And while the treatment for MPS sounds quite similar to that given to our fibromyalgia friends, let us not forget the key differences between these two chronic pain conditions:
- MPS has more localized or regional pain versus the diffuse pain of fibromyalgia.
- MPS patients have "trigger points" which can cause pain at a distant location when pressed, whereas fibromyalgia patients suffer from "tender points."
- MPS has a better prognosis, as the pain often resolves with treatment or the rectification of the offending stimulus (such as the ergonomically incorrect office desk); the pain of fibromyalgia has a much higher chance of being chronic.
Unfortunately, both MPS and fibromyalgia are frequently not diagnosed properly. This in turn leaves many with chronic pain that is not being treated properly.
In a way, it may be less important whether a doctor gets MPS confused with fibromyalgia, or vice-versa. But what is important is that we have doctors who understand the importance and the necessity of giving those patients with widespread pain all the help available, just as those with regional pain deserve all the treatment available to ease their suffering.
Chronic pain by definition is always there, but that does not mean it always must be there with the same intensity.
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