PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Musculoskeletal pain is a highly prevalent health problem, with a substantial proportion of cases progressing to chronicity. Among chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, fibromyalgia (FMS) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) are frequently encountered in clinical practice. MPS is characterized by regional pain originating from skeletal muscle and is clinically defined by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). These hyperirritable spots within taut bands of muscle fibers are associated with localized tenderness, referred pain, and motor, sensory, and autonomic symptoms. MTrPs are commonly identified by manual palpation and are thought to arise in response to muscle overuse, trauma, or psychological stress.