Myofascial syndrome differential diagnoses at separate stages

The figure depicts the interrelationship between focal (localized and regional) and generalized myofascial pain (shown in squares) and other conditions (shown in circles) that can mimic its symptoms (small arrows) or additionally become an independent activating or perpetuating mechanism (large arrows) for the development of myofascial trigger points. Bidirectional arrows indicate that either condition may induce the other. (From: Inbody SB. Myofascial pain syndrome. In: Evans R, editor. Neurology and trauma. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co 1996:471, with permission.)