Myofascial pain syndrome is a form of chronic muscle pain that focuses around several trigger points. Cervical myofascial pain centers around the neck, jaw and head. The trigger areas can be tender to the touch. Exercise in the form of physical therapy may help relieve your symptoms.
Fascia
Fascia is the name of the layer of connective tissue that gives support to the body's joints, bones and muscles. It has three distinct layers; superficial fascia, deep fascia and subserous fascia. Strain or injury can cause trigger point to occur within the fascia; this leads to referred pain in different parts of the body.
Pain
Trigger points cause a tense band of pain within the muscle tissue. The pain causes a deep ache and may also cause a burning sensation. Cervical myofascial pain can occur suddenly after an injury or may have a more gradual onset from over-used muscles. The pain may be exacerbated by a virus, damp weather or excessive tension. It may cause pain in the neck and the head and face.
Neck Rolls
To relieve myofascial pain in the shoulders and neck, roll up a towel or use a foam roll. Lie flat on the floor with the roll beneath your shoulders. Wrap your arms around your chest. Raise your hips and use your feet to roll your body over the towel or foam so that it massages the muscle and releases the triggers.
Other Neck and Shoulder Exercises
Gentle stretching exercises may help eradicate trigger points from your neck and shoulders. Sit with your back straight and rotate your head in a clockwise direction, stretching as far to each side and to the back and front as is comfortably possible. This stretch can help relieve triggers and ease the tension that causes myofascial pain. Another good exercise is to roll the shoulders by hunching them up close to the ears, and then lowering them in a rolling movement.
