What is one predictor of a poor outcome in patients with myofascial pain lasting more than three months?

Long pain duration is considered a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with myofascial pain lasting more than three months because chronic pain often leads to a range of physical and psychological changes. As pain persists over time, it can contribute to muscle deconditioning, changes in movement patterns, and limitations in functional capacity. This prolonged exposure to pain can also result in increased sensitivity to pain (central sensitization), anxiety, and depression, all of which can adversely affect recovery. When pain becomes chronic, the initial triggers may become less relevant, and the biomechanical and psychological components become more entrenched, making it significantly harder for patients to achieve improvements in their condition.

In contrast, factors such as frequent physical activity and a high level of aerobic fitness are generally associated with better health outcomes and may play a positive role in managing pain. A low body mass index is also not directly related to the likelihood of poor outcomes in myofascial pain. While all these factors can influence recovery, long pain duration is specifically recognized in the literature as a strong predictor of poor prognosis in chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.