Give Online: Help shape patient care for generations to come.
Cleveland Clinic Logo

Diseases & Conditions

Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP)

(Also Called 'CMP (Chronic Myofascial Pain)')

Chronic myofascial pain (CMP), also called myofascial pain syndrome, is a painful condition that affects the muscles and the sheath of the tissue — called the fascia — that surround the muscles. CMP can involve a single muscle or a group of muscles.

What are the symptoms of CMP?

The most notable feature of CMP is the presence of trigger points. Trigger points are highly sensitive areas within the muscle that are painful to touch and cause pain that can be felt in another area of the body, called referred pain.



Is chronic myofascial pain the same thing as fibromyalgia syndrome?

CMP may resemble fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and has sometimes been referred to as “regional fibromyalgia.”  Both disorders are defined as having “tender points in muscles.” However, CMP is believed to be a disorder of the muscle itself while FMS is believed to be a disorder in the way the brain processes pain signals. FMS is usually associated with more widespread pain and other symptoms that do not affect muscles including sleep disruption, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue throughout the body, and headache.

What causes CMP?


How common is CMP?

Pain originating in the muscles and fascia is very common. Nearly everyone at some point suffers from this type of pain, known as myalgia fasciitis or myofascitis. CMP, however, involves pain that is chronic, or long lasting, and is associated with specific trigger points.


How is CMP diagnosed?



How is CMP treated?

Treatment options might include:

  • Physical therapy — A therapy program includes stretching, postural and strengthening exercises.
  • Massage therapy — Therapeutic massage can loosen tight muscles and relieve cramping or spasms.
  • Injections — This involves injecting a pain medicine (local anesthetic) directly into the trigger points.


What complications are associated with CMP?


What is the outlook for people with CMP?


Can CMP be prevented?

It might not be possible to prevent all episodes of CMP, but the following tips might help reduce their occurrence and speed recovery:

  • Improve your posture
  • Reduce your body weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
  • Learn stress-management techniques
  • Use proper techniques at work, and during exercise and sports


Can't find the health information you’re looking for?


Institutes, Departments and Centers