Myofascial pain syndrome or MPS, and fibromyalgia are chronic conditions that cause pain in the musculoskeletal system. The two conditions can be confused because they have similar symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, ear pain, balance issues, difficulty sleeping, random sweating, and memory problems. An accurate diagnosis is crucial because the conditions can be experienced at the same time, pain from one condition can linger if only one is treated.
MPS
Trigger points that activate localized muscle pain characterize MPS. They present as a small lump under the skin that is painful when pressure is applied. Many times they form where muscle tissue has been damaged, and the tissue has healed abnormally. Peripheral numbness, nausea, blurred vision, and clicking joints are symptoms specific to MPS.
Treatment for MPS is focused on the trigger points and may include a professional trigger point therapist Bronx NY. Dry and wet needling, massage, cold laser, stretching, ultrasound, dietary changes, physical therapy, prescription, and over-the-counter medications are some other treatments for MPS.
Fibromyalgia
Widespread and generalized pain is characteristic of fibromyalgia. Disorientation, sensitivity to light and noise, allergies, panic attacks, exhaustion & fatigue, are symptoms unique to fibromyalgia. Tender points are located around the body and were used to help diagnose fibromyalgia in the past, but there are other conditions that can cause these tender spots. Pain indexes, symptom severity scales, and the presence of absence of other symptoms are used as diagnostic criteria today. Treatment for fibromyalgia involves stress reduction, talk therapy, and prescription as well as OTC medications.
MPS and fibromyalgia can be easily confused because they have some of the same symptoms. However, there are unique symptoms to each condition that can aid in the diagnosis process. Consultation with a medical specialist can help assure accurate diagnoses and follow up with the proper treatments for each condition.