Magnetic Resonance Elastography of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The purpose of this research study is to use a new imaging technique called Magnetic Resonance (MR) Elastography to create new imaging parameters to measure the mechanical properties of myofascial tissues that can be used to assess the impaired myofascial interface in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

Healthy Volunteer Inclusion Criteria:Absence of a history of chronic pain in the targeted anatomical location (i.e., lower back and low extremities) that had limited activities of daily living or workA numerical current pain index of less than 0.5 (on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale)Able to understand the goal of the project and give informed consent.Healthy Volunteer Exclusion Criteria:Pregnancy or breastfeedingAny contraindication to an MRI examPrevious severe/acute back or low extremity injury (including fracture)Previous back or low extremity surgeryBack and lower limb deformitiesInability to provide consent.Myofascial-Related Pain Patient Inclusion Criteria:A history of chronic low back or leg pain (the targeted location will be determined based on the findings in Aim 1) for at least 3 months. (Measured by patient history and physical exam)A palpable taut band or nodule within the skeletal muscleHypersensitive tender spot within the taut bandRecognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule/taut bandPainful limit to the full stretch range of motionMyofascial-Related Pain Patient Exclusion Criteria:Pregnancy or breastfeedingAny contraindication to an MRI examPrevious therapy in the area to be treated within 6 monthsPrevious severe back or low extremity injury (including fracture) or surgeryAny neurological conditions or active systemic disease (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis) that impaired sensation/pain perceptionSevere osteoarthritisSkin injuries in the area to be treatedInability to provide consent.