Is myofascial pain the same as fibromyalgia?
No. Although both are controversial muscle pain conditions, they are distinct clinical entities. Myofascial pain is a soft tissue disorder localized primarily to one region of the body, characterized by myofascial trigger points. Myofascial trigger points, are hyperirritable locations within an area of skeletal muscle fibers, that when compressed , can give rise to characteristic referred pain patterns and tenderness. For example, trigger points from the neck or cervical region can “refer” pain to the head. Other trigger point referral patterns from muscles along the lower back region can refer pain down the leg. Fibromyalgia, also a disorder of muscle sensitivity, is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Although the clinical spectrum varies among patients, it generally involves more generalized muscle tenderness, above and below the waist (all four quadrants of the body), neuroendocrine effects, sleep and gastrointestinal disturbance, and psychological distress
