Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. The pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in the muscle and sometimes in seemingly unrelated parts of your body (referred pain). This can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs hobbies, or by stress-related muscle tension.

Symptoms include deep, aching pain in a muscle, pain that persists or worsens, a tender knot in a muscle, difficulty sleeping due to pain. Factors that may increase the risk of myofascial pain include muscle injury or stress and anxiety.

Some research suggests myofascial pain may develop into fibromyalgia.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. February 1, 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myofascial-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20375444.