Muscle Pain - Fasciitis

• Myofascial pain or fasciitis is a chronic contracture of the muscles and fascia of the involved area. This specific muscle problem may develop in any area of the body. Pain from fasciitis can result from a number of different causes. Chronic irritations from the nerves, repeated overuse of the involved area, stress or overstretching. All of these things can cause pain, inflammation and stiffness which make everyday activities painful. Fasciitis is not fibromyalgia.

• Generally there is a diffused aching pain over a broad area. It comes and goes and when it is getting worse it does not go way. In such a case, an x-ray has limited value. In fact imaging generally is negative. Generally laboratory work is negative and the underlying cause is simply unknown. The healing process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks with treatment. Dependent upon the cause, fasciitis can produce pain on and off for months. Generally surgery is never necessary.