Study on the therapeutic effect of different magnetic stimulation pelvic floor modes on perimenopausal myofascial pelvic pain syndrome / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of different magnetic stimulation pelvic floor modes in the treatment of perimenopausal myofascial pelvic pain syndrome(MPSS).Methods A total of 60 perimenopausal women who were clinically diagnosed with MPSS in the hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the research objects.They were divided into groups A,B and C by random number table method,with 20 cases in each group.All patients in the three groups were treated with pelvic floor myofascial manual release.Group A was given pelvic floor magnetic stimulation(alternating 10 Hz and 50 Hz),group B was given sacral nerve root magnetic stimulation(50 Hz),and group C was given pelvic floor magnetic stimu-lation combined with sacral nerve root magnetic stimulation at the same time.The three groups were treated twice a week for eight weeks.Visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate the degree of pelvic floor myofascial tenderness before and after treatment,and Glazer pelvic floor surface electromyography was used to evaluate pelvic floor muscle function.Results Compared with before treatment,the VAS scores of subjec-tive pain and pelvic floor myofascial tenderness in the three groups were decreased after treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with group A and group B,the VAS score of subjective pain and the VAS score of pelvic floor myofascial tenderness in group C were significantly decreased after treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the average amplitude and coefficient of variation(CV)of pre-rest potential and post-rest potential in the three groups were decreased after treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,only the maximum amplitude of rapid contraction,the average amplitude of 10 s sustained contraction and 60 s sustained contraction and CV in group C were improved,and the differ-ences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with group A and group B,the average amplitude and CV of pre-resting potential and post-resting potential in group C were decreased after treatment,the maxi-mum amplitude of rapid contraction and the average amplitude and CV of 10 s continuous contraction and 60 s persistent contraction were improved,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Dif-ferent magnetic stimulation pelvic floor modes can effectively relieve pain and improve pelvic floor muscle strength in the treatment of perimenopausal MPSS,and the effect of pelvic floor magnetic stimulation com-bined with sacral nerve root magnetic stimulation is the best.

Effects of silver needle-thermal conduction therapy on skeletal muscle mitochondria and silent information regulator homolog 3 expression in a rat model of myofascial pain syndrome / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Clinical studies have found good analgesic effects of silver needle-thermal conduction therapy in patients with myofascial pain syndrome,but the exact mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of silver needle-thermal conduction therapy on silent information regulator homolog 3(SIRT3)changes and mitochondrial ultrastructure in a rat model of myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS:Twenty rats were randomly selected from 26 Sprague-Dawley rats and were subjected to percussion combined with motor fatigue for replicating the rat model of myofascial pain syndrome.Sixteen rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into model group and silver needle-thermal conduction therapy group(treatment group),with eight rats in each group.The remaining rats were used as controls(normal group).The treatment group was treated with silver needle-thermal conduction therapy.Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats were measured at 1 day before modeling,1 day after modeling and 14 days after treatment.Electromyographic activities of the right medial femoral muscle were measured at 14 days after treatment.The right medial femoral muscle tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the local morphology and for transmission electron microscopy to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure.Western blot assay was performed to detect SIRT3 expression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Pain threshold:The mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of the model and treatment groups were significantly decreased compared with those in the normal group and before modeling(P＜0.01).After treatment,the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with the model group(P＜0.01).Electromyography:The rats in the model group showed spontaneous electrical activity in the right medial femur,while the rats in the treatment group showed reduced spontaneous electrical activity,longer time frame(P＜0.01)and lower wave amplitude(P＜0.05)compared with the model group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining:In the normal group,rat muscle fibers arranged closely and regularly.In the model group,the muscle fibers of rats were atrophied,degenerated,and disordered in arrangement.In the treatment group,rat muscle structure disorder improved.Mitochondrial microstructure:Under the transmission electron microscope,mitochondrial structure in the normal group was normal;mitochondrial swelling with broken or disappeared cristae appeared in the model group;mitochondrial swelling in the treatment group was obviously relieved or tended to be normal.SIRT3 expression:SIRT3 expression was significantly downregulated in the model group compared with the normal group,but was significantly upregulated in the treatment group compared with the model group(P＜0.05).To conclude,abnormalities in local muscle mitochondria and downregulation of SIRT3 expression suggest the presence of impaired energy metabolism in the rat model of myofascial pain syndrome.Mitochondrial changes recover and are close to normal after the silver needle-thermal conduction therapy,and the expression of SIRT3 is also upregulated close to the normal group,indicating the silver needle-thermal conduction therapy may play a therapeutic role by promoting mitochondrial repair and improving energy metabolism disorder.

Sexual function in women with endometriosis and pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and compare the sexual function and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function of women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with and without Myofascial Pelvic Pain Syndrome (MPPS). Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and December 2020. Women with deep endometriosis underwent assessments for trigger points (TP) and PFM function using the PERFECT scale. Electromyographic activity (EMG) and sexual function through Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There were 46 women. 47% had increased muscle tone and 67% related TP in levator ani muscle (LAM). Weakness in PFM, with P≤2 was noted in 82% and P≥3 in only 17%. Incomplete relaxation of PFM presented in 30%. EMG results were resting 6.0, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) 61.9 and Endurance 14.2; FSFI mean total score 24.7. We observed an association between increased muscle tone (P<.001), difficulty in relaxation (P=.019), and lower Endurance on EMG (P=.04) in women with TP in LAM. Participants with TP presented lower total FSFI score (P=.02). TP in the right OIM presented increased muscle tone (P=.01). TP in the left OIM presented lower values to function of PFM by PERFECT (P=.005), and in MVIC (P=.03) on EMG. Conclusion: Trigger points (TP) in pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and obturator internus muscle (OIM) correlates with poorer PFM and sexual function, particularly in left OIM TP cases. Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain raise muscle tone, weaken muscles, hinder relaxation, elevate resting electrical activity, lower maximum voluntary isometric contraction, and reduce PFM endurance.

Therapies used for the management of myofascial temporomandibular disorders: bibliometric analysis / Terapias utilizadas para o manejo da disfunção temporomandibular de origem miofascial: análise bibliométrica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the term used to describe a set of painful and functional conditions that can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles and/or their associated structures. For myofascial TMD, conservative therapies, including drugs, physical therapy, occlusal splint and pain self-management show the best benefits to the patient. The objective of this study was to carry out, through a bibliometric analysis, a review of the existing knowledge regarding the treatments used in myofascial TMD. CONTENTS: The search was conducted in the Web of Science (WOS) and SCOPUS databases in July and updated in December 2023, through the MeSh descriptors "Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome" and "Therapeutics". Moreover, bibliometric mapping was performed using the VOSviewer software. For the analysis, data on the terms of the title and abstract, type of document, number of citations, name of journals, most cited article and year of publication were included. Besides these, the country of the corresponding author, type of treatment, type of study and the results were included in the analysis. Of the 760 articles identified, 63 were selected to compose this review. Of these, most were original articles, clinical trials and were published in 2012. The most frequent treatments were: occlusal splint, laser, manual therapy, botulinum toxin and dry needling. Of the 15 countries analyzed, Brazil was the country with the highest number of publications. CONCLUSION: There was an increase in articles published on the topic, with Brazil being the country with the highest number of publications. Finally, the most used treatments were occlusal splint and laser.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é um termo utilizado para descrever um conjunto de condições dolorosas e funcionais que podem afetar a articulação temporomandibular (ATM), os músculos mastigatórios e/ou suas estruturas associadas. Para DTM miofascial, terapias conservadoras, incluindo fármacos (analgésicos e/ou anti-inflamatórios), fisioterapia, placa oclusal e autogestão da dor apresentam os melhores benefícios para o paciente. O objetivo deste estudo foi abordar, através de uma análise bibliométrica, o conhecimento existente sobre os tratamentos utilizados na DTM de origem miofascial. CONTEÚDO: A busca foi realizada na base de dados Web of Science (WOS) e SCOPUS, em julho e atualização em dezembro de 2023, por meio dos descritores do MeSh "Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome" e "Therapeutics". Além disso, um mapeamento bibliométrico foi realizado no software VOSviewer. Para análise, foram incluídos dados sobre os termos do título e do resumo, tipo de documento, número de citações, nome dos periódicos, artigo mais citado e ano de publicação e, além destes, o país do autor correspondente, tipo de tratamento, tipo de estudo e resultados. Dos 760 artigos identificados, 63 foram selecionados para compor esta revisão. Destes, a maioria era artigos originais, ensaios clínicos e foram publicados em 2012. Os tratamentos mais frequentes foram: placa oclusal, laser, terapia manual, toxina botulínica e agulhamento a seco. Dos 15 países analisados, o Brasil foi o país com maior número de publicações. CONCLUSÃO: Houve um aumento de artigos sobre a temática publicados, sendo o Brasil o país com mais publicações e os tratamentos mais utilizados foram placa oclusal e laser.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided infiltration with levobupivacaine and triamcinolone for myofascial pain syndrome of the quadratus lumborum: a retrospective observational study

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.

Treating myofascial pain with dry needling: a systematic review for the best evidence-based practices in low back pain / Tratamento da dor miofascial com agulhamento a seco: uma revisão sistemática para as melhores práticas baseadas em evidências em lombalgia

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.

Dry needling in the treatment of myofascial trigger points and painful shoulder dysfunctions: narrative review of the literature / Agulhamento a seco no tratamento de pontos-gatilho miofasciais e disfunções dolorosas do ombro: revisão narrativa da literatura

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.

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.

Effects 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 / 中国基层医药

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.