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.

Botulinum toxin type A and acupuncture for masticatory myofascial pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract BoNT-A has been widely used for TMD therapy. However, the potential benefits compared to dry needling techniques are not clear. Objective this study aimed to compare the immediate effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections and Acupuncture in myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. Methodology 54 women were divided into three groups (n=18). AC patients received four sessions of traditional acupuncture, being one session/week during 20-min. BoNT-A patients were bilaterally injected with 30U and 10U in masseter and anterior temporal muscles, respectively. Moreover, a control group received saline solution (SS) in the same muscles. Self-perceived pain was assessed by visual analog scale, while pressure pain threshold (PPT) was verified by a digital algometer. Electromyographic evaluations (EMG) of anterior temporal and masseter muscles were also measured. All variables were assessed before and 1-month after therapies. The mixed-design two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests were used for analysis, considering a=0.05. Results Self-perceived pain decreased in all groups after one month of therapy (P<.001). BoNT-A was not better than AC in pain reduction (P=0.05), but both therapies were more effective in reducing pain than SS (P<0.05). BoNT-A was the only treatment able to improve PPT values (P<0.05); however, a severe decrease of EMG activity was also found in this group, which is considered an adverse effect. Conclusion after one month of follow-up, all therapies reduced the self-perceived pain in myofascial TMD patients, but only BoNT-A enhanced PPT yet decreased EMG.

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.

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.

Síndrome de dolor miofascial / The myofascial pain syndrome

The myofascial pain syndrome is an entity that is often associated with many of the prevalent pathologies that generate musculoskeletal pain distributed in the different body segments (upper extremities, spine and lower extremities), and may be responsible for the chronification of problem if it is not considered, diagnosed and managed in a comprehensive and timely manner in conjunction with the underlying pathology. (AU)

Inyección de músculo psoas guiado por radioscopía en paciente con lumbocruralgia: presentación de caso clínico / Flouroscopy-guided psoas muscle injection in a patient with back pain and cruralgia: case report

Se comunica el caso clínico de una paciente con síndrome del músculo psoas iliaco izquierdo de severa intensidad (Escala Verbal Numérica de 8/10), de 9 meses de evolución. Inicialmente tratado como un síndrome radicular de las raíces L2 y L3. Ante el fracaso del tratamiento fisiátrico instituido así como falta de respuesta a las inyecciones espinales, se coordina para realizar inyección con anestésicos locales y corticoides del musculo psoas. Se realizó inyección guiada por radioscopía con una ligera variante de la técnica descrita clásicamente. Se obtuvo un buen resultado, logrando un alivio completo del dolor a los 20 minutos. A la semana, la paciente refería dolor leve (Escala Verbal Numérica de 2/10), manteniendo dicha respuesta al mes de procedimiento. Se discute la importancia del síndrome del Iliopsoas, así como la técnica de inyección guiada por radioscopía.

A case of a patient with left Iliopsoas syndrome of severe intensity (Numerical Verbal Scale 8/10) of 9 months of evolution is communicated. Initially, it was treated as a radicular syndrome of L2 and L3 roots. Given the failure of physiatric treatment and the lack of response to spinal injections, psoas muscle injection with local anesthetics and steroids was scheduled. Fluoroscopy guided injection was preformed with a slight variation of the classical described technique. A good result was obtained achieving complete pain relief within 20 minutes of injection. A week later the patient had mild pain (Numerical Verbal Scale 2/10), maintaining the same level of pain a month afterward. The importance of the Iliopsoas syndrome and the fluoroscopy guided injection technique is discussed.

Injecction of trigger points in the temporal muscles of patients with miofascial syndrome / Infiltrações de pontos-gatilho na musculatura temporal em pacientes com fibromialgia e cefaleia

Objective : The aim was to examine the effect of blocking trigger points in the temporal muscles of patients with masticatory myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and headache.Method : Seventy patients with one trigger point were randomly divided into 3 groups: injection with saline or anesthetic and non-injected (control).Results : Pain was reduced in 87.71% patients injected with saline and 100% injected with anesthetic. Similar results were obtained for headache frequency. With regard to headache intensity, the injection groups differed from the control group, but not between themselves.Conclusion : Treatment with injection at trigger points decreased facial pain and frequency and intensity of headache. Considering the injected substance there was no difference.

Objetivo : Comparar o efeito terapêutico do bloqueio de pontos-gatilho na musculatura temporal com soro fisiológico e anestésico em pacientes com síndrome da dor miofascial mastigatória, fibromialgia e cefaleia, entre sí e com controles não-infiltrados.Método : Setenta pacientes que apresentaram pelo menos um ponto-gatilho na musculatura temporal foram aleatoriamente divididas em 3 grupos: infiltração com soro fisiológico, infiltração com anestésico e controle (não-infiltradas).Resultados : Houve redução na intensidade de dor na face em 87,71% dos pacientes infiltrados com soro fisiológico e em 100% dos pacientes infiltrados com anestésico, mas não no grupo controle. Houve similaridade dos resultados considerando a frequência da cefaléia. Quanto à intensidade da cefaléia, tanto a infiltração com soro fisiológico, quanto com anestésico foram efetivos e sem diferença significativa entre sí, ao contrário do grupo controle.Conclusões : O tratamento com infiltração diminui a dor na face, bem com a frequência e a intensidade da cefaléia. Quando considerado a substância infiltrada não há diferenças no tratamento.

Toxina Botulínica Tipo A no tratamento da dor miofascial relacionada aos músculos da mastigação / Botulinum Toxin Type A in the treatment of myofascial pain related to masticatory muscles

Objetivo: Sistematizar as evidências científicas sobre a eficácia da toxina botulínica tipo A no tratamento da dor miofascial relacionada aos músculos mastigatórios. Método: A busca bibliográfica foi realizada através de uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed Central Jornal e Allergan Product Literature - botulinum toxin (APL) compreendendo o período dos últimos 12 anos, com os descritores: "myofascial pain", "botulinum toxin", "treatment", "masticatory muscles". A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada pela Escala de Jadad. Foram selecionados quatro estudos do tipo ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego. Resultados: Pudemos notar que, as pesquisas sobre a utilização de toxina botulínica tipo A para dor miofascial estão contribuindo para aprimorar os tratamentos existentes até o momento para essa condição clínica. Conclusão: É indispensável um maior número de estudos e formas de avaliação precisas e quantitativas para uma resposta definitiva sobre eficácia e segurança deste tratamento.

Objective: To systematize the scientific evidence on the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of myofascial pain related to masticatory muscles. Method: A bibliographical search was made in the PubMed Central Journal and Allergan Product Literature databases - botulinum toxin (APL) encompassing the past 12 years, with the descriptors: "myofascial pain," "botulinum toxin," "treatment," "masticatory muscles". The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated through the Jadad scale. Four randomized, double-blind, clinical trial studies were selected. Results: It was found that the research on the use of botulinum toxin type A for myofascial pain contributed to improving the treatments that existed until that time for this clinical condition. Conclusion: The need for more studies and forms of evaluating precisely and quantitatively is essential in order to find a definitive answer on the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Application of Ultrasound-Guided Trigger Point Injection for Myofascial Trigger Points in the Subscapularis and Pectoralis Muscles to Post-Mastectomy Patients: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided trigger point injection for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the internal rotator muscles of the shoulder in post-mastectomy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pilot study was a non-controlled, prospective, clinical trial. Nineteen post-mastectomy patients with a diagnosis of at least one active MTrP in the subscapularis and/or pectoralis muscles were included. We performed trigger point injections into the subscapularis muscle deep behind the scapula as well as the pectoralis muscle for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose by the newly developed US-guided method. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale and range of motion of the shoulder for external rotation and of abduction showed significant improvement immediately after the first injection and 3 months after the last injection compared with baseline (p<0.05 for both). Duration from onset to surgery and duration of myofascial pain syndrome in the good responder group were significantly shorter than in the bad responder group (p<0.05). Patients did not report any complications related to the procedure or serious adverse events attributable to the treatment. CONCLUSION: In post-mastectomy patients with shoulder pain, US-guided trigger point injections of the subscapularis and/or pectoralis muscles are effective for both diagnosis and treatment when the cause of shoulder pain is suspected to originate from active MTrPs in these muscles, particularly, the subscapularis.

Myositis Ossificans of the Elbow after a Trigger Point Injection

Trigger point injection is a simple procedure that is widely performed for relieving pain. Even though there are several complications of trigger point injection, myositis ossificans has not been documented as one of its complications. We treated a patient who suffered from painful limitation of elbow motion and this was caused by myositis ossificans between the insertions of brachialis and supinator muscles after a trigger point injection containing lidocaine mixed with saline, and we also review the relevant medical literature.

Síndrome dolorosa miofascial do músculo psoas: complicação do tratamento intervencionista: relato de caso / Psoas muscle miofascial painful syndrome: complication of the interventional treatment: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A infiltração anestésica do músculo psoas para tratamento da síndrome dolorosa miofascial apresenta reconhecida eficácia, tendo como complicações estabelecidas a infecção local e o hematoma. O objetivo do presente estudo foi relatar um caso de síndrome dolorosa miofascial do músculo psoas com complicação decorrente do tratamento intervencionista.RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 49 anos, com queixa de dor lombar e abdominal há cinco anos, com piora há dois anos. Na consulta relatou dor lombar, com irradiação para a região inguinal esquerda, contínua, com intensidade 8 pela escala analógica visual (EAV), apesar do uso de fórmula contendo fluoxetina, meloxicam e amitriptilina. A hipótese diagnóstica foi de síndrome dolorosa miofascial do psoas, sendo realizada infiltração anestésica do músculo, com alívio imediato e completo da dor. Dezoito dias após o procedimento a paciente apresentou dor de intensidade 6 e com história clínica compatível com hematoma subagudo. Trinta e cinco dias após o primeiro exame, a ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) mostrou regressão total da coleção intramuscular, com persistência apenas de tênue área de edema e realce mio-fibrilar. Realizou-se infiltração muscular com toxina botulínica medicamentosa com duloxetina (60 mg/dia), sendo obtida a remissão total do quadro doloroso. CONCLUSÃO: O caso mostrou a eficácia da infiltração do músculo psoas com anestésico local e corticoide como medida terapêutica indicada para relaxamento muscular imediato, com desativação dos pontos-gatilho e consequente alívio da dor, acelerando assim o processo de recuperação e mostrou que o hematoma é uma complicação que pode ser resolvida com tratamento clínico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anesthetic infiltration of the psoas muscle to treat painful myofascial syndrome is recognized as effective and has as established complications local infection and hematoma. This study aimed at reporting a case of psoas muscle painful myofascial syndrome with a complication caused by the interventional treatment.CASE REPORT: Female patient, 49 years old, with lumbar and abdominal pain complaint for five years which has worsened in the last two years. Patient reported lumbar pain, with irradiation to the left inguinal region, continuous, with intensity 8 according to visual analog scale (VAS), in spite of using a formula with fluoxetine, meloxicam and amitriptyline. Diagnostic hypothesis was painful psoas myofascial syndrome. The muscle was infiltrated with anesthetics with immediate and complete pain relief. Eighteen days after the procedure, patient presented pain of intensity 6 and with clinical history compatible with sub-acute hematoma. Thirty-five days after the first exam, MRI has shown total regression of the intramuscular collection with persistence of just a subtle area of edema and myo-fibrillary enhancement. Muscle was infiltrated with botulinic toxin drug with duloxetine (60 mg/day), with total remission of pain. CONCLUSION: This case has shown the efficacy of infiltrating the psoas muscle with local anesthetics and steroid as therapeutic measure indicated for immediate muscle relaxation, with deactivation of trigger-points and consequent pain relief, thus accelerating the recovery process, and has shown that hematoma is a complication which may be solved with clinical treatment

Síndrome miofascial: comparação entre o tratamento com infiltração de trigger points e medicação oral (ciclobenzaprina) / Myofascial syndrome: comparison between infiltration of trigger points treatment and oral medication (cyclobenzaprine)

Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos da infiltração de trigger points com xilocaína a 1 por cento com o uso da ciclobenzaprina no tratamento a curto prazo da síndrome miofascial (SMF) de trapézio. Material e métodos: Estudo prospectivo controlado randomizado com avaliador cego em 38 pacientes com SMF de trapézio. Material e métodos: Estudo prospectivo controlado randomizado com avaliador cego em 38 pacientes com SMF de trapézio. Intervenção realizada no grupo teste (IF) (n=18): infiltração com xilocaína a 1 por cento em, no máximo, 06 trigger points de trapézio; no grupo-controle (CB)(n=20) foi fornecido 10 mg/dia de ciclobenzaprina por 15 dias. Os pacientes foram avaliados no tempo zero (T0), em sete (T7), quinze (T15) e trinta dias (T30). Instrumentos de avaliação: escala visual analógica de dor global (EVA de dor global), escala visual analógica de dor à compressão digital de trigger points (EVA de dor à compressão), questionários resumido para dor de McGill. Foi realizada a avaliação de reprodutibilidade interobservador (RI) para EVA de dor à compressão digital. Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram na avaliação inicial a média de trigger points de 2,0 (+- 0,5), taut band de 3,05(+-0,8). Observou-se tendência (p>0,05) a maior variação do escore de dor (McGill) no grupo-teste, maior variação do tipo de dor e a maior incidência de efeitos colaterais no grupo-controle. Ambos os grupos melhoraram ao término do acompanhamento (p<0,05). A média das variações da EVA de dor global no T7 (-24,2 por cento (+-62,8 CB X -40 por cento +-50,9 IF p=0,19), T15 (-37,6 por cento +-48,4 CB X -50 por cento +-44,8 IF p=0,3) e T30 (-50 por cento +-60 CB X -70,8 por cento +-44,7 IF p=0,14) foi maior no grupo-teste porém sem significância estatística. Esta tendência também se observou na média das variações da EVA de dor à compressão digital no T7 (-26,8 por cento +-35,34 CB X -46,5 por cento (44,4 IF p=0,24), no T15 (-38,8 por cento +-38,2 CB X -56,2 por cento +-34,3 IF p=0,44) e no T30 (-46,6 por cento +-38 CB X -53 por cento +-34,4 IF -p=0,38), porém mais uma vez sem significância estatística. Conclusão: A semelhança do efeito da ciclobenzaprina com o da infiltração de trigger points permite a indicação da primeira no tratamento de pacientes com SMF de trapézio e questiona a indicação invariável da infiltração de trigger points.

Fascite plantar: estudo comparativo / Plantar fasciitis: a comparative study

A fascite plantar constitui causa freqüente de talalgia, principalmente em indivíduos que apresentam distúrbio postural dos pés e que passam a praticar atividade por tempo prolongado. Vários procedimentos sao descritos para o tratamento da fascite plantar. O objetivo deste trabalho é de avaliar a incidência da síndrome dolorosa miofascial em pacientes portadores de fascite plantar e comparar os resultados terapêuticos obtidos através do agulhamento e da infiltraçao de anestésicos locais, com os do uso de agentes físicos e cinesioterápicos. Sao avaliados 29 pacientes (26 femininos e três masculinos) com idades entre 30 e 70 anos (média:49 anos) portadores de fascite plantar. Os resultados sao avaliados mediante escala visual analógica. Todos apresentam síndrome dolorosa miofascial associada à fascite plantar. A reduçao, estatisticamente significante, da intensidade da dor é observada em ambos os grupos. A inativaçao dos "pontos-gatilho" miofasciais permite o alívio sintomático da dor e a recuperaçao funcional em menor tempo quando comparada ao uso de agentes físicos e cinesioterápicos isoladamente.