Myofascial Pain Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: Similarities and Differences

Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two similar disorders that can drastically reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Oftentimes, those that suffer from one also suffer from the other, and other times, patients are diagnosed with one when they actually are afflicted with the other.

So what are the similarities and differences between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia? Here is a quick primer:

The Similarities:

Both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are characterized by extreme sensitivity and pain in the absence of trauma or injury. They both cause sleep disturbances, and the chronic level of pain can cause depression and anxiety. They also both occur alongside chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Differences:

Myofascial pain syndrome usually manifests as pain and sensitivity in specific muscles or parts of the body, while fibromyalgia tends to affect a sufferer generally – they feel sore and sensitive all over their body. People with myofascial pain syndrome have trigger points, which are hard knots in the muscle that cause pain in both the trigger point and elsewhere along the nerve. This is not the same as a tender point for fibromyalgia – a trigger point can be eliminated with the right therapy, whereas fibromyalgia's tender points are chronic and much more difficult to treat. Where fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder (meaning it affects the brain's neurotransmitter cells) myofascial pain syndrome is neuromuscular, meaning that it affects the nerves that control voluntary muscles.

The most important distinction between these disorders is the fact that of the two, myofascial pain syndrome is easier to treat, because there are specific treatment plans that work for most people. If you suffer from both conditions, seeking out a treatment that can alleviate the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can also calm the pain that results from fibromyalgia.

Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome with Biofeedback

Electromyography biofeedback has become a popular – and effective – therapy for sufferers of myofascial pain syndrome because it is safe, non-invasive and doesn't involve medications. Biofeedback helps a doctor understand where a patient's trigger points are, and can help a patient learn to regain control of their improperly regulated muscle. Biofeedback for myofascial pain syndrome comes in two varieties: Static procedures, which are used to find tension in the muscles, and dynamic procedures, which can help to correct muscles' electrical characteristics and restore imbalances in the body's biomechanical processes.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, talk to your doctor about biofeedback treatment today. It may be just the therapy you need to start living a pain-free life.