Neck and Back Myofascial Pain
Find out more about neck and back myofascial pain and how Torrance Pain Institute can help you manage your pain, improve your quality of life, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Muscle pain typically goes away in time with enough rest. When it doesn’t and only gets worse, that could be a sign of myofascial pain. This condition is not uncommon in the neck and back.
What are neck and back myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is a chronic condition where the fascia, the tissue connecting the muscles, is swollen. This results in pain in one muscle or an entire muscle group. The inflamed fascia feels like a knot of muscle underneath the skin. When pressure is applied to it, it can trigger pain in the same area or in another part of the body.
The neck and back are two of the more common body parts affected by myofascial pain. Myofascial pain in the neck and back make the muscles in these areas feel tight and limit movement.
What causes myofascial pain in the neck and back?
Myofascial pain, in general, is caused by overworking or injuring specific muscles and dealing with stress.
Myofascial pain in the neck and back can develop from poor posture, whether it’s standing slouched or sitting in uncomfortable positions, and injury to intervertebral discs.
Other causes of myofascial pain include:
- Lack of sleep and exercise
- Obesity
- General fatigue
- Hormonal changes
- Other medical conditions
- Psychological problems like anxiety that lead to muscle clenching
What is the treatment for neck and back myofascial pain?
Neck and back myofascial pain can be treated with a trigger point injection. This procedure involves injecting an anesthetic into the trigger point (the muscle knot causing the pain). Steroid is sometimes also injected to help reduce muscle inflammation.
If you want to learn more about getting a trigger point injection for your neck and back myofascial pain, call Torrance Pain Institute today and book an appointment with our expert pain management doctor.