Soft tissue spine disorders

1. What is the presentation of lumbosacral strain?
2. What are causes of lumbosacral strain?
3. What is myofascial pain syndrome?
4. How does myofascial pain present?
5. What is the treatment of myofascial pain?

Answers:
1. Muscle ache with spasm and guarding, can occur up to 24-48 hours after injury. Normal neuro exam.
2. Overuse, excessive eccentric contraction, accel-decel injuries, acute trauma.
3. Regional pain with local muscle tenderness and trigger points.
4. Muscle tenderness, trigger points, paresthesias, poor sleep, fatigue, normal neuro exam.
5. Correction of underlying causes, analgesics, tricyclics, rehab focusing on flexibility, strengthening and aerobic exercises. Trigger point injections. Psych counseling.