Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia both cause chronic pain. Myofascial pain is localized, often affecting your neck, shoulders, or back. Fibromyalgia pain is widespread and may affect muscles and joints.
Researchers estimate that 20.9% of adults in the United States experienced chronic pain in 2021. Chronic pain is pain lasting 3 or more months that can have a substantial effect on daily life.
Chronic pain has many causes. Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two of them. While these two conditions do have similarities, there are also several differences to be aware of.
This article compares these two conditions, including types of pain, what triggers the pain, and treatment.
What’s the difference between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia?
There are some important differences between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Let’s explore these in more detail now.
Myofascial pain syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) leads to pain in muscles and surrounding tissue. It causes localized or referred pain that’s brought on by activating muscle trigger points.
Researchers estimate that 30% to 93% of people with musculoskeletal pain have MPS. It most often affects the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back. MPS can also cause issues like muscle stiffness and reduced range of motion .
MPS can be either acute or chronic . Acute MPS often goes away on its own or with more simple treatments. Chronic MPS may last for 6 months or longer and has a poorer outlook.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a pain condition that’s estimated to affect 2% to 8% of people. It leads to widespread pain throughout the body that’s often described as muscle pain, but can also be reported as joint pain .
Pain from fibromyalgia may :
- occur throughout your whole body or be more prominent in muscles you use often
- feel like a deep ache or as a burning or throbbing sensation
- be worse in the morning
Individuals with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain than those without the condition. They may have tender points, which are specific areas of the body that become more painful when pressure is applied.
Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia
The effects of fibromyalgia can lead to other problems, such as fatigue , poor sleep , and brain fog . Other conditions, called comorbidities, also commonly happen along with fibromyalgia, including :
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. This means that it will likely need long-term management throughout your life.
What triggers myofascial pain syndrome vs. fibromyalgia?
There are also differences in what can bring on pain from MPS and fibromyalgia.
Myofascial pain syndrome
One of the key features of MPS is trigger points on muscles. These trigger points are tight areas of muscle that are hypersensitive to stimulation. When a trigger point is activated, it can lead to pain at that location.
People with MPS can also have referred pain when a trigger point is stimulated. This is when you feel pain at a different location from the actual pain source.
Fibromyalgia
People with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain than others. This can include being more sensitive to:
- things that are normally painful, such as temperature or pressure, which is called hyperalgesia
- things that typically aren’t painful, such as a light touch, which is called allodynia
Additionally, some factors can contribute to a worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms , such as:
- poor sleep
- changes in temperature or humidity
- physical or mental stress
- fluctuations in hormone levels, such as before your period
People with fibromyalgia may also have tender points . These are specific areas of the body where pain is more intense when pressure or another type of stimulation is applied.
Researchers have identified nine tender points for fibromyalgia. These points include the lower back, knees, and upper portion of the buttocks (gluteus muscles).
How are myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia treated or managed?
Different treatment approaches may be used for MPS and fibromyalgia. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and other symptoms as well as improve your quality of life.
Myofascial pain syndrome
There are many different treatment options for MPS. Some examples of the types of treatment that may be recommended include:
Fibromyalgia
The treatment of fibromyalgia may include the following:
- lifestyle changes, such as:
- losing weight if you have overweight or obesity
- talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy , to help cope with the effects of fibromyalgia
- physical therapy
- medications, such as:
- complementary therapies, which may include yoga , tai chi , or acupuncture
Frequently asked questions about myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
Is myofascial pain syndrome an autoimmune disease?
No. MPS isn’t an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when your immune system attacks healthy tissues.
What causes myofascial pain syndrome?
The cause of MPS isn’t known. It’s believed that several factors contribute to it, such as:
Does myofascial pain syndrome ever go away?
Sometimes. The outlook for a person with myofascial pain syndrome can depend on how long you’ve had symptoms .
Acute MPS may go away on its own, while chronic MPS can be more challenging to treat and can become resistant to many treatments.
What causes fibromyalgia?
Like MPS, the cause of fibromyalgia isn’t known. It’s believed to occur due to changes in how the body processes pain. Genetics may play a role, along with potential triggers like serious injury, infections, or emotional trauma.
How do doctors diagnose myofascial pain syndrome vs fibromyalgia?
There aren’t any tests specifically for MPS or fibromyalgia . A doctor will do the following to rule out other conditions and make a diagnosis:
- ask questions about your pain and the other symptoms you have
- do a physical exam
- utilize imaging tests like ultrasound or X-rays
- order blood and urine tests
Takeaway
MPS is a condition that leads to localized muscle pain. People with MPS have pain when trigger points on their muscles are stimulated. This pain can be at the location of the trigger point or it may be referred.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the body that can get worse due to stress, variations in the weather, or changes in hormone levels. Additionally, many health conditions like depression and IBS occur with fibromyalgia.
While there’s no cure for MPS or fibromyalgia, both conditions can be managed with treatment. The goal is to address symptoms and boost quality of life.
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