Interdisciplinary Approaches to Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Myofascial trigger point pain and dysfunction are probably the foremost causes of chronic pain in this country. Conservative estimates of reported cases indicate that 23 million of the U.S. population have one or more chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system (Alvarez & Rockwell, 2002). Musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of disability in the workforce and the leading cause of disability in age-related groups (Mense, Simons, & Russell, 2001). In actuality many practitioners report studies indicating as many as 74 to 85% of the cases seen contain a primary organic diagnosis of myofascial pain (Strauss, 2004). Other studies, however, report 37 to 65% with localized myofascial pain (Strauss, 2004). Because the disorders can be treated very successfully, why do we continue to see myofascial pain and dysfunction increasing and growing to epidemic proportion? Part of the problem lies in the continued misunderstanding and blurring of diagnoses, especially between fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and myofascial pain syndrome. Without the proper diagnosis, there cannot be proper treatment. And, even with proper diagnosis, one needs proven guidelines for treatment to ensure a positive result.