MyofAPPcial: Construct validity of a novel technological aid for improving clinical reasoning in the management of myofascial pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists encounter challenges in diagnosing myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are crucial for managing myofascial pain but difficult due to their complex referred pain patterns. We aimed to assess if an interactive software (MyofAPPcial) can enhance the ability of physical therapists specialized in musculoskeletal disorders (as clinicians and as researchers and educators) to identify referred pain patterns associated with specific MTrPs and to explore their opinion about incorporating this technology regularly into their professional setting. METHODS: After developing the app, a descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted. Participants were asked about their demographic characteristics, professional experience, two knowledge tests (first without and later with MyofAPPcial support) and the 18-item mHealth app usability questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-nine participants completed the survey (47.5% clinicians and 62.5% researchers/educators). Groups were comparable in terms of age, gender and professional experience (p > .05). However, clinicians coursed shorter specific MPS trainings (p = .007) and handle more cases a week (p < .001). In the first knowledge test, participants in both the groups were more accurate in identifying pain maps of highly prevalent MTrPs than those with a moderate or low prevalence (p < .001), with no differences between the groups for individual items (all, p > .05) nor the total score (p > .05). In the second knowledge test, perfect scores were obtained for all items in both the groups. Finally, MyofAPPcial scored high satisfaction and app usefulness, with no difference between clinicians and researchers/educators (except greater convenience of use for researchers/educators p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: MyofAPPcial enhances physiotherapists' ability to accurately identify MTrPs, with a good acceptation among clinicians and researchers/educators.

The effectiveness of deep tissue massage on pain, trigger point, disability, range of motion and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effect of deep tissue massage (DTM) on the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) number, neck range of motion (ROM), pain, disability and quality of life in patients with Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS). METHODS: The study involved patients with MPS between the ages of 20-57. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 40) and the study group (n = 40). Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS), hotpack and ultrasound were applied to 40 patients in the control group. The study group was also administered DTM for 12 sessions in addition to TENS, hotpack and ultrasound applications. Neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) for a neck disability, universal goniometer for neck ROM, MTrP count using manual palpation, Short Form 36 (SF-36) for quality of life and severity of neck pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: It was found that the DTM group has statistically more improvement than the control group for VAS, NPDS and SF-36. Moreover, although there was a significant improvement in favour of the study group for extension, lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation in the neck ROM, there was no significant difference in flexion measurements between the study and control group. CONCLUSION: In addition to the traditional rehabilitation program, DTM is effective on neck ROM, pain, disability and quality of life. Therefore, DTM treatment is a safe and inexpensive treatment method that can be applied in patients with MPS.

Trigger Point Injections for Myofascial Pain in Terminal Cancer: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single trigger point injection (TPI) of a local anesthetic for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in patients with incurable cancer. METHODS: This multicenter, exploratory, open-label, randomized comparative trial was conducted in five specialized palliative care departments. Hospitalized patients with incurable cancer who had been experiencing pain related to MPS were randomized to receive either a TPI of 1% lidocaine plus conventional care (TPI group) or conventional care alone (control group). The short-term efficacy and occurrence of adverse events were compared between groups. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who experienced a reduction in pain scores of ≥ 50%, assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale, at 3 days post-intervention. Adverse events were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled, and the trial completion rate was 100%. The proportion of patients who experienced an improvement in Numerical Rating Scale pain scores of ≥ 50% was 70.8% (95% confidence interval, 52.4% to 89.2%) in the TPI group and 0.0% in the control group; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In the TPI group, one case (4.2%) of Grade 1 nausea and one case (4.2%) of Grade 1 somnolence were reported. CONCLUSION: A single TPI of a local anesthetic is safe and efficacious in inducing an immediate reduction in MPS-related pain in patients with incurable cancer.

Intramuscular Pulsed Radiofrequency Upregulates BNDF-TrKB Expression in the Spinal Cord in Rats as an Alternative Treatment for Complicated Pain.

Two cases of complicated pain exist: posterior screw fixation and myofascial pain. Intramuscular pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) may be an alternative treatment for such patients. This is a two-stage animal study. In the first stage, two muscle groups and two nerve groups were subdivided into a high-temperature group with PRF at 58 °C and a regular temperature with PRF at 42 °C in rats. In the second stage, two nerve injury groups were subdivided into nerve injury with PRF 42 °C on the sciatic nerve and muscle. Blood and spinal cord samples were collected. In the first stage, the immunohistochemical analysis showed that PRF upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal cord in both groups of rats. In the second stage, the immunohistochemical analysis showed significant BDNF and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression within the spinal cord after PRF in muscles and nerves after nerve injury. The blood biomarkers showed a significant increase in BDNF levels. PRF in the muscle in rats could upregulate BDNF-TrkB in the spinal cord, similar to PRF on the sciatica nerve for pain relief in rats. PRF could be considered clinically for patients with complicated pain and this study also demonstrated the role of BDNF in pain modulation. The optimal temperature for PRF was 42 °C.

Efficacy of different low-level laser therapy sessions in the management of masseter muscle trigger points.

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the recent treatment modalities for myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome with trigger points. The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of varying LLLT sessions on the treatment of masseter muscle trigger points. METHODS: 90 patients diagnosed with orofacial pain and trigger points in the masseter muscle for at least 6 months were selected and divided into 3 groups (n = 30) based on the number of LLLT sessions provided to patients. Patients in Group I received one session/per week, group II received two sessions/per week, and Group III received three sessions/per week. The sessions continued for 4 weeks, evaluations of pain levels, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and quality of life were conducted before and after the procedure at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks. RESULTS: The pain scores exhibited a highly statistically significant difference among the three groups (p < 0.001) over the 8-week study period. MMO was statistically significantly different between groups at week 4 and week 8. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score was statistically significant difference between groups at week 8. The time showed a highly significant effect on the study outcomes within each group. CONCLUSION: Increased the number of LLLT sessions reduced the pain improved the MMO, and subsequently improved the quality of life. GOV ID: NCT06327204 - retrospectively registered.

Comparing Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treatment with Dry Needling Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis on Pain and Function of the Heel.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). The study included 55 patients with PF. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The DN group applied 3 sessions of DN to the myofascial trigger points in the lower limb muscles. The ESWT group applied 3 sessions of ESWT to the plantar fascia. For clinical evaluation, we used a visual analog scale (VAS) (first step, rest, activity) and Foot Function Index (FFI) (pain, disability, activity). Assessments were done baseline, post-treatment first week, and fourth week. Maximum pain-free standing time (Max PfST) and maximum pain-free walking distance (Max PfWD) were recorded at baseline and post-treatment fourth week. In this study, we found significant improvement in VAS, FFI, Max PfST, and Max PfWD in both groups (p < .01). VAS-activity baseline-forth week change was significantly superior in the DN group compared to the ESWT group (p = .023). FFI-disability baseline-fourth week change was significantly superior in the DN group compared to the ESWT group (p = .048). There was no significant difference in other treatment-related changes between the groups (p > .05). However, VAS-rest baseline-fourth week change and FFI-pain baseline-fourth week change trended towards statistical significance between groups ((p = .056), (p = .052) respectively). This study showed that DN may be a good alternative treatment for patients with PF, with effects similar to or even superior to ESWT.

Anatomical analysis of the motor endplate zones of the suprascapular nerve to the infraspinatus muscle and its clinical significance in managing pain disorder.

Myofascial pain syndrome caused by myofascial trigger points is a musculoskeletal disorder commonly encountered in clinical practice. The infraspinatus muscle is the region most frequently involved in the myofascial pain syndrome in the scapular region. The characteristics of the myofascial trigger points are that they can be found constantly in the motor endplate zone. However, localizing myofascial trigger points within the motor endplate zone and establishing an accurate injection site of the infraspinatus muscle has been challenging because the anatomical position of the motor endplate zone of the infraspinatus muscle is yet to be described. Therefore, this cadaveric study aimed to scrutinize the motor endplate zone of the infraspinatus muscle, propose potential myofascial trigger points within the muscle, and recommend therapeutic injection sites. Twenty specimens of the infraspinatus muscle for nerve staining and 10 fresh frozen cadavers for evaluation of the injection were used in this study. The number of nerve branches penetrating the infraspinatus muscle and their entry locations were analyzed and photographed. Modified Sihler's staining was performed to examine the motor endplate regions of the infraspinatus muscle. The nerve entry points were mostly observed in the center of the muscle belly. The motor endplate was distributed equally throughout the infraspinatus muscle, but the motor endplate zone was primarily identified in the B area, which is approximately 20-40% proximal to the infraspinatus muscle. The second-most common occurrence of the motor endplate zone was observed in the center of the muscle. These detailed anatomical data would be very helpful in predicting potential pain sites and establishing safe and effective injection treatment using botulinum neurotoxin, steroids, or lidocaine to alleviate the pain disorder of the infraspinatus muscle.

Ultrasound-Guided Trigger Point Injections for the Treatment of Neck and Back Pain in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Patients frequently present to the emergency department (ED) with neck or back pain, which can be difficult to treat. We sought to compare ultrasound-guided trigger point injection (TPI) to standard medications for patients with neck or back pain. METHODS: We performed a single-center, open label, randomized controlled trial on ED patients with neck or back pain from myofascial pain syndrome comparing ultrasound-guided TPIs to those who received the combination of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a muscle relaxant (MR). The primary outcome of this study was the reduction in mean pain score at the time of ED disposition. RESULTS: In total, we analyzed 196 patients. At the time of ED disposition, patients in the TPI group had a mean reduction in their pain scores of 45.0 mm as compared to 49.9 mm in the NSAID plus MR group (difference: 4.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) -3.0 to 12.7], P = .22). At the first reassessment, patients in the TPI group had greater pain reduction by 10.7 mm (95% CI 3.1 to 18.4). The rate of rescue therapy use was higher in the NSAID plus MR group (difference: 17.5% [95% CI 4.4 to 36.2]). CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in pain reduction at the time of ED disposition between patients randomized to the ultrasound-guided TPI group as compared to those who received an NSAID plus a MR. However, patients in the TPI group had greater pain reduction at the time of first reassessment and lower rates of rescue therapy use.

Evidence for an association of serum microanalytes and myofascial pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common pain disorder. Diagnostic criteria include physical findings which are often unreliable or not universally accepted. A precise biosignature may improve diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to assess whether microanalytic assays significantly correlate with characteristic clinical findings in people with MPS. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective study included 38 participants (25 women) with greater than 3 months of myofascial pain in the upper trapezius. Assessments were performed at a university laboratory. The main outcome measures were the Beighton Index, shoulder range of motion, strength asymmetries and microanalytes: DHEA, Kynurenine, VEGF, interleukins (IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-13), growth factors (IGF-1, IGF2, G-CSF, GM-CSF), MCP-1, MIP-1b, BDNF, Dopamine, Noradrenaline, NPY, and Acetylcholine. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's multivariate correlation were applied for all variables. The Spearman's analysis results were used to generate a standard correlation matrix and heat map matrix. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 32 years (20-61). Eight (21%) had widespread pain (Widespread Pain Index ≥ 7). Thirteen (34%) had MPS for 1-3 years, 14 (37%) 3-10 years, and 11 (29%) for > 10 years. The following showed strong correlations: IL1b,2,4,5,7,8; GM-CSF and IL 2,4,5,7; between DHEA and BDNF and between BDNF and Kynurenine, NPY and acetylcholine. The heat map analysis demonstrated strong correlations between the Beighton Index and IL 5,7, GM-CSF, DHEA. Asymmetries of shoulder and cervical spine motion and strength associated with select microanalytes. CONCLUSION: Cytokine levels significantly correlate with selected clinical assessments. This indirectly suggests possible biological relevance for understanding MPS. Correlations among some cytokine clusters; and DHEA, BDNF kynurenine, NPY, and acetylcholine may act together in MPS. These findings should be further investigated for confirmation that link these microanalytes with select clinical findings in people with MPS.

The effect of therapeutic physical modalities on pain, function, and quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, which is characterised by myofascial trigger points. Therapeutic physical modalities, as potentially effective treatment options, are commonly used in the clinical setting for the patients with MPS. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic physical modalities in the treatment of MPS, investigate its therapeutic mechanisms and provide a scientific evidence-based decision. METHODS: According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for randomized controlled clinical studies published from database inception to October 30, 2022. A total of 25 articles met the study inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from these studies and a qualitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, laser therapy, and other therapeutic physical modalities have been demonstrated to improve the pain symptoms, joint mobility, psychological state, and quality of life in the patients with MPS and no side effects have been reported. The curative effect of therapeutic physical modalities was found to be possibly associated with increased blood perfusion and oxygen supply in ischaemic tissues, reduced hyperalgesia in the peripheral and central nerves, and decreased involuntary muscle contractions. CONCLUSION: The systematic review has shown that therapeutic physical modalities could provide a safe and effective therapeutic option for MPS. However, the consensus is currently lacking regarding the optimal treatment paradigm, therapeutic parameters, and mutual combination of therapeutic physical modalities. The clinical trials with robust quality are required to further promote the evidence-based application of therapeutic physical modalities for MPS.

Proposal of a diagnostic algorithm for myofascial trigger points based on a multiple correspondence analysis of cross-sectional data.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPS), the morphological correlate of myfascial pain syndromes (MPS), contribute to the worldwide high chronic pain burden. However, uncertainty about MTrP diagnostic criteria remains. Aim of this cross-sectional study was to characterize clusters of diagnostic criteria assessable during physical examination that might guide MTrP diagnosis. METHODS: Thirteen MTrP diagnostic criteria proposed in relevant literature were assessed by standardized examinations in the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles of 61 chronic pain patients undergoing an interdisciplinary pain assessment. Hierarchical cluster analysis from multiple correspondence analysis was applied to data of the four muscles separately. Examining physicians classified the findings as MTrP, sufficient for diagnosis of an MPS and/or relevant for the patients' pain condition. RESULTS: Taut bands, hypersensitive spots within a taut band, nodules within a taut band and referred pain (classical diagnostic criteria) were most frequent (28-66% M. trapezius, 8-21% M. levator scapulae). Restricted range of motion, pain during contraction, pain exacerbation during emotional stress, muscular weakness, jump sign, local twitch response and autonomic phenomena (complementary diagnostic criteria) occurred in 2-25% and hypersensitive spots and nodules outside of a taut band in 2-7% of the cases. Four clusters emerged: (1) no or just one diagnostic criterion, mostly a taut band alone; (2) a hypersensitive spot and/or nodule outside of a taut band partly in combination with complementary diagnostic criteria; (3) at least two classical diagnostic criteria (mostly a taut band containing a hypersensitive spot) partly in combination with complementary diagnostic criteria; (4) at least two, rather three, classical diagnostic criteria always in combination with complementary diagnostic criteria. Referred pain was specific to cluster 3 and 4. Among classical diagnostic criteria, palpable nodules within a taut band contributed least, and among complementary diagnostic criteria, restricted range of motion and pain during contraction contributed most to data representation. CONCLUSION: We propose that the definite diagnosis of an MTrP requires a hypersensitive spot potentially felt as a nodule located within a taut band in addition to either referred pain, a local twitch response or at least two complementary diagnostic criteria, whereby signs of muscular dysfunction take on greater importance.

Pain, Anxiety, and Quality of Life of COVID-19 Survivors with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: People who have survived COVID-19 may develop chronic pain. AIMS: To investigate the difference in pain level, anxiety, functional status, and quality of life in COVID-19 survivors with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the trapezius muscle compared with MPS patients without COVID-19. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTINGS: Physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics of a single tertiary-care hospital. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: Eighty patients (40 patients with MPS and 40 patients with MPS + COVID) who were diagnosed with chronic MPS in the trapezius muscle were evaluated. METHODS: Pain level of the patients was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the functional status with the Neck Pain and Disability scale, the psychosocial effects of the pain with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile tests, and the two groups (MPS and MPS + COVID) were compared. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of pain, anxiety, and disability (p < .001). MPS + COVID group showed significantly greater pain intensity on VAS and higher mean total scores on Nottingham Health Profile, Beck Anxiety Inventory, all Nottingham Health Profile subdomains (pain, emotional reactions, sleep, social isolation, physical mobility, energy) compared with the MPS group (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: After recovering from COVID-19, patients with MPS showed increased pain, anxiety, disability, and decreased quality of life.

Quantitative and qualitative condylar changes following stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the quantitative and qualitative condylar changes following stabilization splint (S.S) therapy, including condylar position, morphology, and bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective clinical study, we enrolled 40 TMD subjects (80 joints) aged 18 to 35 years, for whom a S.S was used to treat TMD. The 80 TMD consists of 32 masticatory muscle disorders (myalgia) and 48 TMJ disorders (arthralgia). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to scan the TMJs of subjects pre- and post-treatment for three-dimensional analysis (3D). Using Mimics software v.21.0, quantitative (3D condylar and joint spaces dimensions parameters were measured using linear measurements in millimeters, according to the Kamelchuk method and Ikeda method, while the assessment of anteroposterior condyle position within the glenoid fossa was based on the method of Pullinger and Hollender), and qualitative (a round bone tissue with an area of 2 mm2 in three representative areas according to the Kamelchuk method to measure condylar BMD) pre- and post-treatment. Intra- and inter-group statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks and the Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively. RESULTS: The course of treatment was 6-12 months, with an average of 9.1 months. For the pre- and post-treatment quantitative comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference in the anterior joint space (AJS) and coronal medial space, as well as the condyle length in the myalgia group and condylar width in the arthralgia group. For qualitative measurements, a significant difference was observed in the posterior slope of the myalgia group and the arthralgia group's anterior, superior, and posterior slopes. The inter-group comparisons revealed significant differences in AJS, condylar length, and anterior slope density. CONCLUSION: In short-term follow-up, the S.S influenced patients with TMD from different origins; it changes anterior and coronal medial joint space, condyle length in myalgia, and width in arthralgia. Furthermore, it improved the condyle bone density more evidently in arthralgia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the influence of S.S on symptomatic populations with TMD of different origins from a qualitative and quantitative perspective.

A New Unified Theory of Trigger Point Formation: Failure of Pre- and Post-Synaptic Feedback Control Mechanisms.

The origin of the myofascial trigger point (TrP), an anomalous locus in muscle, has never been well-described. A new trigger point hypothesis (the new hypothesis) presented here addresses this lack. The new hypothesis is based on the concept that existing myoprotective feedback mechanisms that respond to muscle overactivity, low levels of adenosine triphosphate, (ATP) or a low pH, fail to protect muscle in certain circumstances, such as intense muscle activity, resulting in an abnormal accumulation of intracellular Ca2+, persistent actin-myosin cross bridging, and then activation of the nociceptive system, resulting in the formation of a trigger point. The relevant protective feedback mechanisms include pre- and postsynaptic sympathetic nervous system modulation, modulators of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, and mutations/variants or post-translational functional alterations in either of two ion channelopathies, the ryanodine receptor and the potassium-ATP ion channel, both of which exist in multiple mutation states that up- or downregulate ion channel function. The concepts that are central to the origin of at least some TrPs are the failure of protective feedback mechanisms and/or of certain ion channelopathies that are new concepts in relation to myofascial trigger points.

Shock waves as treatment of mouse myofascial trigger points.

INTRODUCTION: An abnormal increase in spontaneous neurotransmission can induce subsynaptic knots in the myocyte called myofascial trigger points. The treatment of choice is to destroy these trigger points by inserting needles. However, 10% of the population has a phobia of needles, blood, or injuries. Therefore, the objective of this study is to verify the usefulness of shock waves in the treatment of myofascial trigger points. METHODS: Two groups of mice have been developed for this: healthy muscles treated with shock waves; trigger points affected muscles artificially generated with neostigmine and subsequently treated with shock waves. Muscles were stained with methylene blue, PAS-Alcian Blue, and labeling the axons with fluorescein and the acetylcholine receptors with rhodamine. Using intracellular recording the frequency of miniature endplate potentials (mEPPs) was recorded and endplate noise was recorded with electromyography. RESULTS: No healthy muscles treated with shock waves showed injury. Twitch knots in mice previously treated with neostigmine disappeared after shock wave treatment. Several motor axonal branches were retracted. On the other hand, shock wave treatment reduces the frequency of mEPPs and the number of areas with endplate noise. DISCUSSION: Shock waves seem to be a suitable treatment for myofascial trigger points. In the present study, with a single session of shock waves, very relevant results have been obtained, both functional (normalization of spontaneous neurotransmission) and morphological (disappearance of myofascial trigger points). Patients with a phobia of needles, blood, or injuries who cannot benefit from dry needling may turn to noninvasive radial shock wave treatment.

Interventional pathway in the management of refractory chronic flank pain: Prospective series in 45 patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic flank pain can pose a therapeutic challenge. Current management centres on visceral pathology affecting the renal system. Acute exacerbations can be severe, requiring emergency admission. Patients usually have well-established visceral pathology including polycystic kidney disease, Fowler's syndrome, and renal calculi disease that often cause recurrent urinary tract infections. However, in many cases, despite negative investigations including imaging, biochemistry and urine analysis, flank pain persists. Abdominal myofascial pain syndrome is a poorly recognized pathology in this cohort. The report describes the underlying pathophysiology and a novel interventional management pathway for patients presenting with refractory flank pain secondary to abdominal myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: Adult patients with refractory chronic flank pain at a tertiary renal unit were included as a part of an on-going prospective longitudinal audit. Patients refractory to standard management were offered the interventional pathway. The pathway included two interventions: quadratus lumborum block with steroid and pulsed radio frequency treatment. Patients completed brief pain inventory and hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months postprocedure. Outcomes collected included ability to maintain employment, change in opioid consumption at 6 months and impact on emergency hospital admissions at 12 months after initiation of the pathway. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were referred to the pain medicine clinic over a seven-year period between 2014 and 2021. All patients were offered the interventions. Four patients refused due to needle phobia. Forty-one patients received transmuscular quadratus lumborum plane block with steroids. Twenty-seven patients (27/41, 66%) reported durable benefit at 6 months and six patients (6/41, 15%) had clinically significant relief at 3 months. Fifteen patients received pulsed radiofrequency to quadratus lumborum plane and 11 patients (73%) reported > 50% analgesia at 6 months. Treatment failure rate was 10% (4/41). Opioid consumption at 6 months and emergency admission at 12 months were reduced post intervention. CONCLUSION: Abdominal myofascial pain syndrome is a poorly recognized cause of chronic flank pain syndrome. The interventional management pathway could be an effective solution in this cohort.

Comparison of the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in myofascial pain syndrome.

Background/aim: To compare the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) used in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and to determine whether they are superior to conservative treatment (CT). Materials and methods: A total of 42 female patients (aged 18-60 years) diagnosed with MPS were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the CT (n = 14), CT+IASTM (n = 14), or CT+ESWT group (n = 14). All of the groups received treatment for 3 weeks (CT: 5 sessions per week, 15 sessions in total, ESWT and IASTM: 2 sessions per week, 6 sessions in total). Neck stretching exercises were given to all of the patients as a home program. The pain intensity of the patients was determined using the visual analog scale (VAS). The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured with an algometer. Cervical joint range of motion (ROM) was measured with a cervical ROM (CROM) device. Pain, cervical disability, quality of life, and sleep disturbances were evaluated with the Neck Outcome Score (NOOS). Depression and anxiety parameters were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Evaluations were made before treatment and 3 days after the last treatment session. Results: The CT+IASTM group was more successful than the other groups in terms of pain intensity, PPT, and improvements in the ROM parameters (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the NOOS and HADS scores of the groups when the posttreatment changes were compared to pretreatment (p > 0.05). Conclusions: All 3 of these treatments can be used to alleviate the negative effects of MPS. IASTM treatment can be preferred primarily in the creation of combined treatment programs for patients with ROM limitations and low PPTs.

[Intervention effect of Qufeng Gutong Cataplasm on myofascial pain syndrome in rats and its mechanism].

This paper aims to investigate the intervention effect of Qufeng Gutong Cataplasm(QFGT) on myofascial pain syndrome(MPS) in rats and to preliminarily explain its mechanism from the perspective of improving muscle inflammation and pain. Male SD rats were divided into 6 groups, namely normal group, model group, positive control drug(Huoxue Zhitong Ointment, HXZT) group, and low, medium, and high-dose QFGT groups(75, 150, and 300 mg·d~(-1)). The rat model of MPS was established by striking combined with centrifugation for 8 weeks, during which QFGT and HXZT were used for corresponding intervention. Standard VonFrey fiber was used to evaluate the mechanical pain threshold, and acetone was used to detect the cold pain threshold. The electrophysiological activity of muscle at trigger point was detected, and the electromuscular analysis of trigger point was performed. CatWalk gait analyzer was used to detect pain-induced gait adaptation changes. The hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in muscle and skin tissues at the trigger point of rats. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of capsaicin receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV1) in muscle tissues and interleukin(IL)-33 in skin tissues at the trigger point. The protein expression levels of TRPV1, protein kinase B(Akt), phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt), IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in muscle tissues at the trigger point were detected by Western blot. The results showed that as compared with the model group, the mechanical pain threshold and cold pain threshold of rats in other groups were increased after treatment with QFGT. The spontaneous electromyography(EMG) activity was observed in the model group, but QFGT alleviated the EMG activity in a dose-dependent manner. Gait analysis showed that standing duration, average intensity, swing speed, maximum contact point, maximum contact area, paw print length, paw print width, and paw print area were significantly improved in all QFGT groups. Pathological results showed that the disorder of muscle arrangement at the trigger point was decreased, muscle fiber adhesion and atrophy were reduced, and inflammatory cell infiltration was alleviated after treatment with QFGT. In addition, QFGT and HXZT both inhibited the protein expression of TRPV1, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in the muscle tissues of rats with MPS. However, there was no significant difference in the pathological structure and expression of IL-33 in the treated skin as compared with the normal group. The related results have proved that QFGT can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the TRPV1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the muscle trigger point of rats with MPS and finally attenuate the atrophy and adhesion of local muscles and inflammatory infiltration, thereby relieving the muscle pain of rats with MPS, and local administration has no skin irritation.

Comparison of The Effectiveness of Exercise Therapy and Electroacupuncture in Patients with Forward Head Abnormalities and Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Forward Head Posture (FHP), which refers to the head being more forward than the shoulder, is one of the most common postural defects of all ages. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of exercise therapy and electroacupuncture in patients with FHP and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods: The present study was an open-label randomized clinical trial. A total of 61 patients with FHP and MPS who were referred to the physical medicine clinic of Besat Hospital between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. Patients in one group were treated with electroacupuncture, and another one was treated with exercise therapy. The primary outcomes were FHP angles (CVA, CA, and shoulder angle), pain intensity (VAS), and quality of life (SF-12). Paired t-test was used to compare the results obtained in the pre-test and post-test. To detect differences over time, the analysis of variance models was used to repeat the observations. If the p-test result is less than the test significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is not confirmed. Results: The rate of final CVA and increase in CVA in the exercise therapy group were significantly higher than in the electroacupuncture group (P < 0.001). The average shoulder angle in the exercise therapy group increased from 47.1° ± 3.0° to 51.9° ± 3.3° (P < 0.001) and in the electroacupuncture group from 47.9° ± 3.1° to 51.0° ± 2.8° (P < 0.001). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of pain intensity changes during the study. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study showed that both exercise therapy and electroacupuncture significantly improved patients' posture, reduced pain intensity, and increased quality of life in FHP patients with MPS; But exercise therapy was more effective in improving FHP angles and electroacupuncture was more successful in reducing patients' pain intensity.

Prevalence of Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Efficacy of Trigger Point Injection in Patients with Incurable Cancer: A Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study (MyCar Study).

OBJECTIVE: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is caused by overload or disuse of skeletal muscles. Patients with cancer are often forced to restrict their movement or posture for several reasons. The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and risks of MPS in patients with incurable cancer. The efficacy of trigger point injection (TPI) was also explored. METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective observational study. Patients with incurable cancer who started receiving specialist palliative care were enrolled. We investigated the MPS in this population and accompanying risk factors for restricting body movement. Pre- and post-TPI pain was also evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) in patients who received TPI. The primary outcome was the prevalence of MPS. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were enrolled from five institutions in Japan. Most of the patients (n = 94, 93.1%) had distant metastases, and half of the patients (50, 49.5%) received anticancer treatment. Thirty-nine (38.6%) patients had MPS lesions at 83 sites. Multivariate analysis revealed that the significant risk factor for MPS was poor Performance Status (PS) (odds ratio 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-9.02, P = .023). We performed TPI for 40 out of 83 MPS lesions. Mean NRS for MPS before TPI was 7.95, which improved to 4.30 after TPI (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: MPS was common in patients with incurable cancer and the risk factor identified in this study was poor performance status. TPI could be a treatment option.