Cervical and shoulder myofascitis, also known as fibrositis, can be classified as primary or secondary. The former is related to factors such as exposure to wind-cold and dampness, while the latter is often caused by chronic strain after injury, infection, wind-dampness heat, and other factors. It commonly occurs in tissues rich in white fibers, such as fascia, tendon sheaths, muscle membranes, ligaments, tendons, periosteum, and subcutaneous tissue, with the cervical and shoulder regions and the lower back being the most susceptible areas.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

X-ray examination of the neck and shoulder area is usually normal. Blood tests may show slightly elevated anti-streptolysin O (ASO) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). No other abnormalities are noted.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Neck, shoulder, and back pain or discomfort, persistent or recurrent, worsening after exertion. Movement of the neck may cause pulling sensations and discomfort, but there is usually no significant limitation of movement. Supraspinatus myofascitis can refer pain to the shoulder joint, while trapezius myofascitis may refer pain to the neck. Multiple tender points are often found at the back of the neck, the superior medial angle of the scapula, the medial border, and the scapular region. Pressing these tender points may occasionally cause radiating pain to the occiput, shoulder, or arm. Hard nodules or cord-like structures may be palpable in the tender areas.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Hot compress, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and tuina massage, etc.
2. Taking Chinese medicinals that relax tendons and activate blood circulation, as well as vitamin E and vitamin B1, has a good therapeutic effect on primary myofascitis.
3. For those with high ESR and anti-"O" levels, take anti-wind-dampness medications.
4. Pain point block: Use 1% procaine and 1ml of prednisolone acetate for local pain point block.
5. Select acupoints such as Jianliao (LI14), Jianjing (GB21), Tianzong (SI11), Binao (LI14), Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), Chize (LU5), Taiyuan (LU9), and Yangchi (TE4). Choose 3–4 acupoints each time, with each point treated for 10–20 minutes, once or twice daily, for a total of 10–20 days.