or pain relievers and your muscle pain still persists, it may be time to explore a more focused approach. At Pain Management Solutions, we’ll work with you to uncover the root of your pain and help you move forward with a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

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Break Free from the Cycle of Muscle Pain

Let us help you release the tension that’s keeping you from feeling your best. Contact Pain Management Solutions today to schedule an evaluation and start your journey toward relief.