Pain Experience, Psychological Functioning and Self-Reported Disability in Chronic Myofascial Pain and Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Objectives: Psychological studies of myofascial pain and fibromyalgia typically compare these syndromes with other chronic pain conditions and combine them to ascertain psychopathological correlates. To determine differences between these groups, this study compared pain experience, disability and psychological functioning in myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. Methods: Consecutive female patients, who presented to a university pain clinic and who were diagnosed with myofascial pain [N = 34] or fibromyalgia [N = 21], were assessed by psychometric testing before intervention. Results: Myofascial pain was associated with traumatic onset and greater trait anxiety. Fibromyalgia patients reported greater severity or pain, more occupational disability and lower educational achievement. No differences were obtained on mesures of sleep, fatigue, depression or personality functioning. Conclusions: Myofascial pain and fibromyalgia patients are similar on most measures of psychological functioning although fibromyalgi...