Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a disorder that can develop in skeletal muscles and the membranes (fascia) that cover them. Patients have specific areas of deep tenderness in the muscles, called trigger points, that may occur as a result of trauma, a repetitive motion injury, prolonged improper posture, or a disease such as arthritis.

When pressure is applied to these trigger points, it is believed that a local twitch response occurs that is an involuntary shortening of the fibrous muscle band, resulting in chronic muscular pain. Symptoms may be aggravated by poor sleep, inactivity, anxiety or stress. Other symptoms may include fatigue, migraines, difficulty sleeping, orofacial pain and ear pain.

As with fibromyalgia, there are no diagnostic laboratory or imaging tests available for MPS, and many physicians are not adequately informed or educated about it. It is recommended that patients seek care with a physician specializing in pain management.

Treatment of MPS centers on reducing the musculoskeletal pain and improving muscular function. Treatment may include medications, physical therapy, manipulation therapy, occupational therapy or trigger point injections. If medical treatment is started early, the prognosis for MPS can be good.