Right now, you could be experiencing symptoms of dizziness. But you do not have a clue as to where its coming from, these dizzy spells.
Also, you’ve had them before. There’s another question being asked today; can myofascial pain cause dizziness.
We’d like to help you and your co-readers find the answers, and we’re going to give them as best as we can here.
From the get go, we will address the question as to whether myofascial pain causes dizziness. We will also be taking a look at what exactly myofascial pain is (not many people up to now will be familiar with the term).
Now; why would myofascial pain cause dizziness
But, perhaps a more important question worth beginning with here is; if myofascial pain causes dizziness, can both the pain and the dizziness be treated, or better still, can patients be cured of myofascial pain.
The answer to the first part of this question is; yes, myofascial pain can be treated, controlled, remedied and even substantially reduced. Whether directly related to myofascial pain or not, dizzy spells can be remedied as well.
But can patients ultimately be cured of this chronic condition? There are cases where patients report a complete disappearance of all typical symptoms (as well as pain) but ultimately and strictly speaking, there is no known medical cure.
And what is myofascial pain?
One short, easy explanation as to why myofascial pain would cause dizziness can be given entirely in layman’s terms in a way that everyone can relate to.
Think of someone who through some or another emotional or physical trauma goes into shock. This shock can cause dizzy spells and even lead to the sufferer losing consciousness.
Myofascial pain is also known clinically as myofascial pain syndrome and by its popular acronym, MPS.
It affects the lining of tissues that cover all the muscles of the human body and can occur or manifest itself in unrelated incidences. But in layman’s terms, myofascial pain can simply be referred to as muscle pains.
Does this have anything to do with nerves?
One question was asked whether there is any direct link between the central nervous system and MPS. Common sense tells us that there might be. But here’s what we found out in the meantime.
Popular science says that the cause of myofascial pain is unknown, but anxiety and stress disorders, from mild forms of unhappiness and restless and shortened sleep patterns to severe depression and bi-polar stress disorder have been known to play a role in causing MPS.
So, the layman’s answer here is that; yes, there is a link. Another clinical explanation vindicates this belief. These stress-inducing conditions can also play a role in affecting the brain’s ability to properly register pain and how to deal with it.
Myofascial pain explained further
Clinically expressed, myofascial pain is also defined as an acute chronic disorder related directly to pain, in this case connected to the fascia, a series of connective tissue that wraps itself around the human body’s muscles.
MPS can affect just one muscle or severely traumatize an entire muscle group/s. Key pressure points or sensitive areas of the body are known to cause muscular pain in entirely different and perceivably unrelated parts of the body.
One other thing; myofascial pain syndrome can also be caused by regular and repetitive contractions of the muscles.
Why does myofascial pain cause dizziness?
Earlier, we mentioned that dizziness is possible in cases of patients suffering from myofascial pain. We also called up the analogy of shock as a result of severe physical or emotional trauma.
Now, let’s round this cause off with an anecdote, bearing in mind that while myofascial pain can (and does) cause dizziness and that dizziness is just one of a number of symptoms of myofascial pain.
Staying focused on dizziness, if you will; we’re mentioning trigger points in the neck and correlating this with myofascial pain.
Both MPS and STP (sternocledomastoid trigger points) have dizziness in common. Dizziness is a symptom of both syndromes.
Dizziness can be treated
Most of us also know that dizziness is associated with many other illnesses or physical conditions negatively afflicting the human body.
Closely related to other symptoms of sternocledomastoid trigger points such as vertigo, dizziness also gives off sensations of spinning.
There are extreme cases of dizziness but generally the condition of dizziness is far from life-threatening.
Where this is required, treatment comes in the form of medication and therapy. In extreme cases, surgery can be considered. Medication depends on how severe bouts of dizziness become.
Anticholinergics are generally used to cure patients of dizzy spells, but water pills and a diet low in salt helps too.
So too, myofascial pain
Myofascial pain can be treated effectively, also bearing in mind that essentially it cannot be prevented nor is there any formal cure.
Stress-release techniques and training the body to sleep better at night are two series of exercises which focus on the psychological side of the human being.
It is important because high anxiety levels and other stress-related disorders can encourage muscular pain.
The healthy alternatives of appropriate forms of exercising, stretching and prescribed physiotherapy are always going to be a preferred proscription for most medical and health practitioners who have their patients’ best health interests in mind. Medical treatment using prescription drugs will also be used when necessary.
Why not end this article on a high? In response to the question that was asked right at the beginning – does myofascial pain cause dizziness – it is also important to be reminded that many other illnesses and similar syndromes cause dizziness too.
However, these inherently emotional episodes can be overcome by taking as many of the correct preventative measures as possible. Happily, most of these practices form part of embracing healthy and wholesome lifestyle choices.
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/myofascial-pain-syndrome
http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_pain/article.htm
