Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

World J Clin Cases. 2021 Mar 26;9(9):2077-2089. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i9.2077.

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is characterized by myofascial trigger points and fascial constrictions. At present, domestic and foreign scholars have not reached a consensus on the etiology and pathogenesis of MPS. Due to the lack of specific laboratory indicators and imaging evidence, there is no unified diagnostic criteria for MPS, making it easy to confuse with other diseases. The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized domestic experts to formulate this Chinese Pain Specialist Consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of MPS. This article reviews relevant domestic and foreign literature on the definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnostic criteria and treatments of MPS. The consensus is intended to normalize the diagnosis and treatment of MPS and be used by first-line doctors, including pain physicians to manage patients with MPS.

Keywords: Consensus; Diagnosis; Myofascial pain syndrome; Myofascial trigger points; Pathogenesis; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review