• Syndrome Description
• Demographics
• Disability Studies
• FM RESOURCES

Syndrome Descriptions:

Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) is a musculoskeletal chronic pain disease that is not progressive, degenerative, or inflammatory. It is characterized by pain and stiffness that is restricted to certain locations on the body. CMP is neither a psychological disturbance, nor a mental illness, although chronic pain can cause anxiety and lead to depression. The American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health are among those who have accepted CMP as a legitimate physical illness and a major cause of disability¹.

Demographics

It's estimated that some 44 million Americans have Chronic Myofascial Pain²(CMP). CMP is a disease that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles), in which there is abnormal sustained contraction of part of a muscle. These muscle knots can form degenerated hard, painful nodules called Myofascial Trigger points (MTP's).

Unfortunately, if left untreated, more MTP's can develop and spread to a wider area or extend to the other side of your body. CMP affects men as women in equal numbers.

Disability Studies

CMP is not a psychological disturbance, nor is it a mental illness, although chronic pain can cause anxiety and lead to depression. The American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health are among those who have accepted CMP as a legitimate physical illness and a major cause of disability¹(CMP).

FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES is in its 11th year. They are a non-profit educational organization. They accept no paid endorsements or advertising. Nor do they ever charge for their resources or services. This allows them to provide you with objective, unbiased information.

FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES has distinguished itself through the comprehensive, medically accurate information it offers, as well as the survey it's conducting in its attempt at finding the cause and/or cure for Fibromyalgia (FM). If you think you might have FM as well as CMP, or other than CMP, be sure to check out their resources!

Source(s):

1. Starlanyl D, Copeland ME. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain, 2nd ed. Oakland CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc; 2001.

2. Wheeler AH. Myofascial pain disorders: theory to therapy, Drugs 2004; 64(1):45-62.