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Posted 8/18/2008 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I have a question. If you think you have myofascial pain, what kind of doctor do you see and what can they do for you?

My legs are sore to the touch ever since I pulled my back over 3 years ago and the mris, do shoe some stenosis, all bulging disks, ddd---but every doctor says they see nothing to explain why I have such pain. It goes also to my left hip and groi, my knees really hurt--I believe that's osteoarthrits, but the soreness I am guessing maybe myofascial. My doctor isn't the best at diagnosing but at least he gives me some pain meds to deal with it. I have never been diagnosed other than osteoarthritis and the muscle sorness is not from that. My lower back hurts and the pain goes to both legs, not one doctor has an answer.

Thanks for any replies. I don't believe it's nerve damage either. I've read about myofascial, and it didn't say much more than massages and some injections. I've had epidurals and cortisone shots and prendisone and they did nothing, so it looks like it's not inflamed. I don't know why I am so sore and do know that stress makes it hurt more--and there is a lot going on.

Thanks again.

Posted 8/19/2008 12:58 AM (GMT 0)

Hi

I have MFP Syndrome.

You should try to see an Osteopath. If you live in the US it is

a Doctor of Osteopathy. There used to be a member here that is

one. Try searching myofascia and finding the old threads.

I was about totally disabled and off work for 2 1/2 years and

then was told I also have MFP syndrome as well as the DDD

etc.

All it took was some stretches every day and then an exercise

program (once I could do one ) and I am now back to work.

It is quite amazing what you can do with some proper stretches.

Wishing you success.

Bonnie

Posted 8/19/2008 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Bonnie. I can do strtches, I guess I have to find the right ones. But I will search here and try to find a doctor. Thank you very much and I am very glad for you!! That's wonderful!

Posted 8/19/2008 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Myofascial Pain is not understood by many doctors.
My last pain doctor went to school with the author of a Myofascial Pain book so he
at least knew the pain existed and it was BAD.
The Myofascia is a layer of "stuff" under your skin that is like that gelatinous stuff
you see when you cut up a chicken for soup.
After death, autopsies do not show the Myofascia so it's kinda mysterious.
Doctors confuse it with Fibromyalgia and have the same concern that Fibromyalgia
gets.
Everyone with Myofasical Pain will describe it different I think.
Mine was a kinda buzzing thing on my arms and back. Drove me crazy. The doctor
gave me a Myelogram (when they stick electric needles in your arms and the nerves
are visualized.)
It's an awful test but for me it was well worth it. The electric needle hit a few of
those horrible nerves and the buzzing and pain stopped.
I still have plenty more that bothers me.
Some author claims it's the worst pain you can have. (I can't say I agree, but
then I can't say I don't)
Pamela Neckpain
This "report" doesn't sound very medical. It's just what it was for me.
Posted 8/19/2008 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denim,

I agree with Bonnie that an osteopath would be best, but also you could possibly see a napropath or a massage therapist. The key is to find out if they are trained in myofascial release. It is similar to massage, but for me traditional massage makes my pain worse whereas myofascial release significantly helps. Plus, it feels good so maybe it will help with your stress. :)

Good luck!
frances
Posted 8/19/2008 4:21 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Frances, I need a diagnosis first and in my health plan, I don't even see a osteopath. In the beginning I had a massage, and this woman put pressure on my piriformis---felt worse!

My husband massages me and it does help and I feel the chiroprator helped but he got thousands from me, and I haven't more to give, and he never even followed up why I wasn't back. He wanted his money, no credit cards.

Does anyone besides an osteopath diagnose myofascial? I'm just guessing because no doctor has helped in over 3 years.

I copied 17 pages about myofascial yesterday and knew about most of them. I went to PT-hardly helped. I guess you need the right doctor and I've been looking so long and am tired. I mean it has to be something, not no diagnosis.

My gut feeling is that it's a combo of things but the only relief has been pain killers, which stinks. If I knew the exercises that really help I would do them. I have so many books as it is and was doing them. This feels like it's here for life. 

Posted 8/19/2008 4:25 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you Pamela also for your reply. My pain is a sorness to the touch of my leg muscles, accompanied by low back pain, hip and groin pain but I even had my left hip mri'd--nothing.

And I've taken msm and other joint pain products for my knees, back--nothing. I wear shoe inserts too, because I know I over pronate.

Posted 8/19/2008 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
I know that there are clinics that specialize in MFP release.

Sorry I can't give you one.

Try calling massage clinics and asking them.

Or "google" your city/state and myofascial pain release and

see what comes up under your area.

Most doctors don't recognize MFP.

The first conference about it was held last year in Florida (I think)

If you can find that it tells you alot and is interesting.


Hard to believe there is a part of the body that the medical

system does not know enough about! !

 

Posted 8/20/2008 1:14 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks tiggers--since I hurt myself, I've found most doctors don't really know much unfortunately for us. We research more on things because it's our bodies and then even when we give specifics, they can't help--at least that has been the case for my husband and myself!

Thank you for taking the time to post.

Posted 8/20/2008 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
My PCP diagnosed me.
It's not really something they can test for. My understanding is that is diagnosed based on description of symptoms (but I wouldn't swear that that's 100% correct, just what I've been told). They could do some tests to rule out more serious issues, but from what I've seen usually they will diagnose on history alone.
My insurance doesn't cover it either, even with the dx. There's some other terms that the doctors use to bill the treatment. A lot of times it can be billed as "physical therapy, light modalities". Some PT's will directly provide this treatment, though your best bet is to find a massage therapist/napropath who works under a PT, Chiropractor or Osteopath.
You'll need to be a little creative. Hope you can find something that works!

frances
Posted 8/20/2008 2:46 AM (GMT 0)

Frances thanks for replying. Based on my symptoms, it could be it, I know it all started when I pulled my back and the pain whent to my legs and after over 3yrs--has not left. It is a mystery. Be well, yourself and take care.

Posted 8/22/2008 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
My pain doctor used Accupuncture for Myofascial Problems. That part of my pain is gone, but I don't think the
Accupuncture needles helped it. I think it was helped by the other needles.

Tiggers, it's just awful that so few doctors know about this. The first conference on the subject was held last year.
Hay! We could hold a conference ourselves. We just couldn't treat the conditon.

But ... the Myofascia is invisible so many doctors are unwilling to take a leap of faith. Terrible thing. My Myofascial
Pain seens to be over. (diagnosed by a Neurologist & a pain doctor)
Pamela Neckpain
Posted 8/22/2008 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Pamela I am glad you no longer get the MFP
I am pretty good now as well as long as I keep doing the stretches.
I suffered for 2 years before this diagnosis.
When the MRI did not show further damage to my neck yet, the docs just said oh take more drugs. Grrrrrrr. I have bad adverse reactions to opiates and so could not get relief that way.
Fortunately I do have a great Osteopath I see her every other week and she does wonders for me.
Hopefully more doctors will start admitting that the fascia does cause alot of problems. In my opinion alot of spine people are also suffering from this and just not diagnosed.
Bonnie
Posted 8/22/2008 8:28 PM (GMT 0)

That is so great for both of you to be doing well. May I ask what type of stretches you do? Is it more for the neck?

Since. I feel like I have to be my own doctor, I have and got more back stretches to try. It is a shame there aren't more doctors that can't even suggest or even know about simple stretches for pain. It is not right, but good for you 2 who have had sucess. I will not give up.

Posted 8/22/2008 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Don't ever give up! !
My stretches are for my neck and my pelvis.
Have you tried looking online for stretches?
Or call a local physio or massage person they may know.
Although I found the local physio peeps knew nothing and am fortunate to know an Osteo personally.
Since Doctors of Osteopathy have to be registered doctors in the US you might be able to find one thru the College of Physicians listings. If that is what you call it there.
I think the person that used to post on here and was training in osteopathy is Sarita.
Try posting to her on a new thread.
Worth a try.
Bonnie
Posted 8/23/2008 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bonnie--Yes, I have gotten stretches online and had seen a PT--I know there were a few she had given me that were wrong for my body. It is so hard to find an intelligent doctor. I am going to start again with some stretches. I have never lost my flexibilty. I am sore in my legs but apparently a mystery to the doctors I've seen. I know exactly when it started and I would think that would help and it hasn't. It is just so frustrating. Thanks for all your help and I hope you continue to do well.

Posted 8/23/2008 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Bonnie --
I agree and believe a lot of people have it and they themselves may think it's Fibromyalgia.
A reference book for those who suffer:
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain
Devin Starlanyl
Mary Ellen Copeland
I find it difficult to read but I also tell you it's the most dog-earred book in my book
case. A lot of good information on it.
Pamela
Posted 8/24/2008 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Pamela
I had myself convinced a few months ago that I have Fibromyalgia. I had so many many symptoms on the list. Even tho I take neurontin.
Both conditions used to be labelled as one. Even now when you "google" them you get referenced to the other condition.
We think all is known about our bodies. I think NOT....
Bonnie
Posted 8/24/2008 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denim, I have myofascial pain issues also. I worked for awhile with a physical therapist who was specially trained in myofascial release therapy using the method developed by John Barnes (www.myofascialrelease.com). It took awhile but was effective. Not all pt's are trained in this particular therapy so you may have to call around. Massage therapist can do a form of release also but it is different. The good part of a pt doing it is that insurance will often cover it. Other techniques that might be helpful iare called active release technique (www.activerelease.com) and Graston(www.grastontechnique.com). I am at present time working with a chiropractor who specializes in rehab and is trained in those techniques. Again it is a slow process but effective and I have hopes of long term problem solving and relief. Of course I don't know if any of these will help you but I guess I just wanted to let you know that there are lots of possibilities for help out there but you just have to keep digging to find the right treatment. From what I understand also stretching your muscles while the fascia is still stuck and tight really won't help much. Need to get fascia loose first. Something else you might want to google is a conditon called "lower crossed syndrome". Your symptoms sound similar to mine and I have a moderate to severe case of it. That's what the chiro is working on also. Good luck and keep us posted. Lisa
Posted 12/23/2013 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
I see that this is a very old thread, but I am suffering with MFP and was hoping to "talk" with someone who understood first hand what I'm going through.
Posted 12/23/2013 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
Crampygrammy -

I'm glad to see you started a new thread.... as you can see, this is from many years ago - and most of these members are gone. Hopefully others will see your new thread and follow up there.

Take care, --Tina
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