Chronic Head and Neck muscle pain can present as Myalgia or Myofascial Pain. Myalgia is when pain is localized at a specific site within a particular muscle. However, when pain is spreading to other muscles, it is known as Myofascial Pain. Spreading of the pain happens due to trigger points within the affected muscle. Applying pressure to those trigger points will radiate pain in that area, sometimes pain may radiate without even applying pressure to the trigger points.

Did you know that even minor accidents or injuries can cause neck pain?

Head and Neck Muscle pain can be brought on by a number of different possibilities, some of which include, but is not limited to, continuous chronic misuse of the muscle, trauma, infections, systemic disorders, such as fibromyalgia, and poor postures. Additionally, high-stress levels may be cited as factors contributing to head and neck muscle pain. 

Symptoms resulting from Head and Neck Muscle Pain

Depending on the patient’s degree of pain, some patients may experience Neck stiffness and limitation on mouth opening, earache and headaches, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. Additionally, some patients may experience constant fatigue or restlessness. Myalgia or Myofascial pain diagnosis is made clinically during a head and neck examination by an orofacial pain specialist.
Sometimes, specific tests might be needed to reach a diagnosis, such as lab tests or imaging, to rule out systemic disorders or joints involvements. Additionally, trigger point injections are sometimes used to help narrow down the pain source and create a more effective treatment plan.

Course of Treatment

The key to muscle pain treatment is to address the cause of your muscle pain. Based on the cause, several treatments are available to manage better the pain, including physical and thermal therapy, proper postures, and avoidance of chronic trauma and strenuous activities are often the first choices. If needed, pharmacological treatment will be added. Joints or muscle injections might be required in some cases. The course of treatment for each patient varies based on the severity of symptoms that are being presented.
Poor sleeping patterns, stressful life situations and depression are common conditions that may incite head and neck muscle pain. It is believed that risk factors such as these may lead to a change in the brains ability to properly process pain perception, making the pain feel greater or more intense than usual.

Myalgia or Myofascial pain diagnosis is made clinically during a head and neck examination by an orofacial pain specialist.