Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder that continues to challenge researchers and clinicians. Current treatments for MPS include trigger-point injections, dry needling, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. However, it is not known which of these treatment modalities is most effective.
Objective:
The immediate effects of trigger-point acupuncture in myofascial pain and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed.
Design, Setting, and Patients:
Eight female patients with a mean age of 26.4±9.3 years, who had MPS participated in this study.
Intervention:
The trapezius and rhomboid muscles were examined for myofascial trigger points. The painful myofascial trigger points were identified by palpation, and trigger-point acupuncture was performed.
Main Outcome Measure:
Pain level and HRV were the primary outcomes measured. Baseline and post-treatment pain assessment was performed using a visual analogue scale. HRV was analyzed using electrocardiographic signs that were recorded throughout the treatment protocol.
Results:
Acupuncture at trigger points significantly decreased pain scores from 7.1±1.7 to 3.6±1.6 (p=0.00028), while it had no significant effect on HRV.
Conclusions:
These preliminary results suggest that myofascial trigger-point acupuncture can be an effective method for relieving MPS-related pain.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.