Magnetic Resonance Elastography of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

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 work A 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 breastfeeding Any contraindication to an MRI exam Previous severe/acute back or low extremity injury (including fracture) Previous back or low extremity surgery Back and lower limb deformities Inability 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 muscle Hypersensitive tender spot within the taut band Recognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule/taut band Painful limit to the full stretch range of motion Myofascial-Related Pain Patient Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy or breastfeeding Any contraindication to an MRI exam Previous therapy in the area to be treated within 6 months Previous severe back or low extremity injury (including fracture) or surgery Any neurological conditions or active systemic disease (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis) that impaired sensation/pain perception Severe osteoarthritis Skin injuries in the area to be treated Inability to provide consent.