Hey gals (and maybe even some guys) I'm a little confused and hope some of you can help me out. I was diagnosed with chronic myofascial pain about 2 years ago. The neurologist who diagnosed me said it is different from fibromyalgia although symptoms may be similar but (this is where it gets confusing) my family doctor says they are the same thing pretty much. Oh yeah the neurologist also said cmp can be proven because of having trigger points but fibro can't?? When I type in myofascial pain in a search engine most of the info is about fibro. So are they essentially the same??

I'm not too sure myself. I know that last year I was dx'd w/ cmps because I was still doubting fibro. So, my family dr then said I had cmps.

My psychologist used to be a pain mgt dr. She told me a few wks ago that fibro and cmps go together. It's basically the same things.

I personally don't think the trigger point test for fibro will be around to much longer. Some dr's press hard, some don't press hard enough. Some people one day might have 11 pain spots, and then the next time maybe have only 8 bugging them. Very confusing!!

I think the hard muscle knots that we get from fibro are causing the myofacial pain also. But, I honestly don't know. :confused:

Somewhere else in this Forum, I have described Myofascial Pain Syndrome:
Soft tissue damage may trigger pain. Tight muscles that are painful to the touch. Aches and pains that limit your ability to walk, move your arm or hand, or even open your mouth. These symptoms are warning signs that your soft tissue-muscles, tendons, and ligaments-may be damaged. Damaged soft tissue can lead to myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a common but complex problem in which muscles develop painful "knots" called trigger points. 1) Soft tissue is torn; 2) trigger points form (as torn tissue heals, underlying fibers contract and become twisted. New tissue grows over the knotted fibers, making the area feel bumpy. This hard, bumpy area is called a trigger point because pressing on it triggers pain right there or elsewhere in the body.); and 3) Muscle shortens, resulting in decreased mobility. So, you can have MFS and not have Fibromyalgia. Don't confuse "trigger points" with "tender points" found in FMS.

The International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems that went into effect on January 1, 1993 specifically states the diagnosis for Fibromyalgia. This document defines FMS as a painful nonarticular condition predominately involving muscles and the most common cause of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Tender points being the most powerful discriminator between FMS and controls. Then, there are the numerous other symptoms found in fibromyalgia that have nothing to do with myofascial pain syndrome.

I understand your confusion. Sounds like your doctor is a bit confused also. LOL

Hope this helps