Tension myalgia is a diagnosis that has been in use at the Mayo Clinic for more than
40 years. The term describes a common muscle pain disorder that is conceptually similar
to other muscle pain disorders such as fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain
syndrome. This article outlines the history of these disorders and proposes “tension
myalgia” as a term that unifies these separate diagnoses under one conceptual framework.
Recause the diagnostic criteria for tension myalgia have been vague, the Department
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic has developed specific
criteria for generalized, regional, and localized forms of this disorder. The recommended
treatment approach includes reassurance, elimination of contributing factors, physical
therapy to restore normal neuromuscular function, conditioning, and medications.
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Davis RW: Newer, non-narcotic analgesics: current role in treatment of specific pain disorders (submitted for publication)
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© 1990 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
