Chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome: Improvement in dizziness and pain with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this retrospective, pilot study was to assess changes in dizziness, pain and function in subjects undergoing an outpatient rehabilitation program focusing on cervical pain.

Methods:

Fifteen subjects with chronic cervical myofascial pain and concurrent dizziness of suspected cervical origin completed a retrospective questionnaire. Improvement in pain, dizziness and function were recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) in response to a non-standardized rehabilitation program involving modalities, stretching, strengthening, trigger point injections and aerobic conditioning.

Results:

Subjects reported an average VAS improvement in dizziness of 59% (± 29), pain 69% (± 21%) and function 71% (± 19). Seven subjects experienced reproduction of their dizziness and pain during trigger point injections. Overall, twenty seven percent reported no further episodes of dizziness. All subjects experienced a decrease in the frequency of episodes of dizziness. There was a correlation between dizziness and pain (r=0.58), dizziness and function (r=0.60), and pain and function (r=0.74).

Conclusion:

Subjects with dizziness and cervical myofascial pain of suspected cervical origin may experience symptomatic and functional improvement through a rehabilitative program addressing their cervical pain. Future prospective, randomized controlled studies are needed to address which intervention is the most effective.