PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME: THE LATEST OPINIONS

Abstract

In this article, pathogenesis of myofascial trigger points, mechanisms of clinical signs, and the association of trigger points with the diseases which are related with central sensitization are summarized in the light of latest studies. Trigger points can initiate central sensitization. Trigger points are shown in a large number of painful musculoskeletal diseases associated with widespread central sensitization such as fibromyalgia and whiplash syndrome. Although central sensitization has been described in many chronic pain syndromes such as endometriosis, low back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, postsurgical pain, whiplash, shoulder impingement syndrome and fibromyalgia, it is not spesific to trigger points. However, due to trigger points are shown in almost all pain syndromes (whiplash, tension-type and chronic primary headaches, migraine, lateral epicondylitis, breast cancer surgery, fibromyalgia and temporomandibular dysfunction) it is likely that central sensitization and trigger points are in associated with each other