By Michael Yorfido, PT Student McMaster
Photography (c) Steve Horvath for ISM Rehab
What is Cervical Myofascial Pain?
Pain in the muscles that support the shoulders and neck that is thought to occur following either overuse or trauma. This myofascial pain can cause cervicogenic headaches. The muscles most often implicated in myofascial pain are the trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus. (1) |
What are some signs/symptoms of Cervical Myofascial Pain?
Pain - pain may be described as pulling or tightness
Trouble sleeping
Palpable trigger points - a hyperirritable area located in a palpable taut band of muscle fibers.
Restricted range of motion - increased sensitivity to stretch of muscle fibers in a taut band
Muscle weakness - weakness may occur due to pain (1)
Pain - pain may be described as pulling or tightness
Trouble sleeping
Palpable trigger points - a hyperirritable area located in a palpable taut band of muscle fibers.
Restricted range of motion - increased sensitivity to stretch of muscle fibers in a taut band
Muscle weakness - weakness may occur due to pain (1)
What kinds of treatments are available for Cervical Myofascial Pain?
Soft tissue work (1)
Education on posture and ergonomics (1)
Acupuncture (2)
Stretching and strengthening exercises (3)
Education on NSAIDs and muscle relaxants (4)
TENS (4)
Manual therapy (4)
Dry needling (5)
Soft tissue work (1)
Education on posture and ergonomics (1)
Acupuncture (2)
Stretching and strengthening exercises (3)
Education on NSAIDs and muscle relaxants (4)
TENS (4)
Manual therapy (4)
Dry needling (5)
Summary
At ISM Rehab we have an excellent multidisciplinary healthcare team which includes physiotherapists and assistants, registered massage therapists, physician assistants, orthopaedic surgeons, and physiatrists. Together these health professionals will work together to provide you with the client centered care you need to ensure you make a complete recovery.
At ISM Rehab we have an excellent multidisciplinary healthcare team which includes physiotherapists and assistants, registered massage therapists, physician assistants, orthopaedic surgeons, and physiatrists. Together these health professionals will work together to provide you with the client centered care you need to ensure you make a complete recovery.
References
(1) Borg-Stein J. Cervical myofascial pain and headache. Current pain and headache reports. 2002 Aug 1;6(4):324-30.
(2) Wang R, Li X, Zhou S, Zhang X, Yang K, Li X. Manual acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2017 Jan 23:acupmed-2016.
(3) Wang R, Li X, Zhou S, Zhang X, Yang K, Li X. Manual acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2017 Jan 23:acupmed-2016.
(4) Desai MJ, Saini V, Saini S. Myofascial pain syndrome: a treatment review. Pain and therapy. 2013 Jun 1;2(1):21-36.
(5) Tough EA, White AR. Effectiveness of acupuncture/dry needling for myofascial trigger point pain. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2011 Apr 1;16(2):147-54.
(6) Simons DG: Myofascial pain syndrome due to trigger points. In Medical Rehabilitation. Edited by Basmajian JV and Kirby RL.Baltimore:Williams & Wilkins;1984
(1) Borg-Stein J. Cervical myofascial pain and headache. Current pain and headache reports. 2002 Aug 1;6(4):324-30.
(2) Wang R, Li X, Zhou S, Zhang X, Yang K, Li X. Manual acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2017 Jan 23:acupmed-2016.
(3) Wang R, Li X, Zhou S, Zhang X, Yang K, Li X. Manual acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2017 Jan 23:acupmed-2016.
(4) Desai MJ, Saini V, Saini S. Myofascial pain syndrome: a treatment review. Pain and therapy. 2013 Jun 1;2(1):21-36.
(5) Tough EA, White AR. Effectiveness of acupuncture/dry needling for myofascial trigger point pain. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2011 Apr 1;16(2):147-54.
(6) Simons DG: Myofascial pain syndrome due to trigger points. In Medical Rehabilitation. Edited by Basmajian JV and Kirby RL.Baltimore:Williams & Wilkins;1984