Effect of Electroacupuncture at Proximal and Distal Acupoints on Pain-inducing Substances， Macrophages and Related Inflammatory Factors in Myofascial Pain Syndrome Model Rats / 中医杂志

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.

Intervention effect of Qufeng Gutong Cataplasm on myofascial pain syndrome in rats and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

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.

Odinofonía: una actualización clínica

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.

Mechanism of Osteoking in Improving Energy Metabolism in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome Based on cAMP/PKA/PGC1α Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

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.

Intervention of Osteoking in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

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.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome, myofascial trigger points and trigger points in veterinary medicine: a review / Revisão: Síndrome Dolorosa Miofascial, pontos gatilhos miofascial e pontos gatilhos na medicina veterinária

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) a is a painful condition related to myofascial trigger points (TP) in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of MPS in veterinary medicine. The research sites used for this purpose were: Scientific Electronic Library, PubMed and Medline. The inclusion criteria for the papers were: must be written in English; published between 1990 and 2018; include the following keywords: myofascial pain syndrome veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine, trigger points veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine. Through the review, it was observed that veterinary clinical studies are scarce, and the articles found lack information such as MPS description, incidence and specific treatment techniques in dogs and horses, and no studies in cats were found.(AU)

Síndrome Dolorosa Miofascial (SDM) é uma condição dolorosa relacionada aos pontos gatilhos miofasciais (PG) no músculo esquelético. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a etiologia, fisiopatogenia, diagnóstico e tratamento na medicina veterinária. Foram utilizados sites de pesquisas Scientific Electronic Library, Pubmed e Medline. Os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos foram: ser escrito em inglês; no período de 1990 a 2018; ter as palavras chaves para busca: myofascial pain syndrome veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/ horse/equine, trigger points veterinary/dog/canine/cat/feline/horse/equine. Após a revisão observa-se que faltam estudos clínicos em medicina veterinária, sendo que os artigos encontrados se limitam à descrição, incidência e técnicas pontuais em cães e equinos, não sendo encontradas referencias em felinos.(AU)

Capsaicin topical cream (8%) for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome / Creme tópico de capsaicina (8%) para o tratamento da síndrome da dor miofascial

Abstract Background: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential analgesic action of 8% capsaicin cream for topical use in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Methods: Initially, cream formulations of PLA (Placebo) and CPS (Capsaicin 8%) were developed and approved according to the current requirements of the health authority agency. The 40 participating patients were randomly assigned to the PLA and CPS groups in a double-blind fashion. Before the creams were topically administered, according to the allocation group, the local anesthetic was used for a period of 50 minutes directly in the area of interest. The cream was applied to the area of the skin over the trigger point, represented by the area with pain at palpation, in an amount of 10 g for 30 minutes in a circular area of 24 mm diameter. Subsequently, the cream was removed and the skin tolerability parameters were evaluated. The pain was measured before and during the formulation application, as well as at 1 hour, 7 days, 30 days, and 60 days after the procedure, evaluated using a verbal numerical scale (from 0 to 10: with 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable). Results: No patient in PLA Group had hyperemia or burning sensation at the site of application, while 85% of patients in CPS Group had hyperemia or burning sensation at 15 minutes. These complaints disappeared 24 hours after the cream was removed. The pain score in CPS Group decreased steadily up to the 60th day of evaluation (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Application of the formulations did not cause macroscopic acute or chronic skin lesions in patients, and the 8% capsaicin formulation was beneficial and well tolerated.

Resumo Justificativa: A síndrome da dor miofascial é uma causa comum de dor musculoesquelética. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a potencial ação analgésica de 8% do creme de capsaicina para uso tópico em pacientes com síndrome da dor miofascial. Métodos: Inicialmente, as formulações de creme de PLA (Placebo) e CPS (Capsaicina 8%) foram desenvolvidas e aprovadas de acordo com os requisitos atuais da agência de autoridade de saúde. Os 40 pacientes participantes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente e de forma duplo-cega para os grupos PLA e CPS. Antes dos cremes serem administrados topicamente, de acordo com o grupo de alocação, o anestésico local foi usado por um período de 50 minutos diretamente na área de interesse. A administração ocorreu na área da pele sobre o ponto-gatilho, o qual apresentou a área dolorida à palpação, em uma quantidade de 10 g por 30 minutos em área circular com diâmetro de 24 mm. Posteriormente, o creme foi removido e os parâmetros de tolerabilidade à pele foram avaliados. A dor foi medida antes e durante a aplicação da formulação, bem como 1 hora, 7 dias, 30 dias e 60 dias após o procedimento avaliado pela escala numérica verbal (0 a 10, com zero sem dor e dez a pior dor imaginável). Resultados: Nenhum paciente no grupo PLA experimentou hiperemia ou sensação de queimação no local de aplicação do creme, enquanto 85% dos que experimentaram no grupo CPS apresentaram hiperemia ou sensação de queimação 15 minutos. Essas queixas desapareceram 24 horas após a remoção do creme. O escore de dor no grupo CPS diminui de forma sustentada até o 60° dia de avaliação (p < 0,0001). Conclusão: A administração das formulações não causou lesões cutâneas agudas ou crônicas macroscópicas nos pacientes e a formulação de 8% de capsaicina foi benéfica e bem tolerada.

Determining The Prevalence Of Trigger Points In Acute Shoulder Pain Patients

Background: Shoulder pain due to its high prevalence has great significance in its contribution to morbidity. It’s the third most common musculoskeletal problem.There are two types of trigger points found they are active and latent trigger points.Active trigger points are the one which when palpated causes spontaneous pain or referred pain and latent trigger points are the one which do not cause any pain except they are present either in form of taut band or nodules. MyofascialTrigger points (MTrPs) cause a local pain syndrome. The main cause of myofascial pain syndrome are trigger points. Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to determine the exact muscles that have the tendency for developing trigger points in acute shoulder pain pathologies and to see the trigger points developed are due to the shoulder pathology. Materials and Methods: A observational study was performed. Patients were selected by convenient sampling. 70 people participated within the age of 18-65, pain duration within 3 months, males and female included with no history of recent trauma, neurovascular injuries, degenerative pathology and shoulder dislocation. Patients were assessed for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on both affected and non-affected side. MTrPs were assessed on different muscles by manual palpation method. Results: The result shows that the muscle affected maximum is upper trapezius with 84.28% and pectoralis major with 71.42%. Also on the affected side, upper trapezius with 37.14% and pectoralis major and subscapularis with 20.00%. Conclusion: This study showed the prevalence of trigger points in acute shoulder pain pathologies is66.59% . Each patient of any acute pathology had the presence of more than 3 trigger points in the affected side proving trigger points to be of significant importance and it is due to underlying shoulder pathology.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Concise Update on Clinical, Diagnostic and Integrative and Alternative Therapeutic Perspectives

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common multifactorial condition that presents with key manifestations and comorbid with many systemic diseases and regional pain syndromes. Objective:This study aims to concisely review clinical, diagnostic and integrative therapeutic aspects of myofascial pain syndrome. Methods:E-searches (2000-2019) using keywords and Boolean operators were made and using exclusion and inclusion criteria, 50 full articles that focused on myofascial pain syndrome were retained for this review. Results: Myofascial pain syndrome is a multidimensional musculoskeletal disorder with ill-understood etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology and characterized by tender taut muscle with myofascial trigger points, muscle twitch response, specific pattern of referred pain and autonomic symptoms. A variety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies with variable efficacy are used in myofascial pain syndrome, the latter modalities such as education, stretching and exercises, moist hot and cold packs, dry needling and myofascial massage or myofascial trigger point massage are used as first line options. Conclusion:Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points initiated by repeated strains and injuries co-occur with diverse physical diseases and regional pain syndromes, which need comprehensive diagnostic evaluation using multiple methods. Several interventions are used in patients with myofascial pain syndrome who effectively respond to myofascial massage. This study calls for exploring etiopathogenesis and basic pathophysiological mechanisms underlying myofascial pain syndrome in future.

Clinical Observation of Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Shentong Zhuyutang to Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) with Stagnation of Blood Stasis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the short and long term effect of addition and subtraction therapy of Shentong Zhuyutang to myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) with stagnation of blood stasis and to investigate its mechanism of action.Method: One hundred and forty-eight eligible patients were randomly divided into control group (73 cases) and observation group (75 cases) by random number table.Patients in both groups got electroacupuncture treatment.Patients in control group additionally got Yaotong capsules,4 grains/time,3 times/day.Patients in observation group additionally got addition and subtraction therapy of Shentong Zhuyutang,1 dose/day.The treatment was continued for 6 weeks in both groups,and 16 weeks follow-up was recorded.Before treatment,and at the 1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th week after treatment,scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) was graded.Before and after treatment,scores of JOA,Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ),body damage index assessment scale (PⅡ scale),stagnation of blood stasis,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were graded.Levels of thromboxane 2(TXB2),6-ketone-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α) were detected,and TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α was calculated;in addition,the recurrence was recorded and followed up.Result: By rank sum test,the clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=1.969,Pst,2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th week in both groups after treatment (Fcontrol=5.801,Fobservation=6.649,Pt-test indicated that scores of VAS in observation group were lower than those in control group at 2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th week (PP2,and T/K in observation group were lower than those in control group (P1α was higher than that in control group (Pχ2=4.745,PConclusion: Based on acupuncture treatment,addition and subtraction therapy of Shentong Zhuyutang can relieve the pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) with stagnation of blood stasis,recover lumbar activity function,reduce rate of recurrence,and ameliorate blood circulation,with anti-inflammatory and analgesia effects.

The myofascial component of the pain in the painful shoulder of the hemiplegic patient

OBJECTIVES: Poststroke shoulder pain occurs very frequently and compromises function and quality of life. Because treatment depends on a multidisciplinary approach, it is desirable to optimize effectiveness. Myofascial pain syndrome is defined by the presence of trigger points that can also be found in spastic stroke patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of myofascial pain in the shoulder girdle muscles in patients with poststroke shoulder pain and to document the clinical and functional results obtained with specific treatment for this condition. METHODS: Spastic stroke hemiplegic patients undergoing rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Center of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo were evaluated regarding the intensity and characteristics of shoulder pain, previous therapeutic interventions, shoulder goniometry and the presence of trigger points. Patients underwent trigger point blockade by intramuscular infiltration of 1% lidocaine. The evaluation and treatment procedures were repeated in the subsequent 3 weeks as long as the pain intensity was greater than 5 on a visual analog scale (VAS). In the fourth week, the evaluation procedures were repeated. Patients who were in a multiprofessional rehabilitation program were instructed to continue the treatment, and the others received complementary therapeutic advice if necessary to initiate it. The evaluations were performed at 0, 1, and 3 weeks and after 4 months. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (13 men; age=67.8±10.2 years; right hemiparesis: 11) participated in the study, and there was a reduction in pain assessed by VAS from baseline (7.6±2.7) to the first week (5.8±3.6; p<0.05) through the end of the third week (5.2±3.5; p<0.05), but not at the end of four months (6.6±2.9; p=0.11). Good responders had significantly lower pain levels after the third week and presented with a larger range of motion for passive abduction by the end of 4 months. These results demonstrate that the myofascial component of pain should be considered in poststroke shoulder pain and that its treatment may be a pathway for the rapid and long-lasting relief of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Trigger point blockade with lidocaine can reduce pain perception in spastic hemiplegic shoulder in as much as 50% of stroke survivors for four months.

Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain in Myofascial Pain Syndrome:A Meta-analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To assess the effectiveness of Kinesio taping on intensity of pain from myofascial pain syndrome(MPS)or myofascial trigger points(MTrPs). Methods The randomized controlled trials(RCTs)about the Kinesio taping for pain from MPS or MTrPs were retrieved from PubMed,EBSCO,Science Direct,Web of Science,Physiotherapy Evidence Database,Cochrane Library un-til October,2017.The assessment tools of the bias of risk and Revman 5.3 of the Cochrane Collaboration were used for the methodological quality assessment and meta-analysis,respectively.The heterogeneity and the poten-tial publication bias were analyzed with Stata 12.0. Results Twelve RCTs were included,involving 584 patients.Kinesio taping group was superior to the control group in relieving pain both after intervention (MD=-1.14, 95% CI-1.88 to-0.40, P=0.002) and in follow-up (MD=-0.69,95%CI-1.16 to-0.22,P=0.004).The time of intervention and follow-up were the main causes to heterogeneity in follow-up. Conclusion Kinesio taping is effective on pain of MPS or MTrPs.The longer the intervention and follow-up,the better the effect.

Análise de uma fanpage do Facebook: promoção da saúde de pessoas com fibromialgia / Analysis of a Facebook´s fan-page: health enhancement of people with fibromyalgia

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a fanpage Grupo de Apoio a Pessoas com Fibromialgia sob uma perspectiva de promoção da saúde, ampliando o conhecimento sobre a síndrome em si. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-documental, com característica qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados a partir das informações contidas na fanpage. Foram selecionadas três publicações com maior destaque na página de acordo com as características: 1) Postagem com objetivo de divulgação do projeto de extensão; 2) Postagem com objetivo de divulgação científica sobre a fibromialgia; 3) Postagem com objetivo lúdico, com informações não científicas sobre a fibromialgia. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da análise de conteúdo das postagens dos usuários da rede. Algumas pessoas comentaram da dificuldade de se encontrar médicos que sejam capacitados para diagnosticar e/ou indicar melhor tratamento para a doença. Conclui-se que o uso das redes sociais como ferramenta de divulgação científica e de promoção da sSaúde é uma vertente importante e que precisa ser aprimorada a cada dia.

The fan-page Support Group to People with Fibromyalgia is analyzed from the point of view of health promotion and broadening knowledge on the syndrome. The descriptive, documental and qualitative study retrieved data from the fan-page. Three highlighted articles were selected, featuring the following characteristics: (1) dissemination of the extension project; (2) scientific dissemination on fibromyalgia; (3) playful dissemination with non-scientific information on fibromyalgia. Data were analyzed by the Content Analysis of postings by network users. Several people remarked on the difficulty in consulting doctors that would diagnose and indicate the best treatment for the disease. Results show that the use of social networks as tools for scientific dissemination and Health Promotion is highly important and should be improved constantly.

The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on pain and disability in cervical myofascial pain syndrome / Efetividade do kinesio taping na dor e incapacidade na síndrome dolorosa miofascial cervical

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and sham Kinesio Taping on pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and disability in cervical myofascial pain syndrome patients (MPS). Methods: This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study. Sixty-one patients with MPS were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 (n = 31) was treated with Kinesio Taping and group 2 (n = 30) was treated sham taping five times by intervals of 3 days for 15 days. Additionally, all patients were given neck exercise program. Patients were evaluated according to pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion and disability. Pain was assessed by using Visual Analog Scale, pressure pain threshold was measured by using an algometer, and active cervical range of motion was measured by using goniometry. Disability was assessed with the neck pain disability index disability. Measurements were taken before and after the treatment. Results: At the end of the therapy, there were statistically significant improvements on pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and disability (p < 0.05) in both groups. Also there was a statistical difference between the groups regarding pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical flexion-extension (p < 0.05); except cervical rotation, cervical lateral flexion and disability (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that Kinesio Taping leads to improvements on pain, pressure pain threshold and cervical range of motion, but not disability in short time. Therefore, Kinesio Taping can be used as an alternative therapy method in the treatment of patients with MPS.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a eficácia do kinesio taping e do taping placebo sobre a dor, limiar de dor à pressão, amplitude de movimento cervical e incapacidade em pacientes com síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM) cervical. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego controlado por placebo. Foram alocados em dois grupos, aleatoriamente, 61 pacientes com SDM. O grupo 1 (n = 31) foi tratado com kinesio taping e o grupo 2 (n = 30) foi tratado com taping placebo cinco vezes em intervalos de três dias, durante 15 dias. Além disso, todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um programa de exercícios para o pescoço. Os pacientes foram avaliados em relação à dor, ao limiar de dor à pressão, à amplitude de movimento cervical e à incapacidade. A dor foi avaliada com a escala visual analógica, o limiar de dor à pressão foi medido com um algômetro e a amplitude de movimento cervical ativa foi mensurada com a goniometria. A incapacidade foi avaliada com o Neck Pain Disability Scale. As mensurações foram feitas antes e depois do tratamento. Resultados: No fim do tratamento, houve melhoria estatisticamente significativa na dor, no limiar de dor à pressão, na amplitude de movimento cervical e na incapacidade (p < 0,05) em ambos os grupos. Também houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação à dor, ao limiar de dor à pressão e à flexão-extensão cervical (p < 0,05); não houve diferença na rotação cervical, flexão lateral cervical e incapacidade (p > 0,05). Conclusão: O kinesio taping leva à melhoria na dor, no limiar de dor à pressão e na amplitude de movimento cervical, mas não na incapacidade em um curto período. Portanto, o kinesio taping pode ser usado como um método de terapia opcional para o tratamento de pacientes com SDM.

Clinical value of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in assessing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on trapezius myofascial pain syndrome / 医学研究生学报

Objective Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common muscle function disturbance.This study was to investigate the clinical value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging in assessing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for patients with trapezius MPS.Methods A total of 116 patients diagnosed with trapezius MPS received acupuncture therapy once a day for 10 days in Pudong Hospital from August 2015 to June 2016.Using ARFI imaging, we recorded the shear wave velocity (SWV) of the trapezius and obtained the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores of the patients before, at the end of, and at 7, 15 and 30 days after treatment.Then, we analyzed the interaction and correlation between the SWV values and SF-MPQ scores of the patients at different time points.Results Both the SF-MPQ scores and SWV values were first decreased, falling to lowest values (5.19 points and 1.43 m/s) at 7 days after treatment, and then increased again.The interaction between the SF-MPQ scores and SWV values were significantly different at different time points (Finteraction=2.553, Pinteraction=0.038), and there was a strong linear correlation between the two indexes (r=0.755, P=0.000).Conclusion ARFI imaging combined with SF-MPQ has a certain clinical value in assessing the effect of acupuncture on trapezius MPS.

Effect of Acupuncture at Myofascial Trigger Points on the Quality of Life in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate and compare the clinical efficacies of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points and extracorporeal shock wave and their effects on the quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Method Seventy-eight patients with myofascial pain syndrome were allocated, using a random number table, to acupuncture and shock wave groups, 39 cases each. The two groups received acupuncture at myofascial trigger points and extracorporeal shock wave, respectively. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups of patients after 20 consecutive days of treatment. The quality of life score was recorded in the two groups of patients before and after one month of treatment. Result The VAS score (1.57±0.83), the PRI score (1.87±1.06) and the PPI score (0.94±0.72) in the acupuncture group were lower than the VAS score (2.16±0.95),the PRI score (2.68±1.14) and the PPI score (1.53±0.81) in the shock wave group. All had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The VAS score, the PRI score and the PPI score decreased significantly in the two groups of patients after treatment compared with before. Eight scaled scores: physical functioning, physical role functioning, bodily pain, social role functioning, vitality, general health perceptions, emotional role functioning and mental health increased significantly in the two groups of patients after treatment compared with before (P<0.05) and increased more in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The marked efficacy rate was 84.6% in the acupuncture group, which was significantly higher than 61.5% in the shock wave group (P<0.05). Conclusion Both acupuncture and extracorporeal shock wave therapy have a marked clinical effect on myofascial pain syndrome. It can further improve the quality of life in the patients.

Vitamin D and fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis

Vitamin D is a cofactor responsible for autoimmune disorders. There is no agreement in the studies investigating the association between vitamin D and fibromyalgia. This study aims to combine the conflicting results of the primary studies which compared these patients with control groups regarding the serum concentration of vitamin D. This meta-analysis has been designed based on PRISMA guidelines. Relevant keywords were searched in PubMed, Science direct, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google scholar and primary studies were selected. After screening the eligible studies according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, we investigated the risk of bias in the selected studies and also the heterogeneity between the primary results using Cochrane (Q) and I-squared (I2) indices. The primary results were combined using inverse variance method and Cohen statistics as well as a random effects model. Publication bias was assessed using Egger test. Sensitivity analysis was applied to investigate the influence of each primary study on the final result of the meta-analysis. Suspected factors in the heterogeneity were assessed using meta-regression models. We entered 12 eligible studies in the meta-analysis including 851 cases compared with 862 controls. The standardized mean difference of Vitamin D between the two groups was −0.56 (95% confidence interval: −1.05, −0.08). Our meta-analysis showed that vitamin D serum levels of patients with fibromyalgia was significantly lower than that of control group.

Therapeutic Observation of Electroacupuncture plus Electro-spoon Needle-cupping for Lumbar-dorsal Myofascial Pain Syndrome / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus electro-spoon needle-cupping in treating lumbar-dorsal myofascial pain syndrome.Method Sixty patients with lumbar-dorsal myofascial pain syndrome were randomized into group A, group B, and group C, 20 cases in each group. With same acupoints selected, group A was intervened by electroacupuncture plus electro-spoon needle-cupping, group B was by electroacupuncture, while group C was by conventional acupuncture. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacies of the three groups were compared.Result After treatment, VAS scores were significantly different from those before treatment in the three groups. (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores in group A and B were significantly different from that in group C (P<0.01,P<0.05); the VAS score in group A was significantly different from that in group B (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 95.0% in group A, versus 90.0% in group B and 80.0% in group C, and the total effective rate of group A was significantly different from that of both group B and C (P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture plus electro-spoon needle-cupping is an effective method in treating lumbar-dorsal myofascial pain syndrome.

Research progress on imageology of myofascial pain syndrome / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common skeletal muscle pain and dysfunction,characterized by the presence of myofascial pain points (MTrPs).At present,the main method of locating MTrPs is palpation which has lower intra-rater reliability,and lacks an objective evaluation approach for therapeutic effects.Therefore,the research on objective evaluation of the characteristics of MPS has been receiving great attention.These studies involve stiffness of trigger points,fascia thickness,surface temperature and other aspects through various methods,such as ultrasonic imaging,magnetic resonance imaging,infrared thermal imaging.In this paper,the research progress and methods of MPS in imaging were surveyed,which can provide the basis for the clinical diagnosis and objective evaluation of therapeutic effects.

Misconceived Retropharyngeal Calcific Tendinitis during Management of Myofascial Neck Pain Syndrome

Differential diagnosis of posterior neck pain is very challenging based on symptoms and physical examination only. Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed entity in various causes of neck pain. It results from calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the longus colli muscle which is characterized by severe neck pain, painful restriction of neck movement, dysphagia, and odynophagia. We herein report a case of a patient with acute retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis, who complained of posterior neck pain, initially diagnosed and treated as a myofascial neck pain syndrome.