Myofacial Pain Syndrome

@mrhappy, Yes, this "anyone" suffers immeasurably from myofascial pain syndrome. This condition preceded the SFN diagnosis and so I have been on a search for comfort for about 6 years. Because the fascia is everywhere and covers everything, it is tough to be totally pain-free at any time. It does appear that the fascia in areas around former surgeries, e.g. knee replacement, shoulder replacement, is the first to speak up and say "notice me". MFR or myofascial release is the only treatment modality that helps at all. There are layers of fascia throughout our bodies and those layers require time to become unrestricted. MFR therapists can find restrictions and apply the appropriate gentle hands-on treatment. I go faithfully every week and after time an area becomes unrestricted. My ribcage was a mess and movement was extremely painful. After several months, I now rarely notice any discomfort in that area and I feel that relief is more than temporary. It is best to make sure the MFR therapist has an "Expert" level certification to ensure the best outcome. Pain control is another challenge and I have chosen medical cannabis to avoid addictive medications. Hope this feedback helps. I have great empathy for your suffering. May you be safe and free from discomfort.

@mrhappy, Yes, this "anyone" suffers immeasurably from myofascial pain syndrome. This condition preceded the SFN diagnosis and so I have been on a search for comfort for about 6 years. Because the fascia is everywhere and covers everything, it is tough to be totally pain-free at any time. It does appear that the fascia in areas around former surgeries, e.g. knee replacement, shoulder replacement, is the first to speak up and say "notice me". MFR or myofascial release is the only treatment modality that helps at all. There are layers of fascia throughout our bodies and those layers require time to become unrestricted. MFR therapists can find restrictions and apply the appropriate gentle hands-on treatment. I go faithfully every week and after time an area becomes unrestricted. My ribcage was a mess and movement was extremely painful. After several months, I now rarely notice any discomfort in that area and I feel that relief is more than temporary. It is best to make sure the MFR therapist has an "Expert" level certification to ensure the best outcome. Pain control is another challenge and I have chosen medical cannabis to avoid addictive medications. Hope this feedback helps. I have great empathy for your suffering. May you be safe and free from discomfort.

I found your post interesting regarding trigger point injections.

My pain MGMT doctor doesn't support them. How long did they last for you? What exactly were you injected with? I may try them.....

How often do you stretch your affected muscles? My chiropractor said 3 times a week, but I do more for relief..

I can only tell you my journey ..

In regards to your similar issue to mine except my knots, trigger points are in my glute medius.

I quit physical therapy and joined Planet Fitness and LAFitness gyms thru the silver sneaker program through United healthcare..YMCA is also free through the program.

I mildly stretch in the morning at home because I'm stiff in the morning.....then off to The hydro therapy massage chairs at planet fitness.. it feels so good and it helps with the pain . Then I stretch again using the Precor machine and other ways..

I do strength exersizes for my core and back at the gym.. I use DVDs youtube to educate myself on stretching.

I use a foam ball to compress the knots (adhesions, trigger points) that hurts at first but it breaks up the tension and it won't hurt as much over time..some use a tennis ball..

Don't just focus on stretching your upper back...do your whole body..I can't stress enough how much stretching has helped me.
I do light muscle exercises right now, not too much, because like you, it hurts...
I began to swim at LA fitness this week.
The jacuzzi and sauna feels good too.

I don't know how old you are. But do join a gym if your not going, they are so worth it. Make sure you eat healthy .
I have done these things for only 2 half months and I feel 75% better.
I hope you the best.
Let me know

@mrhappy I had issues with glute trigger points and whole chains of trigger points from lower back to tight IT bands down quads and tight hamstrings. Found a therapist that used ultrasound while stretching which helped me a lot (that is not a “standard” treatment. That was a self pay situation but within 2-3 1 hour sessions I saw a big difference. Way less stiffness. Some chiropractors use electrical stimulation which also can help, too. Some say gentle movements help (like flowing like tai chi, etc.). Also, try spiked massage balls not just flat ones. There is a curved roller called a Rollga (available in soft and pro and other models). The curves allow you to work in the grooves and also go right up along the spine, too. I would guess some spinal nerve compression issues are driving this. Perhaps the Rollga might really help as it might massage along the spine. Rollga’s helped me a lot with glutes, IT bands, etc. Good luck.