Have you been diagnosed with Myofascial Pain Syndrome and are unsure on how to treat the neck pain associated with it?  Myofascial pain is defined as a disorder in which the connective tissue surrounding your muscles, known as fascia, becomes tight or damaged. Many people would describe it as a stiff spinal muscle or knot that constantly twitches and will not move or relax.  If you have this in your neck, it can take over your life!

While the exact cause of Myofascial Pain Syndrome is not fully understood, the condition is thought to be caused due to previous head and neck injuries, repetitive neck movements over time, long periods of  stress and/or poor posture.

There are several methods to manage or even resolve this muscle condition, however it is important to do the treatment prescribed to you by your neck pain specialist since many cases are different.

Self-care tips for Cervical Myofascial neck pain

Here are several self-care tips that you can do at home that may reduce your Cervical Myofascial neck pain condition.

  • Exercise. Performing the proper, specific gentle stretches each day will loosen and even strengthen your neck and upper back muscles. This can help ease tension in the cervical region and improve posture.  The key is to be consistent. 
  • DIY massage. Doing a trigger point massage will help with immediate, but usually temporary pain relief. To do this, lie on your back and place a tennis ball or foam roller on your shoulder and  upper back muscles. Gently roll out the tight knots, which are easy to locate! 
  • Heat/cold therapy. Applying heat on the painful areas for about 20 minutes at a time, helps soothe constricted muscles by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Then, later in the day or evening, apply ice for about 20 minutes.  This will decrease swelling, numb the area and decrease pain. 
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Taking over-the-counter medications may help reduce inflammation.  Caution that this is temporary relief, and should be considered a short term solution.  Too much use of these drugs can be harmful to your body. 

These are ways neck pain specialists may treat Myofascial Neck Pain.

  • Myofascial release therapy. A health care provider specializing in neck myofascial pain syndrome may treat your condition with something called myofascial release therapy. This therapy uses focused pressure on specific trigger points.  This can break up adhesions, increase blood flow, improve lymphatic drainage, and promote healing.
  • Acupuncture or dry needling. Some neck pain doctors and specialists use acupuncture or dry needling to treat myofascial pain. These are techniques in which thin metallic needles are inserted at specific points on the body, to relieve tension.
  • Spinal mobilization.  Doctors who specialize in specific gentle aligning spinal segments, making sure there is balance and proper movement in neck joints.  This can reduce nerve pressure, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and promote healing.

Remember, if you are experiencing chronic trigger points, being open to different therapies and speaking to your doctor is key.

These neck pain treatments for Myofascial Pain Syndrome give you a strong starting point for effective relief.

At the Head and Neck Centers of Excellence, we address all the underlying causes of your pain instead of just treating the symptoms with medication. If you are experiencing Myofascial Neck pain and the treatments are not subsiding the pain, we encourage an appointment with our clinic so that our team of professionals can offer you a consultation!

For more information contact us today!