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Abstract Background Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common source of pain in primary care or pain clinics. There are many different ways to manage and treat MPS, such as physical exercise, trigger points massage, and dry needling. Objective The objective of this overview is to highlight and discuss the evidence-based treatment of myofascial pain by dry needling in patients with low back pain. Methods A systematic review was made based on meta-analysis (MA) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to dry needling treatment for myofascial pain in patients with lumbar pain, published from 2000 to 2023. Results A total of 509 records were identified at first. Seventy were published before 2000, so they were excluded. From the remaining 439 studies, ninety-two were RCTs or MA, of which 86 additional studies were excluded for the following reasons: not related to dry needling treatment (n = 79), not published in English (n = 4), duplicated (n = 1), project protocol (n = 1), and not related to myofascial pain (n = 1). So, this review was based on 4 RCTs and two MA. These studies compared dry needling efficacy to other treatments, such as acupuncture, sham dry needling, laser therapy, physical therapy, local anesthetic injection, ischemic compression, and neuroscience education. Despite outcomes and follow-up period varied between them, they showed that dry needling can decrease post-intervention pain intensity and pain disability. Conclusion Dry needling is an effective procedure for the treatment of myofascial pain in patients with acute and chronic low back pain. Further high-quality studies are needed to clarify the long-term outcomes.
Resumo Antecedentes A síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM) é uma fonte comum de dor em centros primários de atenção à saúde ou nas clínicas de dor. Existem muitas formas diferentes de manejar e tratar a SDM, como o exercício físico, a massagem dos pontos de gatilho e o agulhamento a seco. Objetivo O objetivo desta revisão é destacar e discutir o tratamento baseado em evidências da dor miofascial por agulhamento a seco em doentes com dor lombar. Métodos Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática baseada em metanálises (MA) e ensaios clínicos randomizados (RCTs) relacionados ao tratamento da dor miofascial com agulhamento a seco em pacientes com dor lombar, publicados de 2000 a 2023. Resultados Foram identificados, inicialmente, um total de 509 registos. Setenta deles, publicados antes de 2000, foram excluídos. Dos 439 estudos restantes, 92 eram RCTs ou MA, dos quais 86 foram excluídos pelas seguintes razões: não relacionados a tratamento com agulhamento a seco (n = 79), não publicados em inglês (n = 4), duplicados (n = 1), protocolo de projeto (n = 1) e não relacionados com dor miofascial (n = 1). Assim, esta revisão baseou-se em quatro RCTs e duas MA. Esses estudos compararam a eficácia do agulhamento seco com outros tratamentos, tais como acupuntura, agulhamento a seco "sham", terapia com laser, fisioterapia, injeção de anestésico local, compressão isquêmica e educação em neurociências. Apesar de os resultados e o período de seguimento variarem entre os estudos, os estudos demonstram que o agulhamento a seco pode diminuir a intensidade da dor pós-intervenção e a incapacidade relacionada à dor. Conclusão O agulhamento a seco é um procedimento eficaz para o tratamento da dor miofascial em pacientes com dor lombar aguda e crônica. Mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer sua eficácia a longo prazo.
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Abstract Introduction and objectives: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) of the Quadratus Lumborum muscle (QL) is a frequent cause of chronic low back pain. With this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided infiltration with 0.25% levobupivacaine and 40 mg triamcinolone for MPS of the QL. Methods: Observational and retrospective study of participants submitted to ultrasound-guided infiltration of the QL muscle from January 1, 2015 to June 31, 2019. Pain intensity was assessed using the five-point pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS): pre-intervention, at 72 hours, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post-intervention. Additional data collected were demographic characteristics, opioid consumption, and adverse effects. Results: We assessed 90 participants with mean age of 55.2 years. Sixty-eight percent of participants were female. Compared to the pre-intervention assessment, there was an improvement in pain at 72 hours (Mean Difference [MD = 3.085]; 95% CI: 2.200-3.970, p < 0.05), at the 1st month (MD = 2.644; 95% CI: 1.667-3.621, p < 0.05), at the 3rdmonth (MD = 2.017; 95% CI: 0.202-2.729, p < 0.05) and at the 6th month (MD = 1.339; 95% CI 0.378-2.300, p < 0.05), post-intervention. No statistically significant differences in opioid consumption were observed. No adverse effects associated with the technique were reported. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided infiltration of the QL muscle is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of pain in the QL MPS within 6 months post-intervention.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Facial Neuralgia/drug therapy , Nerve Block/methods , Pain , Triamcinolone , Retrospective Studies , Ultrasonography, Interventional/methods , Levobupivacaine , Analgesics, OpioidABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Shoulder painful dysfunctions comprises one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders that requires specialized assistance. Dry Needling (DN) became an adjuvant approach with increased use in clinical practice to treat this type of condition. The present study discusses the literature related to DN in the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTPs), shoulder dysfunctions and associated pain. METHODS: A narrative review through search of articles from 2010 to 2022 written in Portuguese, English or Spanish was performed in Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Health Information from the National Library of Medicine (Medline), Web of Science and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) databases using the keywords: <"Dry Needling">; <"Agulhamento a Seco">; <"Myofascial Trigger Points">; <"Pontos-Gatilhos Miofasciais">; <"Shoulder Dysfunctions">; <"Disfunções do ombro">. The qualitative analysis was performed determining the level of evidence for DN treatment of MTPs, shoulder dysfunctions and pain. RESULTS: A total of 45 citations were found, 22 citations were excluded because they did not meet the selection criteria. The 23 remaining citations were examined for titles and abstracts and duplicate studies were removed. Finally, 10 articles met the selection criteria and were included in the present review. No articles were excluded after full-text screening. The analysis showed poor advances and knowledge regarding the application of DN for the treatment of pain, painful and general shoulder dysfunctions and MTPs, with few evidence regarding treatment effectiveness, patient's pain scores data, mechanisms of action and statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: There is still a lack of concrete scientific evidence to assess DN effectiveness in modulating pain in patients with MTPs shoulder. More systematic reviews and meta-analyses together with experimental and clinical searches must be conducted to provide stronger evidence of this modality to relief painful symptoms in the shoulder, as well as a treatment of MTPs and general shoulder disorders.
RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As disfunções dolorosas de ombro constituem uma das disfunções musculoesqueléticas mais comuns que requerem assistência especializada. O agulhamento a seco (AS) tornou-se uma abordagem adjuvante com uso crescente na prática clínica para tratar esse tipo de condição. O objetivo deste estudo foi rever na literatura aspectos relacionados ao AS no tratamento de pontos-gatilho miofasciais (PGMs), disfunções do ombro e dores associadas. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa através da busca de artigos de 2010 a 2022 escritos em português, inglês ou espanhol, na Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe nos bancos de dado Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Informações em Saúde da Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina (Medline), Web of Science e Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) utilizando as palavras-chave <"Dry Needling">; <"Agulhamento a Seco">; <"Myofascial Trigger Points">; <"Pontos-Gatilhos Miofasciais">; <" Disfunções do ombro">. A análise qualitativa foi realizada determinando o nível de evidência para tratamento de AS para o tratamento de PGMs, disfunções do ombro e dor. RESULTADOS: Um total de 45 citações foram encontradas, 22 citações foram excluídas porque não atenderam aos critérios de seleção. As 23 citações restantes foram examinadas para títulos e resumos e estudos duplicados foram removidos. Finalmente, 10 artigos atenderam aos critérios de seleção e foram incluídos na presente revisão. Nenhum artigo foi excluído após a triagem de texto completo. A análise mostrou poucos avanço e conhecimento sobre a aplicação de AS para o tratamento da dor, disfunções dolorosas e gerais do ombro e PGMs, com poucas evidências sobre a eficácia do tratamento, dados dos escores de dor do paciente, mecanismos de ação e análise estatística. CONCLUSÃO: Ainda faltam evidências científicas concretas para avaliar a eficácia do AS na modulação da dor em pacientes com PGMs no ombro. Mais revisões sistemáticas e meta-análises associadas a pesquisas experimentais e clínicas devem ser realizadas para fornecer evidências dessa modalidade promissora para alívio de sintomas dolorosos no ombro, bem como tratamento de PGMs e distúrbios gerais do ombro.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external application of Chinese herbal ointment at the trigger point on lumbodorsal myofascial pain syndrome of cold-damp stagnation type.Methods:A total of 90 patients with lumbodorsal myofascial pain syndrome of cold-damp stagnation type admitted to Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from September 2021 to April 2022 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups ( n = 30/group) using the random number table method. Patients in the Chinese herbal ointment group were treated by external application of Chinese herbal ointment at the trigger point. Patients in the thunder-fire moxibustion group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion. Patients in the combined therapy group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external application of Chinese herbal ointment at the trigger point. All patients were treated for 28 consecutive days. Clinical efficacy was compared among the three groups. Before and after treatment, the Visual Analogue Scale score, local tenderness score, Oswestry Disability Index score and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score were compared among the three groups. Results:Total response rate (96.67%) in the combined therapy group was significantly higher than 73.33% in the thunder-fire moxibustion group and 66.67% in the Chinese herbal ointment group ( χ2 = 9.01, 4.70, both P < 0.05). Visual Analogue Scale score and local tenderness score in the combined therapy group were (1.96 ± 0.93) points and (1.00 ± 0.69) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than (2.43 ± 0.87) points and (1.37 ± 0.56) points in the thunder-fire moxibustion group and (2.77 ± 0.86) points and (1.50 ± 0.57) points in the Chinese herbal ointment group ( F = 6.22, 5.38, both P < 0.05). The Oswestry Disability Index score in the combined therapy group was (19.80 ± 3.80) points, which was significantly lower than (22.30 ± 2.82) points in the thunder-fire moxibustion group and (23.60 ± 3.71) points in the Chinese herbal ointment group ( F = 9.07, both P < 0.05). After treatment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score in the combined therapy group was (5.30 ± 1.12) points, which was significantly lower than (6.50 ± 1.33) points in the thunder-fire moxibustion group and (6.73 ± 1.41) points in the Chinese herbal ointment group ( F = 10.59, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external application of Chinese herbal ointment at the trigger point is highly effective on lumbodorsal myofascial pain syndrome of cold-damp stagnation type than monotherapy. The combined therapy can markedly reduce pain and greatly improve lumbodorsal function and sleep quality.
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This study systematically reviewed the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for lumbar myofascial pain syndrome. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for lumbar myofascial pain syndrome were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, Scopus, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, VIP database, and China biomedical literature service system (SinoMed) from database inception until August 1st, 2022. The Cochrane's risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in all included studies, and Review Manager 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis of the extracted data. As a result, 12 RCTs, involving 1 087 patients with lumbar myofascial pain syndrome, were ultimately included. The Meta-analysis results showed that the visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain in the observation group was lower than those in the oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication control [SMD=-1.67, 95%CI (-2.44, -0.90), Z=4.26, P<0.000 1] and other treatment control [low-frequency electrical stimulation, tuina, electromagnetic wave irradiation combined with piroxicam gel, SMD=-1.98, 95%CI (-2.48, -1.48), Z=7.74, P<0.000 01]. The pain rating index (PRI) score in the observation group was lower than those in the lidocaine injection control [MD=-2.17, 95%CI (-3.41, -0.93), Z=3.44, P=0.000 6] and other treatment control [low-frequency electrical stimulation, tuina, MD=-5.75, 95%CI (-9.97, -1.53), Z=2.67, P=0.008]. The present pain intensity (PPI) score in the observation group was lower than that in other treatment control [low-frequency electrical stimulation, tuina, MD=-1.04, 95%CI (-1.55, -0.53), Z=4.01, P<0.000 1]. In conclusion, compared with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, low-frequency electrical stimulation, tuina, and electromagnetic wave irradiation combined with piroxicam gel, acupuncture is more effective in reducing pain in patients with lumbar myofascial pain syndrome; acupuncture also exhibites advantage over lidocaine injection in improving PRI score and showed better outcomes over tuina and low-frequency electrical stimulation in improving PRI and PPI scores.
Subject(s)
Humans , Piroxicam , Acupuncture Therapy/methods , Pain , Myofascial Pain Syndromes/therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , LidocaineABSTRACT
Bibliometric and scientific knowledge graph methods were used to analyze the research status and hot spots of acupuncture-moxibustion in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and explore its development trend. The articles of both Chinese and English versions relevant to MPS treated by acupuncture-moxibustion were searched in CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and WOS from the database inception to March 20, 2023. Using Excel2016, CiteSpace6.2.R2 and VOSviewer1.6.18, the visual analysis was conducted by means of the cooperative network, keyword co-occurrence, keyword timeline, keyword emergence, etc. From Chinese databases and WOS database, 910 Chinese articles and 300 English articles were included, respectively. The annual publication volume showed an overall rising trend. Literature output of English articles was concentrated in Spain, China, and the United States, of which, there was less cross-regional cooperation. In the keyword analysis, regarding acupuncture-moxibustion therapy, Chinese articles focused on "acupuncture", "electroacupuncture" and "acupotomy"; while, "dry needling" and "injection" were dominated for English one. Clinical study was the current hot spot in Chinese databases, in comparison, the randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial was predominant in WOS. Both Chinese and English articles were limited in the report of mechanism research. The cooperation among research teams should be strengthened to conduct comparative research, dose-effect research and effect mechanism research with different methods of acupuncture-moxibustion involved so that the evidences can be provided for deeper exploration.
Subject(s)
Humans , Moxibustion , Pattern Recognition, Automated , Acupuncture Therapy , Myofascial Pain Syndromes/therapy , ElectroacupunctureABSTRACT
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-1β, 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-1β, 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.
Subject(s)
Rats , Male , Animals , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Myofascial Pain Syndromes/drug therapy , PainABSTRACT
Introducción: En la actualidad, la odinofonía es considerada como un síntoma más dentro de los desórdenes de la voz y, por lo mismo, su estudio ha tenido una relevancia menor en comparación a la investigación del dolor expresado en otras regiones del cuerpo humano. Objetivo: Actualizar el concepto de odinofonía, según los últimos hallazgos que explican su etiología, evaluación y manejo terapéutico. Método: Se buscaron trabajos en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect y SciELO. Se seleccionaron artículos según diversos criterios, que incluyeron la fecha de publicación, el diseño y el objetivo. Resultados: La etiología de la odinofonía incluye, según criterios de intensidad y cronicidad del dolor, a la odinofonía primaria y secundaria. La evaluación de la odinofonía comprende una detallada entrevista clínica; la identificación, mediante escalas e índices, de su frecuencia, intensidad y duración; y la aplicación de herramientas como la algometría, para reconocer el grado de sensibilidad de los tejidos afectados. La intervención de la odinofonía depende de su naturaleza (primaria o secundaria) y, en general, incluye al abordaje educativo, sintomático, biomecánico y psicosocial. Conclusión: La literatura actual posiciona a la odinofonía como una condición compleja, cuya etiología, evaluación e intervención aún carecen de total comprensión.
Introduction: At present, odynophonia is considered one more symptom within voice disorders and, therefore, its study has had less relevance if compared to the research of pain expressed in other regions of the human body. Objective: To update the concept of odynophonia, according to the latest findings that explain its etiology, evaluation and therapeutic management. Methodology: The databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SciELO were searched. Articles were selected according to various criteria, including date of publication, design and objective. Results: The etiology of odynophonia, according to criteria of intensity and chronicity of pain, includes primary and secondary odynophonia. The evaluation of odynophonia entails a detailed clinical interview; the identification of its frequency, intensity and duration using scales and indexes; and the application of tools such as algometry, to recognize the degree of sensitivity of the affected tissues. The intervention of odynophonia depends on its nature (primary or secondary) and, in general, includes educational, symptomatic, biomechanical and psychosocial approaches. Conclusion: Current literature positions odynophonia as a complex condition, whose etiology, evaluation, and intervention are still not fully understood.
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Abstract Recently, the DC/TMD has become an essential tool for the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, as they fail to include functional activities, new assessment proposals have emerged, such as the isometric contraction test (IC test) of the masticatory muscles, which uses muscle contractions to identify muscular TMD. Objective This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of the IC test. Methods A total of 64 participants (40 women and 24 men) completed the IC test administered by two different physical therapists on two non-consecutive days. Cohen's kappa (k), PABAK, and percent agreement (PA) between days were estimated. Results The IC test showed good to excellent test-retest reliability values (k>0.77; PABAK>0.90), both globally and individually for the muscles evaluated, and PA>90%, therefore above the thresholds for clinical applicability. However, the global assessment of myofascial pain and the evaluation of the medial pterygoid muscle showed slightly lower reliability values. Conclusion The IC test is reliable for the assessment of subjects with muscular TMD, both in terms of the global assessment and the evaluation of each muscle, which supports its clinical applicability. Care should be taken when assessing myofascial pain globally and when evaluating the medial pterygoid in all types of pain.
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Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a term that covers a number of clinical problems involving the masticatory muscles, TMJ and all associated structures leading to signs and symptoms such as jaw pain, otalgia, headaches and limitation of function. In this context, TMD has been related to facial type and there are three distinct facial types (euryprosopic, mesoprosopic, and leptoprosopic). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between myofascial pain and facial types classified by the RDC/TMD Axis I. Material and Methods: this study was composed of 64 women aged between 12 and 49 years, using data obtained from two institutions. We used the anthropometric methodology, which meets the criteria of simplicity and reliability. We also applied the Brugsh Facial Index. The individuals were classified as euryprosopic (51.56%), mesoprosopic (12.50%) and leptoprosopic (35.94%), without statistical significance among the groups (p=0,3492). Results: there is no statistical difference between the age groups (p=0.2976) and no association between facial type and age range. Conclusion: this study found that there was a correlation between myofascial pain and facial types, with the predominance of euryprosopic faced women aged between 20 and 29 years when compared with other facial types and other age groups. (AU)
A Disfunção Temporomandibular é um termo que cobre uma série de problemas clínicos envolvendo os músculos mastigatórios, ATM e todas as estruturas associadas que levam a sinais e sintomas como dor na mandíbula, otalgia, dores de cabeça e limitação de função. Nesse contexto, a DTM tem sido relacionada ao tipo facial que são classificados em três tipos distintos (euryprosopo, mesoprosopo e leptoprosopo). Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a correlação entre a dor miofascial e os tipos faciais classificados pelo RDC/TMD Eixo I. Material e Métodos: este estudo foi composto por 64 mulheres com idade entre 12 e 49 anos, utilizando dados obtidos em duas instituições. Utilizou-se a metodologia antropométrica, que atende aos critérios de simplicidade e de confiabilidade. Também foi utilizado o Índice Facial de Brugsh. Os indivíduos foram classificados em euriprosopo (51,56%), mesoprosopo (12,50%) e leptoprosopo (35, 94%), sem significância estatística entre os grupos (p = 0,3492). Resultados: não houve diferença estatística entre as faixas etárias (p = 0,2976) e nenhuma associação entre tipo facial e faixa etária. Conclusão: este estudo constatou que houve correlação entre dor miofascial e tipos faciais, com predomínio de mulheres euriprosopo com idade entre 20 a 29 anos quando comparadas com outros tipos faciais e outras faixas etárias.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Facial Pain , Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome , Myofascial Pain SyndromesABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and sustainability of using low level LASER therapy and CAD/CAM Michigan splint on improving the range of mandibular movements, muscle activity and reducing the pain. Material and Methods: 56 female patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A: Patients received applications of low-level LASER therapy using semiconductor InGaAsp diode LASER type 940 nm with continuous mode of operation, applied for 180 sec per session for 12 sessions. Group B: Patients received Michigan splint of 2 mm thickness constructed on their upper teeth, the splint was 3D digitally printed. Electromyography was used to evaluate muscle activity, visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the pain intensity, ARCUS digma facebow was used to evaluate range of mandibular movements, and maximum mouth opening was taken using a millimeter ruler. They were measured before the beginning of the treatment, and at three and six month follow-up periods. Results: The results revealed that both low-level LASER therapy and Michigan splint reduce the myofascial pain, improved the range of the mandibular movements, and the muscles activity, but the effect of the low-level LASER therapy was more profound and sustainable. After 6 months from the beginning of the treatment, changes in masseter muscle activity (P= 0.001; effect size= 1.757), pain intensity (P= 0.003; effect size= 3), and range of mandibular movement (P= 0.001, effect size= 1.729) differed significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: Low-level LASER therapy had a better and more sustainable effect on reducing the pain intensity and improving the muscle activity as well as the mandibular movement when compared to Michigan splint (AU)
Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia e a durabilidade do uso da terapia LASER de baixa potência e da placa de Michigan CAD/CAM na melhora da amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares, atividade muscular e redução da dor. Material e Métodos: 56 pacientes do sexo feminino foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Grupo A: os pacientes receberam aplicações de terapia LASER de baixa potência utilizando diodo semicondutor InGaAsp LASER tipo 940 nm em modo contínuo de operação, aplicado por 180 segundos por sessão durante 12 sessões. Grupo B: os pacientes receberam a placa de Michigan com uma espessura de 2 mm confeccionada sobre a arcada superior, a placa foi impressa digitalmente em 3D. A eletromiografia foi utilizada para avaliar a atividade muscular, a escala visual analógica foi utilizada para avaliar a intensidade da dor, o arco facial ARCUS digma foi utilizado para determinar a amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares e a abertura máxima da boca foi medida com uma régua milimétrica. Todas as medidas foram realizadas antes do início do tratamento e nos períodos de acompanhamento de três e seis meses. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram que tanto a terapia LASER de baixa potência como a placa de Michigan reduziram a dor miofascial, aumentaram a amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares e melhoraram a atividade muscular, mas o efeito da terapia LASER de baixa potência foi mais profundo e duradouro. Após 6 meses do início do tratamento, as alterações na atividade do músculo masseter (P= 0. 001; tamanho do efeito= 1,757), intensidade da dor (P= 0,003; tamanho do efeito= 3), e amplitude de movimento mandibular (P= 0,001, tamanho do efeito= 1,729) diferiram significativamente entre os dois grupos. Conclusão: A terapia com LASER de baixa potência teve um efeito melhor e mais duradouro na redução da intensidade da dor e na melhora da atividade muscular, bem como do movimento mandibular, quando comparada à placa de Michigan(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Facial Pain/radiotherapy , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/radiotherapy , Occlusal Splints , Low-Level Light Therapy , Pain Measurement , Range of Motion, Articular , Electromyography , Masticatory Muscles/physiopathologyABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explore the possible peripheral analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture （EA） at promimal and distal acupoints in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome （MPS）. MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， proximal group， and distal group， with six rats in each group. MPS model was prepared by “strike combined with centrifugal exercise” in all groups except for the blank group. After modeling， the rats in the proximal group received EA at the local myofascial trigger points （MTrPs）， namely the Ashi points， with dilatational waves of frequency of 2/100 HZ and voltage of 2-4 V， current intensity depending on a slight trembling of the left lower limbs， once a day， 15min each time，for 14 days. The rats in the distal group received EA at “Yanglingquan” （GB 34） and “Yinlingquan” （SP 9）， with the same operations as the proximal group. The rats in the blank group and the model group were only grasped and hedged， without other interventions. After intervention， the paw withdrawl mechanical threshold （PWMT） was measured， and variability between the left and right hind paws was calculated. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and electromyography monitoring were performed on the left lower extremity vastus medialis. The morphological changes of vastus medialis muscle of the left lower extremity were observed by HE staining. The positive expression of substance P （SP）， calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）， CD68 and CD206 in muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Abdominal aortic serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-8 （interleukin-8） were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared to those in the blank group， the fibers of the vastus medial muscle of the rats in the model group were broken and distorted with thickness in variation， and the myofascia was broken， with fibrillation potential， enlarged muscle cells， inward moved nucleus， and widened muscle space； the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws significantly increased， as well as the levels of SP， CGRP， CD68， and CD206 in the vastus medialis muscle （P＜0.01）， and the serum IL-8 and TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the muscle fibers in the proximal and distal group were complete in shape and arranged in an orderly manner， with continued non-broken myofascia， regular shape of muscle cells， and significantly reduced level of IL-8 （P＜0.01）； the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous discharge in the proximal group significantly decreased， as well as the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws， and the levels of SP， CGRP， and CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle， while the CD206 level increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ）； there was complex discharges in the distal group， with significantly decreased level of CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle and increased level of CD206 （P＜0.01）. Compared to the proximal group， the level of IL-8 in the distal group was significantly higher （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsEA at proximal acupoints can significantly improve the pain threshold and local muscle tissue morpho-logy in rats， and its mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of pain-causing substances and related inflammatory factors and promoting the polarization of macrophages. The analgesic effect of EA at distal acupoints is not obvious， and the mechanism is still unclear.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveFrom the perspective of energy metabolism， the mechanism of Osteoking （OK） in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome （MPS） was revealed through systems biology prediction combined with holistic animal experimental validation methods. MethodFirstly， the key targets of MPS and their related molecular mechanisms were predicted by the systems biology method， and the core network targets were screened. Then， the network-predicted targets were verified by animal experiments. Specifically， 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， low， medium， and high dose OK groups （0.66， 1.31， 2.63 mL·kg-1）， and positive celecoxib group （21 mg·kg-1）. The MPS model was established by beating combined with a centrifugal exercise method for eight weeks. Except for two days after modeling， the intervention of OK or celecoxib was performed. After the completion of the model， the drug was administered for two weeks. The histopathological changes of trigger point muscle tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The content/activity of Na-K-ATP enzyme （Na+-K+-ATPase）， Ca2+ pump （Ca2+ATPase）， Ca2+， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， glutathione （GSH）， malondialal （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， cyclic adenosine phosphate （cAMP）， and protein kinase A （PKA） in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels of PKA and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α （PGC1α） in MPS rats were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of PKA， PGC1α， and mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM） in MPS rats were detected by Western blot. ResultThe network prediction results suggest that OK acts on the key target of energy metabolism related to the occurrence and development of MPS and may participate in the activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway. The experimental validation results show that compared with the normal group， contracture nodules and disordered arrangement of muscle fibers appear in the trigger point muscle tissue of MPS rats. Na+-K+-ATPase， Ca2+ATPase， SOD activity， Ca2+， and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue are significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Both LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of cAMP， PKA， PGC1α， and TFAM are significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， OK improves the histopathological morphology of trigger point muscle fibers in MPS rats， and after the intervention of OK， Na+-K+-ATPase， Ca2+ATPase， SOD activity， Ca2+， and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats are significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of cAMP， PKA， PGC1α， and TFAM are significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mechanism of OK's intervention in MPS rats may be related to its effective activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway， thus promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism and trigger point muscle fiber damage repair in muscle cells.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo clarify the intervention effect of Osteoking （OK） in rats with myofascial pain syndrome （MPS） and preliminarily explore the pharmacological mechanism of OK in relieving chronic pain from the perspective of anti-inflammatory disease. MethodThe 60 SD rats were divided into normal group， model group， low， medium， and high dose OK groups （0.66， 1.31， 2.63 mL·kg-1）， and positive celecoxib group （21 mg·kg-1）. The MPS rat model was established by beating combined with the centrifugal exercise method， and the OK and celecoxib were given at the same time. SMALGO paw pressure pain manometer detected the shock pain point tenderness threshold of rats， and the Von-Frey needle and acetone stimulation method detected the mechanical hyperalgesia threshold and cold hyperalgesia stimulation response respectively. Eight weeks and 10 weeks after modeling， the spontaneous discharge state and convulsion response of MPS rats were determined by electromyograph （EMG） instrument. The gait changes of MPS rats were detected using a CatWalk gait analyzer. The expression levels of interleukin-1 β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， substance P （SP）， and bradykinin （BK） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein expression levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） inhibiting protein α （IκBα）， phosphorylates （p）- IκBα， NF-κB p65， and p-NF-κB p65 were detected in MPS rats by Western blot. The positive expression of p-NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group shows 100% positive rates for EMG signal and local convulsions response at both the 8th and 10th weeks. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold are significantly reduced. Cold hyperalgesia score is significantly increased， and gait is abnormal. The expression levels of serum and trigger points IL-1β， TNF-α， SP， BK， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65， as well as the positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 are significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the positive rate of EMG detection and local convulsion response is significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups （P<0.05）. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold increase significantly in the medium and high dose OK groups， and the cold hyperalgesia score is significantly reduced in the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. The standing time， swing time， and walking period are significantly increased. The swing speed， maximum contact area， and maximum contact intensity are significantly decreased in the high dose OK group （P<0.05）. Moreover， the protein expression levels of p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 are significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 is significantly decreased in the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mechanism of OK in relieving the pain in trigger points of MPS and improving gait abnormalities is related to the downregulation of the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and pain mediators in blood and trigger point tissue.
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Resumen El síndrome de Eagle es una enfermedad rara responsable de múltiples síntomas de cabeza y cuello, resultado de un alargamiento del proceso estiloideo u osificación del ligamento estilohioideo comprimiendo estructuras neurovasculares adyacentes, hay dos variantes, el clásico caracterizado principalmente por dolor y disfagia y la variante carotídea distinguido con dolor y en ocasiones isquemia cerebral. Describimos un reporte de caso clínico de un paciente femenino de 45 años, quien experimentaba dolor cervical de lado izquierdo, realizando el protocolo completo de dolor miofascial del Hospital Regional General Ignacio Zaragoza ISSSTE de la Ciudad de México, el estudio de tomografía computada evidenció una elongación de 50mm del proceso estiloideo, confirmando el diagnóstico, enfocando el artículo en la descripción anatómico-quirúrgica.
Abstract Eagle syndrome is a rare disease responsible for multiple head and neck symptoms, resulting from an elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament compressing adjacent neurovascular structures. There are two variants, the classic one characterized mainly by pain and dysphagia and the carotid variant distinguished with pain and sometimes cerebral ischemia. We describe a clinical case report of a 45-year-old female patient, who experienced left cervical pain, performing the complete myofascial pain protocol of the Regional Hospital "General Ignacio Zaragoza" ISSSTE in Mexico City, resulting in a 50mm elongation of the styloid process in the CT scan, confirming the diagnosis, and focusing the article on the anatomical-surgical description.
Subject(s)
Female , Middle Aged , Parapharyngeal Space/diagnostic imaging , Myofascial Pain SyndromesABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship be-tween the presence of primary headaches and myofascial pain in orofacial patients. Materials and methods: Six hundred and ninety-nine records of patients seeking treatment in a specialized orofacial pain clinic were assessed. The primary diagnostic categories of heada-che and myofascial pain were recorded. Data analyses were carried out by Pearson Chi-square and Logistic Regression, with a p-value of 0.05. Results: Average age of patients was 34.6 years. Females constituted 82.8% of the sample. A relationship between the presence of tension-type headache and myofascial pain was found (p=0.00); however, this relationship was not found for the presence of migraine and myofascial pain (p>0.05). Discussion: Tension-type headaches may be triggered or perpetuated by trigger points in orofacial structures. Conclusion: It can be concluded that trigger points in myofascial pain patients can play an important role in the genesis of tension-type headache.
Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a relação entre a presença de cefaleia primária e dor miofascial em pacientes orofaciais. Materiais e métodos: Foram avaliados 699 prontuários de pacientes que buscavam atendimento em clínica especiali-zada em dor orofacial. As categorias diagnósticas primárias de cefaleia e dor miofascial foram registradas. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Regressão Logística, com valor de p=0,05. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 34,6 anos. O sexo feminino constituiu 82,8% da amostra. Foi encontrada relação entre a presença de cefaleia do tipo tensional e dor miofascial (p = 0,00); en-tretanto, essa relação não foi encontrada para a presença de enxaqueca e dor miofascial (p> 0,05). Discussão: As cefaleias primárias do tipo tensionais podem ser desencadeadas ou perpetuadas por pontos-gatilhos nas estruturas orofaciais. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que os pontos-gatilhos em pacientes com dor miofascial podem desempenhar um papel importante na gênese da cefaleia do tipo tensional.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Young Adult , Facial Pain , Tension-Type Headache , Migraine Disorders , Medical RecordsABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes the exacerbation of painful sensation during function and the presence of sensitivity/pain to palpation of the masticatory muscles and/or TMJ. People with pain complaints in the head, neck, shoulder or lower back may present signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders, sharing sleep disturbances, forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating, abdominal pain and differences in fecal consistency. Studies have also shown that TMJ disorders can be associated with emotional distress and multiple comorbidities related to central sensitization (CS). This, in turn, is responsible for producing hypersensitivity to pain, altering the sensory response. The pathophysiology of CS in TMJ disorders is not yet well understood. Thus, it is the scope of this review to synthesize knowledge about the relationship between CS and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and describe the comorbidities most frequently found in this profile of patients. CONTENTS: TMJ disorders do not seem to occur in isolation. Comorbidities such as migraine, tension headache, fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus and allergies have been reported. Hyperexcitability in central nociceptive processing is part of the pathophysiology of TMJ disorder, which could explain the greater sensitivity to pain in other areas of the body in these individuals, characterizing a CS process. CONCLUSION: The most frequently reported comorbid conditions are headache, psychological factors, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, and sleep disturbances. It is admitted that CS is a neurophysiological phenomenon present in some chronic pain disorders, including TMD.
RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O transtorno da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) apresenta-se como uma desordem musculoesquelética que causa a exacerbação da sensação dolorosa durante a função e a presença de hipersensibilidade/dor à palpação da musculatura mastigatória e/ou da ATM. Pessoas com queixas álgicas na cabeça, pescoço, ombro ou lombar podem apresentar sinais e sintomas de transtornos da ATM, compartilhando de distúrbios do sono, dificuldade de concentração ou esquecimento, dor abdominal e diferenças na consistência fecal. Estudos também têm mostrado que os transtornos da ATM podem estar associados a sofrimento emocional e múltiplas comorbidades relacionadas à sensibilização central (SC). Esta, por sua vez, é responsável por produzir hipersensibilidade à dor, alterando a resposta sensorial. A fisiopatologia da SC nos transtornos da ATM ainda não está bem esclarecida. Desse modo, torna-se escopo dessa revisão sintetizar o conhecimento sobre a relação entre SC e disfunção temporomandibular e descrever as comorbidades mais frequentemente encontradas nesse perfil de pacientes. CONTEÚDO: Os transtornos da ATM parecem não ocorrer isoladamente. Comorbidades como enxaqueca, cefaleia tensional, fadiga, tontura, zumbido e alergias têm sido relatadas. Uma hiperexcitabilidade no processamento nociceptivo central faz parte da fisiopatologia da desordem da ATM, o que poderia explicar a maior sensibilidade à dor em outras áreas do corpo nesses indivíduos, caracterizando um processo de SC. CONCLUSÃO: As condições de comorbidades mais frequentemente relatadas são cefaleias, fatores psicológicos, alergias, síndrome do intestino irritável e distúrbios do sono. Admite-se que a SC é um fenômeno neurofisiológico presente em alguns distúrbios de dor crônica, incluindo as disfunções temporomandibulares.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the quantitative sensory testing for measuring the thermal pain threshold on myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle of individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Thirty female participants were included, aged between 18 and 45 years and with bilateral myofascial trigger points, active and centrally located in the upper trapezius muscle. Two measurements with quantitative sensory testing were performed by each examiner at an interval of 1 week between them. RESULTS: We observed substantial reliability for the intra-rater analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient ranging between 0.876 and 0.896) and excellent reliability for the inter-rater analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient ranging between 0.917 and 0.954). CONCLUSION: The measurement of the thermal pain threshold on myofascial trigger points in individuals with chronic neck pain has acceptable reliability values, supporting the use of the quantitative sensory testing in the research setting and the clinical environment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Young Adult , Neck Pain/epidemiology , Trigger Points/physiopathology , Superficial Back Muscles/physiopathology , Myofascial Pain Syndromes/diagnosis , Myofascial Pain Syndromes/physiopathology , Reproducibility of Results , Chronic Pain , Middle AgedABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic abdominal pain may originate in visceral, somatic or nervous structures. Diagnosis is challenging and, in prolonged cases with atypical development, the possibility of a myofascial pain syndrome should be considered. The objective was to report a case of post-surgical chronic abdominal pain perpetuated by the presence of trigger points in the musculature of the abdominal wall. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 15 years old, underwent appendectomy without complications. Due to the persistence of pain after surgery, gabapentin and analgesics were prescribed. After 45 days, the patient still had disabling pain, preventing him from performing usual activities. The patient underwent surgical revision, which was not conclusive, and other attempts at pain control, such as anesthetic block of the abdominal transverse plane and transdermal lidocaine, without success. He was then referred to the acupuncture clinic, presenting antalgic gait, voluntary guarding to palpation of the hypochondrium and right iliac fossa, presence of trigger points in the rectus abdominis and right quadratus lumborum muscles, with pain referred at right iliac fossa, with no signs or symptoms of neuropathic pain. The needling of trigger points, electrostimulation at the motor points of referred muscles and stretching guidance were performed. During the follow-up period, the patient presented a gradual improvement in symptoms, suspension of the drugs in use and return to activities. CONCLUSION: Myofascial painful syndrome is one of the most common causes of pain and disability, is still underdiagnosed and should be considered among the differential diagnosis.
RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor abdominal crônica pode ter origem em estruturas viscerais, somáticas ou nervosas. O diagnóstico é desafiador e, em casos prolongados e com evolução atípica, deve-se considerar a síndrome dolorosa miofascial. O objetivo foi relatar um caso de dor crônica abdominal após cirurgia perpetuada pela presença de pontos-gatilho na musculatura da parede abdominal. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 15 anos, submetido a apendicectomia sem intercorrências. Devido à persistência da dor pós-operatória, foi prescrita gabapentina e analgésicos. Após 45 dias, continuava com dor incapacitante, impedindo-o de realizar suas atividades habituais. Foi submetido à revisão cirúrgica, não elucidativa, e outras tentativas de controle álgico, como bloqueio anestésico do plano transverso abdominal e lidocaína por via transdérmica, sem sucesso. Encaminhado ao ambulatório de acupuntura, apresentando marcha antálgica, defesa voluntária à palpação de hipocôndrio e fossa ilíaca direita, presença de pontos-gatilho em músculo reto abdominal e quadrado lombar direito, com dor referida em fossa ilíaca direita, sem sinais ou sintomas de dor neuropática. Foi realizado o agulhamento dos pontos-gatilho, eletroestimulação nos pontos motores dos referidos músculos e orientação de alongamentos. Na fase de monitoramento, o paciente apresentou melhora gradual dos sintomas, suspensão dos fármacos e retorno às suas atividades. CONCLUSÃO: A síndrome dolorosa miofascial é uma das causas mais comuns de dor e incapacidade, é pouco diagnosticada e deve ser considerada entre os diagnósticos diferenciais.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of microacupotomy combined with Du pulse acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar and dorsal myofascial pain syndrome. Methods:110 patients with lumbar and dorsal myofascial pain syndrome who received treatment between February 2019 and August 2020 in Haining People's Hospital were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either electroacupuncture (control group, n = 55) or microacupotomy combined with Du pulse acupuncture (observation group, n = 55). Therapeutic effects were compared between the control and observation groups. Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in tenderness and Visual Analogue Scale scores between the control and observation groups (both P > 0.05). After treatment, tenderness and VAS scores in the observation group were (0.81 ± 0.11) points and (2.36 ± 0.25) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(1.31 ± 0.10) points, (3.34 ± 0.19) points, t = 24.943 and 23.146, both P < 0.001]. Effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [98.18% (54/55) vs. 81.82% (45/55), χ2 = 8.182, P < 0.05]. After treatment, tenderness scores of the gluteus medius, psoas quadratus and multifidus muscles in each group were increased, and these scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t = 3.937, 2.963 and 3.633, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Microacupotomy combined with Du pulse acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar and dorsal myofascial pain syndrome can effectively decrease the degree of pain and strengthen clinical therapeutic effects.