Myofascial pain syndrome and SARS-CoV-2: a case series

Patel, Jaldhi; Javed, Saba

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that has caused a plethora of dysfunctions and changes in the human body. Our goal in this case study series was to demonstrate the relationship that coronavirus has had in newly diagnosing patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS). Medical records were obtained from a pain clinic that demonstrated the effects of this virus on patients who developed MFPS between March 2020 and December 2020. Chart reviews were performed and demonstrated patients who had a history of chronic pain had subsequent episodes of worsening exacerbations of pain, more specifically trigger points, after being diagnosed with coronavirus. MFPS and SARS-CoV-2 are proposed to be correlated amongst chronic pain patients. Potential pathological mechanisms include coronavirus-induced hypoxic muscle dysfunctions as well as psychological stress triggering pain receptors, leading to myofascial pain syndrome.