Question
Dear Dr. Carr, Could you please let me know your opinion on myofascial pain?  I have a herniated cervical disc (c5) and spinal cord syrinx and  have been treated for about 5 years for radicular pain that will "flare up" when I engage in  repetitive use of the arm to where I can hardly move my arm.  THe pain travels from neck to upper shoulder and upper back area down inner side of arm into thumb area.  Now, a new physician diagnoses cervical myofascial pain in addition to the cervical radiculopathy and syringomelia. I've heard this is a diagnosis that carries stigma of possible emotional factors.  I am insulted to receive this diagnosis when I have a very obvious herniation and radicular pattern and obvious physical problem.  What are your thoughts on such a diagnosis?  I'd really appreciate any information you could provide.
  THank you very much,
   Kay

Answer
Kay;

Yes, there are emotional issues associated with myofascial pain, but that's okay. I tell my patients "We cry when it hurts".   The question noone's been able to answer is whether the pain precedes the emotions in chronic issues, or the other way round. So, no, it hasn't been proven one way or the other.

You should self-monitor for depression, and any other emotional issues ( a great idea all the time) do your exercises of traction and extension for the neck, and have a great Thanksgiving, thankful for all we already have.