Myofascial Pain Syndrome "enormously complex"

[webslave]

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008 Oct;12(4):371-84. Epub 2008 Aug 13.
Uncovering the biochemical milieu of myofascial trigger points using in vivo microdialysis: an application of muscle pain concepts to myofascial pain syndrome.

Shah JP, Gilliams EA.
Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1604 USA.

Abstract

This article discusses muscle pain concepts in the context of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and summarizes microdialysis studies that have surveyed the biochemical basis of this musculoskeletal pain condition. Though MPS is a common type of non-articular pain, its pathophysiology is only beginning to be understood due to its enormous complexity. MPS is characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are defined as hyperirritable nodules located within a taut band of skeletal muscle. MTrPs may be active (spontaneously painful and symptomatic) or latent (non-spontaneously painful). Painful MTrPs activate muscle nociceptors that, upon sustained noxious stimulation, initiate motor and sensory changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This process is called sensitization. In order to investigate the peripheral factors that influence the sensitization process, a microdialysis technique was developed to quantitatively measure the biochemical milieu of skeletal muscle. Biochemical differences were found between active and latent MTrPs, as well as in comparison with healthy muscle tissue. In this paper we relate the findings of elevated levels of sensitizing substances within painful muscle to the current theoretical framework of muscle pain and MTrP development.

PMID: 19083696 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[gmccormack]

This is actually an incredibly interesting piece. Take a look at the paper on this page called:
2008 - Uncovering The Biochemical Milieu Of Myofascial Trigger Points Using In Vivo Microdialysis

I like it because it attempts to explain some of the unknowns of this condition (nervous system malfunction, cytokines, etc)

we all know that there is almost certainly a neuromuscular element of this condition but it goes way beyond tight muscles.

[webslave]

Good find. From that paper there is a nice illustration

[webslave]

The book containing this diagram is available at our store:

Myofascial Trigger Points: Pathophysiology and Evidence-Informed Diagnosis and Management (Contemporary Issues in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medicine) By Jan Dommerholt, Peter Huijbregts