myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia?

I'm confused. My pain management doc says I have myofascial pain syndrome. I go for physical therapy and the therapist says I have fibromyalgia.

Is there a doc who can do the appropriate testing so that I may get a definitive diagnosis?

It was a rheumatologist that dx'ed me with Chronic Myofascial Pain co-existing with Fibromyalgia. The two get lumped together a lot and sometimes people think they are one in the same, but they are definitely different.

I suffer from both(:-(( found out about fibro in Jue and myo in July.... I feel like I am getting worse everyday. I am feeling really alone these days.
altheia

I wish I could make all of your pain go away... but since I can't... I'll at least be here to listen to you and support you in the tiny ways that I can.

(((((((((((((((( Altheia )))))))))))))))

hi there,

This link gives good information on the difference between the two:

http://www.sover.net/~devstar/physinfo.htm

Wow tranquility, thank you for that link!

I'm going to print some of it out and give it to people who have no idea what living with this is like.

Your welcome!

There are two others;

http://fibrohope.org - gives alot of information strictly about fibro. What it is, how it's diagnosed, what it's like to live with it, and what research has shown so far about what causes it. It is sponsored by a drug company, but you wouldn't even know it!

This other one also has a support forum and a store for supplements. I find alot of good information/links. from other people on the support form.

Tranq

http://www.fibromyalgiasupport.com

I have fibromyalgia. The pain in my muscles is really bad. Sometimes I have found by keeping my feet and lower legs covered with a blanket at night, that helps keep away the terrible cramps. I use ZanaFlex, a muscle relaxer, and strong pain meds sometimes when I hurt bad. Physical Therphy is great if you can afford it. I leaned how to massage my legs to get the knots out of my muscles and help them to relax. Just taking a day off to relax and do nothing helps me. But it is the coping day to day that gets real old. I just want it to go away so I can go back to work. But it's been over five years without relief so I guess I'm stuck with it.

Another good site/references: http://www.healingwell.com/library/fibro/webber3.asp

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is another name for Chronic Fatigue. Fibromyaglia is a different condition. To meet the criteria for Fibro you must have a Dr. diagnose you and you must meet the 11-18 trigger points on the body. Your Dr's are confusing you I'm sure telling you both. You need to find a good Dr. that knows about both and how to diagnosis them properly.
Blessings
Ocean13

I'm sorry you are suffering.

Here in the States, it is no longer just a syndrome, but Myofascial Pain Disorder. And is not the same as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Also, here in the States, Myofascial Pain Disorder affects your TRIGGER POINTS, and Fibromyagia affects TENDER POINTS. A good Rheumatologist is needed to Diagnose Fibromyalgia.

Many people with fibromyalgia also have myofascial pain. As do those with chronic fatigue.

I "only" have CMPD (chronic myofascial pain disorder.)

Many doctors are confused about what is what... the main thing is that you get the right treatment: the PT should work on your trigger and/or tender points as is needed, plus teach you how to stretch and excercise safely.

TC!

http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org...ysofacial.html
What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial syndrome is a pain disorder that affects the muscles and fascia throughout your body. Fascia is like a web that surrounds the bones, tissues, organs, and blood vessels throughout the body. Myofascial pain syndrome can attack and cause degeneration of certain areas of the fascia, resulting in chronic pain and a variety of other symptoms.

Pain usually originates in specific areas of the body, called myofascial trigger points (TrPs), which feel like tiny nodules under the skin. These trigger points commonly develop throughout the body, typically where the fascia comes into contact with a muscle.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a very common illness, and most people will develop at least one trigger point in their body at some point in their lives. The majority of these people will not develop severe symptoms and will be able to continue on with their normal routines. However, about 14% of the population will develop a chronic form of the syndrome, resulting in persistent pain and discomfort.

Myofascial pain disorder is very common in fibromyalgia sufferers. It was once thought that myofascial pain syndrome was actually a kind of fibromyalgia. However, this is now known not to be the case. It is possible to have both fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial syndrome, and therefore it is important to be diligent when analyzing your symptoms. If you notice myofascial syndrome symptoms, record them and report them to your doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
The most common sign of myofascial pain is the presence of palpable trigger points in your muscles. Trigger points are areas of extreme tenderness and sensitivity, and usually form in bands of muscle underneath your skin. They are similar to the tender points caused by fibromyalgia, only trigger points can be felt beneath the skin. When touched, trigger points will produce pain and twitching in the muscles. Often, pain is felt in an area distinct from the trigger point that is actually affected – this is called referred pain.

The pain of myofascial syndrome is typically a dull ache, but can also produce a throbbing, stabbing, or burning sensation. Pain is often located in the jaw area, though any part of the body can be affected. One-third of myofascial pain sufferers report localized pain, while two-thirds report having pain all over their bodies.

Myofascial pain can also produce a variety of other symptoms, many of which may appear unrelated. These include:

numbness in the extremities
popping or clicking of the joints
limited movement of joints, particularly the jaw
muscle weakness (manifested in dropping things)
migraine or headache
disturbed sleep
balance problems
tinnitus and ear pain
double vision or blurred vision
problems with memory
unexplained nausea, dizziness, and sweating

Aggravating Factors
Symptoms are often aggravated by specific factors. Stress and anxiety contribute to muscle tension and can irritate trigger points. Changes in the weather, including sudden coldness, high humidity, or extreme dryness can also exacerbate symptoms. Physical activity can also trigger symptoms.

Causes of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
There are numerous proposed causes of myofascial pain:

Muscle and Skeletal Problems: The causes of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome can be numerous and depend upon the individual. Generally, myofascial pain is caused by some sort of trauma to the muscles and skeleton in the body. Overworking of the muscles can cause damage to certain areas resulting in the development of a trigger point. Poor posture can also trigger myofascial pain in certain individuals. Skeletal abnormalities, such as having different sized feet, toes, or legs, can also contribute to the development of myofascial pains. Frequent exposure to cold weather may also increase the risk of developing chronic myofascial pain syndrome.

Chronic Fibromyalgia Pain: People with fibromyalgia may get myofascial pain syndrome as a result of their fibromyalgia pain. Compensating for pain can often cause reduced movement or an unhealthy posture, leading to the formation of trigger points. The severe pain caused by fibromyalgia also causes muscle contractions around tender points, referred to as guarding. Eventually these muscle contractions cause trigger points to form in addition to the tender points of fibromyalgia.

Depression Associated with Fibromyalgia: The depression associated with fibromyalgia may also cause myofascial pain to develop. At least 30% of fibromyalgia patients suffer from depression, which causes low levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and pain in the body. Depression may interfere with the process of regulating pain, causing MPS.

Effects of MPS on Fibromyalgia
Having both myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia can be quite trying at times. Symptoms of MPS and fibromyalgia are very similar, making it difficult for medical professionals to properly diagnose many people. Without proper diagnosis, a patient may not receive appropriate treatment, causing his or her symptoms to become even worse. In addition, myofascial pain can often contribute to the pain caused by fibromyalgia, making life much more difficult to enjoy.

This site describes two medical conditions which often occur together: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain. Chronic Myofascial Pain was previously called Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

See the handout "Myofascial Pain — A Neuromuscular Disease".
This site describes two medical conditions which often occur together: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain. Chronic Myofascial Pain was previously called Myofascial Pain Syndrome. See the handout "Myofascial Pain — A Neuromuscular Disease".

This Dr. has written some really great books on Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Definately worth a read.

Have a pain free day

Ocean