Whatever may be the cause, patients with chronic pain suffer intensely. Hence it is not unexpected that such extreme pain over the long term can lead to psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and pathological stress, usually unknown to the patient. For instance, a person who suffers from chronic tension headaches, for example, might have become anxious or suffered chronic stress without even knowing it.
At The Painless Center, we recognize that depressive mood and physical pain can be closely related, and the large number of patients who present myofascial pain are not the exception.
About Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is one of the major causes of musculoskeletal pain. It consists of neuromuscular dysfunction in sensitive regions, localized in tense (contracted) muscle bands, which causes pain in or near the affected areas. This causes pain in the tissue surrounding the body’s organs, in this case, the muscles. Symptoms are usually felt in the arms, head, neck, buttocks, shoulders, and lower back. And although there is no risk to life, your daily routine is compromised.
The incidence of myofascial pain is higher in people over thirty, especially athletes, who may begin to experience muscle nodules or contractions. When these areas are stimulated, intense pain occurs that can radiate to other parts of the body.
The origin of the syndrome is often associated with depression, anxiety, and anemia, but also with diabetes, rheumatic problems, and thyroid problems. As mentioned above, it can be related to physical exercise, when there is muscular stress due to poor physical condition and posture, trauma, tight clothing, or strain. Often myofascial pain is confused with other conditions, like fibromyalgia, which makes a correct diagnosis difficult.
The Link Between Depression and Myofascial Pain
Pain is among the main reasons for dependency, by means of often leaving you unable to do something that has been easy and routine for you. On being so restricted, self-esteem will generally be among the things most severely affected, leading to more negative and alarming thinking. This cycle can be a significant trigger for conditions like depression to take hold and cause even more damage.
It is understood that older people are even more prone to these conditions, as problems like myofascial pain are much more common in old age, though there are no specific rules. Another fact supporting this interaction is that older people often lose some independence, which can contribute to mood swings and sadness, making the development of depressive behavior not surprising.
This cause-and-effect relationship between myofascial pain and depression is potentially dangerous, in that the occurrence of one significantly increases the risk of the other. Even though the exact nature of this interaction remains to be scientifically clarified, its implications are established.
Treatment Guidelines
People suffering from myofascial pain should realize the importance of following all guidelines by doctors because the recovery process depends on both their hard work and willpower. The reason for the disorder, therefore, has to be determined so that a proper treatment can be determined that reduces or eliminates trigger point pain using a mixture of acupuncture, stretching exercises, and medications such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Some of the treatment suggestions are:
- Physical and rehabilitation therapy
- Relaxation exercises (yoga, meditation)
- Activities that relieve emotional tension
- Avoiding alcohol consumption
- Posture correction
- Psychological therapy
- Avoiding smoking
- Maximizing ergonomics at work
- Avoiding activities that require muscular effort
Find Relief with The Painless Center
Depression is a serious disease that affects the manner in which you think, feel, and act. It is more common than you’d imagine, affecting many people of all ages, and its causes vary greatly from life experience, genetics, and brain biochemistry.
As we have seen, like other chronic conditions, myofascial pain can be indeed related to depression, stress, and anxiety. Therefore, your pain specialist may suggest a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist. These are fairly common actions in these situations.
At The Painless Center, Dr. Jason Chiu and our team of expert specialists utilize advanced scientific knowledge and personalized care to alleviate chronic pain, accelerate injury recovery, and improve your quality of life. Receiving a referral to see a mental health professional doesn’t mean the pain is all in your head. Conversely, your doctor is doing a good thing towards the treatment of your condition while at the same time looking out for your psychological and physical welfare.
If you suffer from chronic or myofascial pain, please call us or schedule an appointment today by calling our offices. The key to pain management is choosing a holistic treatment that becomes a daily practice of your life.