Spinal pathologies

Cervical Myofascial Syndrome

Cervical Myofascial Syndrome is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by chronic muscle pain and the presence of myofascial trigger points in the cervical and cervicodorsal musculature.

These trigger points correspond to areas of muscle hyperirritability capable of generating local pain and radiating pain towards the head, shoulders, interscapular region or upper extremities, potentially significantly affecting the patient’s mobility and quality of life.

Cervical myofascial syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of chronic neck pain and is often associated with muscle overload, postural alterations, mechanical stress, and cervical degenerative processes.

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What are myofascial trigger points?

Myofascial trigger points are small areas of localized contracture within the muscle that exhibit increased sensitivity and muscle tension.

These points can cause:

Persistent local pain
Pain radiating to a distance
Muscle stiffness
Functional limitation
Reflex muscle spasm

Prolonged activation of trigger points can lead to muscle sensitization and perpetuate chronic neck pain.

What are the most frequent causes?

Cervical myofascial syndrome can develop due to multiple factors, including:

Cervical muscle overload
Sustained postural alterations
Prolonged work in front of screens
Physical and emotional stress
Bruxism and jaw tension
Degenerative cervical pathology
Trauma or whiplash
Alteration of workplace ergonomics
Sedentary lifestyle or muscle weakness

In many patients, muscular, articular, and biomechanical factors coexist, which favor the chronicity of pain.

What are the most common symptoms?

Symptoms may vary depending on the affected muscles and the intensity of the clinical picture.

Among the most frequent are:

Persistent neck pain
Muscle contracture
Rigidity and limited mobility
Tension or cervicogenic headache
Pain radiating to shoulders or back
Sensation of constant muscle tension
Cervical muscle fatigue
Dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness in some cases

The pain usually worsens with stress, sustained postures, and muscle overload.

Specialized diagnosis

The diagnosis is primarily clinical and is based on detailed muscle examination and the identification of myofascial trigger points.

Depending on each case, additional studies may be performed to rule out associated cervical pathology.

Correctly differentiating neck pain from other causes is essential to guide treatment.

Treatment of cervical myofascial syndrome

Treatment should be individualized according to the intensity of the symptoms and the biomechanical factors involved.

At VERTEBRA SpinePain & Regenerative SURGERY CENTERS we take a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to cervical myofascial syndrome using advanced medical, rehabilitative and interventional treatments.

Among the available therapeutic options, the following stand out:

Physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation
Posture correction and ergonomics
Specialized pharmacological treatment
Trigger point treatment
Ultrasound-guided muscle injections
Radiofrequency in selected cases
Regenerative and Orthobiological Therapies
Cervical muscle strengthening and functional stabilization

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, relax the affected muscles, and restore normal cervical function.

At VERTEBRA SpinePain & Regenerative SURGERY CENTERS we have a specialized unit for cervical pain, myofascial pain and musculoskeletal pathology, offering advanced and personalized treatments using high-precision techniques.