Life with Myofascial Pain

An individual with chronic myofascial pain may approach their condition with a multi-part approach such as treating myofascial trigger points, managing ongoing pain, and reducing any contributing factors of the condition.

In order to treat the underlying mechanisms causing a patient's myofascial pain, it's important that the person take an active role in his or her treatment. A patient should take care to follow recommendations made by a doctor by doing exercises and movement programs at home and conducting self-therapy on trigger points.

Along with following the prescribed treatment regimen, a myofascial pain sufferer should remove potential co-factors of the condition from his or her life. This includes having an ergonomic evaluation of the workstation and other regular activities and making any recommended adjustments that may improve the quality of sleep and overall physical health.

Regular exercise can help a patient better cope with pain and strengthen muscles around the affected area to reduce the likelihood of additional myofascial trigger point creation. Quality restorative sleep, and a healthy and balanced diet can help the body better manage pain. And reducing stress through meditation, journaling, social interactions and other means can help relax muscle tension.

A patient can gain peace of mind helpful in coping with the condition by becoming educated about the causes and treatments of myofascial pain. Support groups and educational classes are offered by organizations such as the American Chronic Pain Association, comforting those affected by myofascial pain with assistance, advice and encouragement from others living with similar challenges. Speaking with dependable and trustworthy friends, family and colleagues can help both the patient and their loved ones better understand each other and more easily support one another through difficult periods.

Myofascial pain can have a strong impact on a person's lifestyle, behavior and mood. An active treatment effort, the elimination of contributing factors and a supportive network can help relieve some of the distress of life with chronic myofascial pain.