What characterizes myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain is characterized by the presence of small hyperirritable areas within muscles, commonly referred to as trigger points. These trigger points are often tight bands of muscle fibers that can be sensitive to touch and can lead to local muscle dysfunction. When compressed or irritated, these points can produce pain that radiates to other areas of the body, but the defining feature is the hyperirritability within the muscle itself. This condition frequently manifests with specific symptoms and is associated with various activities or injuries, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and treating the hyperirritable areas for effective pain management.

In contrast, localized pain at the site of injury implies a direct response to trauma rather than the multifaceted nature of myofascial pain. Referred pain from restless tissues indicates a more generalized discomfort rather than the specific muscle trigger points found in myofascial pain. Chronic pain without noticeable trigger points does not align with the typical presentation of myofascial pain, which is closely linked to the presence of identifiable, hyperirritable points in muscle tissue.