Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Interventional approaches to the management of myofascial pain syndrome

  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Interventional therapies are a valuable addition to our armamentarium when treating myofascial pain syndromes. When combined with other therapies, interventional techniques can be an effective adjunct in the multidisciplinary management of pain. This article describes current interventional therapies that are employed in treating myofascial pain syndromes. The mainstay of injection therapies, the myofascial trigger point injection, is emphasized. More recent advances, such as the use of botulinum toxin, are also discussed. In addition, other techniques such as acupuncture and the use of laser therapy are mentioned.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References and Recommended Reading

  1. Gerwin R: Trigger Point Injection Therapy for Neuromuscular Pain. Advancements in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain. Baltimore, MD: Continuing Medical Education Program sponsored by Johns Hopkins University; 2000:12–17. This provides an excellent review of the current theory of myofascial pain and the use of trigger point injection.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Travell JG, Simons DG: Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vol 2. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Kellgren JH: Observations on referred pain arising from muscle. Clin Sci 1938, 3:175–190.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Hong CZ, Kuan TS, Chen JT, Chen SM: Referred pain elicited by palpation and by needling of myofascial trigger points: a comparison. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1997, 9:957–960.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Hong CZ, Simons DG: Pathophysiologic and electrophysiologic mechanisms of myofascial trigger points. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1998, 79:863–872.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Mense S, Hoheisel U: New developments in the understanding of the pathophysiology of muscle pain. J Musculoskeletal Pain 1999, 7:13–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Hong CZ: Lidocaine injection versus dry needling to myofascial trigger point: the importance of the local twitch response. Am J Phy Med Rehabil 1994, 73:256–263.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Raj PP: Prognostic and therapeutic local anesthetic blockade. In Neural Blockade in Clinical Anesthesia and Management of Pain, edn 2. Edited by Cousins MJ, Bridenbaugh PO. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott; 1988:899–933.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Spevak C: Asystole during trigger point injections in a patient with panic disorder. Reg Anesth 1997, 22:583.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Lang A: Botulinum Toxin for Myofascial Pain. Advancements in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain. Baltimore, MD: Continuing Medical Education Program sponsored by Johns Hopkins University; 2000:23–28. This provides an excellent summary of BTX use in the treatment of myofascial pain.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Gunn CC: Treating Myofascial Pain: Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) for Myofascial Pain Syndromes of Neuropathic Origin. Seattle: University of Washington Medical School; 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Simunovic Z: Low level laser therapy with trigger points technique: a clinical study on 243 patients. J Clin Laser Med Surg 1996, 14:163–167.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Ferrante FM, Kaufman AG, Dunbar SA, et al.: Sphenopalatine ganglion block for treatment of myofascial pain of the head, neck, and shoulders. Reg Anesth Pain Med 1998, 23:30–36.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Criscuolo, C.M. Interventional approaches to the management of myofascial pain syndrome. Current Science Inc 5, 407–411 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-001-0051-9

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-001-0051-9

Keywords

Navigation