Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Recognition of trigger points and associated symptoms helps in the diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome.
Diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome is based on complete patient history and physical examination. Laboratory tests and imaging studies are used to rule out other conditions.
- Physical Examination: Physical examination of myofascial pain syndrome includes the following.
- Posture, biomechanics and joint functioning should be tested
- Trigger points should be identified with gentle palpation along the direction of muscle fiber
- Palpation of the trigger point should result in local and referred pain
- The taut band of muscle with tender nodule should be identified
- A local twitch response is produced when a needle is penetrated through tender nodules
- There may also be associated painful limited range of motion
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- Blood Tests: Complete blood profile is normal in case of myofascial pain syndrome; however it may be helpful to exclude thyroid dysfunction
- Radiological Examination: Imaging studies such as ultrasonography, CT scan and MRI are normal, but they are helpful to identify other conditions like osteoarthritis or changes in the intervertebral disc
- Sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) may also be asked for to rule out sleep disorders.
- Electromyography, which records the electrical activity of a muscle, is sometimes used in the diagnosis.
