Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome (MFS) are often confused, and sometimes painted by uniformed practitioners with the same broad brush. Consequently, some patients with MFS may be misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia, and vice versa. However, while the two syndromes share pain as a common denominator, the origins of pain differ, as does the treatment.
One primary difference between the two conditions is that treatment for MFS can completely resolve the issue, while fibromyalgia treatment may alleviate pain but will not eliminate the condition altogether. In some cases, the two conditions may coexist in the same patient.
One way to understand the difference between fibromyalgia and MFS is to look at the distinguishing characteristics of each:
If you are suffering from generalized chronic pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential to finding the best treatment. The pain management specialists at NYDNRehab use the most advanced technologies and cutting edge approaches to diagnosis and treatment of FMS, fibromyalgia and other pain disorders. You don’t have to resign yourself to a lifetime of pain and medication. Contact NYDNRehab today, and take the first steps toward treatment so you can enjoy your life to its fullest.
Verified Expert Profiles
Dr. Lev Kalika is a world-recognized expert in musculoskeletal medicine. with 20+ years of clinical experience in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasonography, rehabilitative sports medicine and conservative orthopedics. In addition to operating his clinical practice in Manhattan, he regularly publishes peer-reviewed research on ultrasound-guided therapies and procedures. He serves as a peer reviewer for Springer Nature.
Dr. Kalika is an esteemed member of multiple professional organizations, including:
Below is a prime example of how ultrasound can take the guesswork out of diagnosis.
A bad physical therapy experience is one of the primary causes of unnecessary surgery
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating
the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy
due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient
to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed
to be a complete tear with muscle contraction
under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris
with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited
on dynamic sonography examination
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