Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is primarily associated with chronic regionalized musculoskeletal pain. The pain may be aggravated by poor sleep, inactivity, anxiety and stress. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Multiple trigger points (TrPs). Areas of extreme tenderness in a skeletal muscle or muscle group, which are associated with local or regional pain. These points can also cause referred pain to other areas of the body, such as the jaw, neck, back, buttocks, thigh, leg, knees, calf, foot and/or heel.
  
  
• Muscle stiffness or weakness with a tendency to drop objects. However, there is no sign of muscle atrophy.
  
  
• Fatigue.
  
  
• Difficulty in sustaining repetitive motor tasks because of increased pain and fatigue.
  
  
• Migraines and other headaches.
  
  
• Mood disturbances (e.g., irritability, depression, anxiety).
  
  
• Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea).
  
  
• Other symptoms, including:
  
  
• Joint pain
  
  
• Earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), orofacial pain, dental pain or teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
  
  
• Heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome
  
  
• Excessive menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
  
  
• Painful intercourse
  
  
• Increased sweating, lacrimation (secretion of tears) and salivation
  
  
• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Vision problems