ABSTRACT
An open label study of topical lidocaine 5% patches was conducted for myofascial pain management based on the hypothesis that electrical dysfunction is a component of myofascial pain and therefore sodium channel blockade may be useful in managing myofascial pain. The efficacy of topical lidocaine patch therapy for myofascial pain impact of the therapy on associated quality of life were investigated in the one-month trial. Principal outcome measures were Brief Pain Inventory- Short Form for pain intensity and quality of life score changes. Twenty-seven patients with moderate-severe myofascial pain were enrolled. Eighteen had low back pain. Two patients reported complete pain relief and 3 reported a lot of relief. Mean improvements for average pain intensity (7, 14, and 28 days), general activity (7 and 28 days), mood and sleep (7, 14, and 28 days), walking (14 and 28 days), and ability to work, relationships, and enjoyment of life (28 days) were significant (P < 0.05). These results suggest lidocaine patches may be useful in the management of myofascial pain.
Subject(s)
Anesthetics, Local/therapeutic use , Facial Pain/drug therapy , Lidocaine/therapeutic use , Administration, Topical , Adult , Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage , Facial Pain/classification , Female , Humans , Lidocaine/administration & dosage , Male , Middle Aged , Quality of Life , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Cancer pain is a significant problem despite the advent of the World Health Organization's cancer pain guidelines, the US government's cancer pain guidelines, and the Joint Commission's mandate for hospital pain evaluation and treatment. Ninety percent of patients with cancer pain can be effectively treated with oral conservative medications. The remaining 10% need more invasive treatments to control their pain. This article reviews current methods of controlling cancer pain using intrathecal catheters, nerve blocks, and neurosurgical procedures.
