Abstract
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common soft tissue disorder estimated to affect more than three-fourths of the general American population at least once during their lifetime. In this day of age, depression is remarkably the leading cause of disability affecting the mind and the emotional state of health. Depression is a serious mental state affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Depression is said to be associated with chronic myofascial pain due to its dual neuronal connection, both believed to have been influenced by serotonin and nor-epinephrine. As a result, treatment goals should not be directed on the emotional symptoms alone but emphasis should be laid on the physical symptoms as well. Primary healthcare providers should emphasize the intensity and extent of physical symptoms associated with soft tissue disorders. A depressive mood disorder is more often than not associated with physical pain, as is the case with a number of patients presenting at primary care. These patients seek treatment for physical symptoms alone, making depression even harder to diagnose. Depressive mood and physical pain are closely interlinked with each other. Medical intervention with antidepressants that act as both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in correcting chemical imbalances are indicated for alleviating physical symptoms in depressed individuals.
Highlights
Myofascial pain syndrome is a common soft tissue disorder associated with the presence of taut knot in the muscle fiber known as trigger points
It was reported that 60% of individuals found to have depression presented with nine or more physical signs or symptoms, whereas 2% of those individuals diagnosed with depressive disorder were found to have only one or no physical symptoms [14]
The relationship between depression and physical pain can be attributed to a complex mechanism involved in the neurochemical pathway in that both are influenced by neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine
Summary
Myofascial pain syndrome is a common soft tissue disorder associated with the presence of taut knot in the muscle fiber known as trigger points. There exists a strong correlation between myofascial pain with the emotional aspects of depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation and stress along with the physical state of an individual [4, 5]. Psychological distress or mental distress usually resulting from an unwanted experience may trigger symptoms such as depression, tensor stress, and panic attack due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is described as an unpleasant feelings or emotions impacting the levels of normal functioning. M. Okumus et al reported higher levels of depression in patients with myofascial pain syndrome when compared to controls consisting of healthy individuals. It was reported that 60% of individuals found to have depression presented with nine or more physical signs or symptoms, whereas 2% of those individuals diagnosed with depressive disorder were found to have only one or no physical symptoms [14]
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