1
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Bosque M, Margalef R, Llaveria A, Santafe MM. Stress increases the spontaneous release of ACh and may be involved in the generation and maintenance of myofascial trigger points in mouse. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114572. [PMID: 37421986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
An increase in spontaneous neurotransmission may be related to myofascial pain. Sympathetic neurons innervate most of the neuromuscular junction sand are involved in the modulation of synaptic transmission. Therefore, a direct action of stress on acetylcholine release is expected. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between stress and spontaneous neurotransmission. Five acute stressors (immobilization, forced swimming, food and water deprivation, social isolation and ultrasound) were tested in 6 weeks adult Swiss male mice. Subsequently, these types of stress were combined to generate a model of chronic stress. The study of ACh release was evaluated before and after the application of stress by intracellular recording of spontaneous neurotransmission (mEPPs). In each one of the stressors, an increase in the frequency of mEPPs was obtained immediately after treatment, which remained elevated for 5 days and thereafter returned to control values after a week. With chronic stress, a much higher increase in the frequency of mEPPs was obtained and it was maintained for 15 days. In summary, stress, both in its acute and chronic forms, increased spontaneous neurotransmission significantly. There is a possibility that chronic stress is related with the genesis or maintenance of myofascial pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bosque
- Unit of Histology and Neurobiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Carrer St. Llorenc, No. 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Ramón Margalef
- Unit of Histology and Neurobiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Carrer St. Llorenc, No. 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Albert Llaveria
- Unit of Histology and Neurobiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Carrer St. Llorenc, No. 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Manel M Santafe
- Unit of Histology and Neurobiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Carrer St. Llorenc, No. 21, 43201 Reus, Spain.
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2
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Gerwin RD. A New Unified Theory of Trigger Point Formation: Failure of Pre- and Post-Synaptic Feedback Control Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098142. [PMID: 37175845 PMCID: PMC10179372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The origin of the myofascial trigger point (TrP), an anomalous locus in muscle, has never been well-described. A new trigger point hypothesis (the new hypothesis) presented here addresses this lack. The new hypothesis is based on the concept that existing myoprotective feedback mechanisms that respond to muscle overactivity, low levels of adenosine triphosphate, (ATP) or a low pH, fail to protect muscle in certain circumstances, such as intense muscle activity, resulting in an abnormal accumulation of intracellular Ca2+, persistent actin-myosin cross bridging, and then activation of the nociceptive system, resulting in the formation of a trigger point. The relevant protective feedback mechanisms include pre- and postsynaptic sympathetic nervous system modulation, modulators of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, and mutations/variants or post-translational functional alterations in either of two ion channelopathies, the ryanodine receptor and the potassium-ATP ion channel, both of which exist in multiple mutation states that up- or downregulate ion channel function. The concepts that are central to the origin of at least some TrPs are the failure of protective feedback mechanisms and/or of certain ion channelopathies that are new concepts in relation to myofascial trigger points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Gerwin
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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3
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Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Nijs J, Cagnie B, Gerwin RD, Plaza-Manzano G, Valera-Calero JA, Arendt-Nielsen L. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Nociceptive Condition Comorbid with Neuropathic or Nociplastic Pain. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030694. [PMID: 36983849 PMCID: PMC10059732 DOI: 10.3390/life13030694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofascial pain syndrome is featured by the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Whether TrPs are primary or secondary phenomena or if they relate to central or peripheral nervous system disorders is controversial. Referred pain, a cardinal sign of TrPs, is a central phenomenon driven by peripheral input. In 2021, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a clinical criteria and grading system for classifying patients with pain on nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic phenotypes. Myofascial TrP pain has been traditionally categorized as a nociceptive phenotype; however, increasing evidence supports that this condition could be present in patients with predominantly nociplastic pain, particularly when it is associated with an underlying medical condition. The clinical response of some therapeutic approaches for managing TrPs remains unclear. Accordingly, the ability to classify myofascial TrP pain into one of these phenotypes would likely be critical for producing more successful clinical treatment outcomes by a precision medicine approach. This consensus paper presents evidence supporting the possibility of subgrouping individuals with myofascial TrP pain into nociceptive, nociplastic, or mixed-type phenotype. It is concluded that myofascial pain caused by TrPs is primarily a nociceptive pain condition, is unlikely to be classified as neuropathic or nociplastic, but can be present in patients with predominantly neuropathic or nociplastic pain. In the latter cases, management of the predominant central pain problem should be a major treatment goal, but the peripheral drive from TrPs should not be ignored, since TrP treatment has been shown to reduce sensitization-associated symptomatology in nociplastic pain conditions, e.g., fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Sensory Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Jette, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robert D. Gerwin
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A. Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Sensory Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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4
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Ricci V, Mezian K, Chang KV, Tarantino D, Güvener O, Gervasoni F, Naňka O, Özçakar L. Ultrasound Imaging and Guidance for Cervical Myofascial Pain: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3838. [PMID: 36900848 PMCID: PMC10001397 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cervical myofascial pain is a very common clinical condition in the daily practice of musculoskeletal physicians. Physical examination is currently the cornerstone for evaluating the cervical muscles and identifying the eventual presence of myofascial trigger points. Herein, the role of ultrasound assessment in precisely localizing them is progressively mounting in the pertinent literature. Moreover, using ultrasound, not only the muscle tissue but also the fascial and neural elements can be accurately located/evaluated. Indeed, several potential pain generators, in addition to paraspinal muscles, can be involved in the clinical scenario of cervical myofascial pain syndrome. In this article, the authors extensively reviewed the sonographic approach for cervical myofascial pain in order to better diagnose or guide different procedures that can be performed in the clinical practice of musculoskeletal physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Ricci
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Kamal Mezian
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ke-Vin Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei Hu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan
| | - Domiziano Tarantino
- Department of Public Health, Rehabilitation Unit, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Orhan Güvener
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Mersin University Medical School, 33000 Mersin, Turkey
| | - Fabrizio Gervasoni
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Ondřej Naňka
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Levent Özçakar
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
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5
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From Histoanatomy to Sonography in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Approach. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:92-97. [PMID: 35067549 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Myofascial pain is a common clinical condition, whereby accurate physical examination is usually considered as the cornerstone to identify/diagnose the "trigger point complex," that is, the characteristic finding of this syndrome. Considering the emerging role of ultrasound examination as the natural extension of physical assessment for musculoskeletal disorders, we briefly revise the histological/anatomical features of trigger points and propose a standardized, multistep sonographic approach to myofascial pain. We also imply that the integrated clinical-ultrasound evaluation could be considered as a potential tool to discriminate different phases/subsets of this challenging pathology.
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6
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Perreault T, Ball A, Dommerholt J, Theiss R, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Butts R. Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation to Trigger Points: Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Applications—A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206039. [PMID: 36294360 PMCID: PMC9605351 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) is a modality used by clinicians to treat myofascial pain. Recent studies have shown positive results for the use of IMES on pain outcomes, yet studies investigating the potential mechanisms of IMES directly to trigger points (TrPs) are lacking. We performed a scoping review of the literature to summarize the current evidence from human and animal studies on the mechanisms of IMES to the TrP location, and to identify gaps in the existing literature. Electronic literature searches were conducted across five databases from inception to 15 August 2022, including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Scopus and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Four studies met our full criteria for inclusion in this review. Three studies assessed the effects of IMES to TrPs on human subjects with MPS, and only one study used an animal model with experimentally generated TrPs. Based on the results of the included studies, IMES within a TrP region was reported to normalize muscle blood flow, decrease endplate noise of the TrP and elicit antinociceptive effects, at least partially, through engaging supraspinal descending pain inhibitory systems. At present, no clinical implications can be determined on the use of IMES to TrPs due to the limited amount and quality of the available evidence. Further studies investigating the clinical effectiveness and also underlying mechanisms of IMES to TrPs are clearly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Perreault
- Department of Physical Therapy, Wentworth Douglass Hospital, Dover, NH 03820, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-603-740-2101
| | - Andrew Ball
- Atrium Health, Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte, NC 28216, USA
- Myopain Seminars, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jan Dommerholt
- Myopain Seminars, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Robert Theiss
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Atrium Health, Carolinas Rehabilitation, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raymond Butts
- Department of Rehabilitative Sciences, Gannon University, Ruskin, FL 33573, USA
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7
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Dommerholt J, Gerwin RD. Contracture Knots vs. Trigger Points. Comment on Ball et al. Ultrasound Confirmation of the Multiple Loci Hypothesis of the Myofascial Trigger Point and the Diagnostic Importance of Specificity in the Elicitation of the Local Twitch Response. Diagnostics 2022, 12, 321. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102365. [PMID: 36292054 PMCID: PMC9599994 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent study published in Diagnostics attempted to visualize trigger points and contracture knots with high-definition ultrasound. Based on their findings, the authors reversed the commonly understood meaning of the two terms. However, they did so without providing any convincing evidence. The authors maintained that their sonography images represented trigger points within contracture knots, supporting the multiple loci hypothesis. On review of the paper, both conclusions seem premature and rather speculative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dommerholt
- Bethesda Physiocare, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Myopain Seminars, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-656-5613
| | - Robert D. Gerwin
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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8
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Dry Needling Produces Mild Injuries Irrespective to Muscle Stiffness and Tension in Ex Vivo Mice Muscles. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:8920252. [PMID: 35845982 PMCID: PMC9277173 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8920252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have suggested that the myofascial trigger points are responsible for most of the myofascial pain syndrome, so it seems reasonable that its destruction is a good therapeutic solution. The effectiveness of dry needling (DN) has been confirmed in muscles with myofascial trigger points, hypertonicity, and spasticity. The objective of this study is to analyze the need of repetitive punctures on muscles in different situations. The levator auris longus (LAL) muscle and gastrocnemius muscle from adult male Swiss mice were dissected and maintained alive, while being submerged in an oxygenated Ringer’s solution. DN was evaluated under four animal models, mimicking the human condition: normal healthy muscles, muscle fibers with contraction knots, muscles submerged in a depolarizing Ringer solution (KCl-CaCl2), and muscles submerged in Ringer solution with formalin. Thereafter, samples were evaluated with optical microscopy (LAL) and scanning electron microscopy (gastrocnemius). Healthy muscles allowed the penetration of needles between fibers with minimal injuries. In muscles with contraction knots, the needle separated many muscle fibers, and several others were injured, while blood vessels and intramuscular nerves were mostly not injured. Muscles submerged in a depolarizing solution inducing sustained contraction showed more injured muscular fibers and several muscle fibers separated by the needle. Finally, the muscles submerged in Ringer solution with formalin showed a few number of injured muscular fibers and abundant muscle fibers separated by the needle. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm the optical analyses. In summary, dry needling is a technique that causes mild injury irrespective of the muscle tone.
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9
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Jay GW, Barkin RL. Trigeminal neuralgia and persistent idiopathic facial pain (atypical facial pain). Dis Mon 2022; 68:101302. [PMID: 35027171 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2021.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Jay
- Department of Neurology, Division: Headache/Pain, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Robert L Barkin
- Departmentts of Anesthesilogy, Family Medicine, Pharrmacology, Rush University Medical College, Chicago Illinois, USA
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10
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Zhu YC, Jin FH, Zhang MY, Qi F. Inhibition of Peripheral ERK Signaling Ameliorates Persistent Muscle Pain Around Trigger Points in Rats. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720960190. [PMID: 33081508 PMCID: PMC7784566 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720960190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the ERK signaling pathway was involved in ameliorating chronic myofascial hyperalgesia from contused gastrocnemius muscle in rats. We established an animal model associated with myofascial pain syndrome and described the mechanism of muscle pain in an animal model. Changes in the mechanical pain threshold were observed 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after ERK inhibitor injection around myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) of the gastrocnemius muscle in rats. Morphological changes in gastrocnemius muscle cells were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. ERK signaling pathway activation was detected through immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The main morphological characteristics of injured muscle fibers around MTrPs include gathered circular or elliptical shapes of different sizes in the cross-section and continuous inflated and tapering fibers in the longitudinal section. After intramuscular injection of U0126 (ERK inhibitor), the mechanical pain threshold significantly increased. The reduction in mechanical hyperalgesia was accompanied by reduced ERK protein phosphorylation, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) protein, p-MLC protein expression, and the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle cells around MTrPs. An ERK inhibitor contributed to the attenuation of mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat myofascial pain model, and the increase in pain threshold may be related to MLCK downregulation and other related contraction-associated proteins by ERK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chang Zhu
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Clinic, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Shangdong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Fei-Hong Jin
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Clinic, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming-Yang Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, Tengzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Clinic, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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11
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Duarte FCK, West DWD, Linde LD, Hassan S, Kumbhare DA. Re-Examining Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Toward Biomarker Development and Mechanism-Based Diagnostic Criteria. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:69. [PMID: 34236529 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We discuss the need for a mechanism-based diagnostic framework with a focus on the development of objective measures (e.g., biomarkers) that can potentially be added to the diagnostic criteria of the syndrome. Potential biomarkers are discussed in relation to current knowledge on the pathophysiology of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), including alterations in redox status, inflammation, and the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) biochemical milieu, as well as imaging and neurophysiological outcomes. Finally, we discuss the long-term goal of conducting a Delphi survey, to assess the influence of putative MPS biomarkers on clinician opinion, in order to ultimately develop new criteria for the diagnosis of MPS. RECENT FINDINGS Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a prevalent healthcare condition associated with muscle weakness, impaired mood, and reduced quality of life. MPS is characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs): stiff and discrete nodules located within taut bands of skeletal muscle that are painful upon palpation. However, physical examination of MTrPs often yields inconsistent results, and there is no gold standard by which to diagnose MPS. The current MPS diagnostic paradigm has an inherent subjectivity and the absence of correlation with the underlying pathophysiology. Recent advancements in ultrasound imaging, systemic biomarkers, MTrP-specific biomarkers, and the assessment of dysfunction in the somatosensorial system may all contribute to improved diagnostic effectiveness of MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C K Duarte
- Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel W D West
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lukas D Linde
- Inernational Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Djavid Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Samah Hassan
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dinesh A Kumbhare
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, 550 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2A2, Canada.
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12
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Evans V, Behr M, Gangwar A, Noseworthy MD, Kumbhare D. Potential Role of MRI Imaging for Myofascial Pain: A Scoping Review for the Clinicians and Theoretical Considerations. J Pain Res 2021; 14:1505-1514. [PMID: 34079365 PMCID: PMC8166277 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s302683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain is chronic myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS often presents with increased muscle stiffness, and the myofascial trigger point (MTrP). Imaging modalities have been used to identify the MTrP, but their role in the detection and diagnosis of MPS remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to identify evidence in literature for the use of imaging in the role of classifying and explaining the physiology of MTrPs. Since few imaging techniques have been performed on MTrPs, we explored the imaging techniques that can effectively image complex skeletal muscle microstructure, and how they could be used. As part of a scoping review, we conducted a systematic search from three medical databases (CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE) from year to year to analyze past MTrP imaging, as well as analyzing imaging techniques performed on the microstructure of muscle. Previously, ultrasound has been used to differentiate active, latent MTrPs, but these studies do not adequately address their underlying anatomical structure. MRI remains the standard method of imaging skeletal muscle. The existing MRI literature suggests that the DTI technique can quantify muscle injury, strain, and structure. However, theoretically, HARDI and DKI techniques seem to provide more information for complex structural areas, although these modalities have a disadvantage of longer scan times and have not been widely used on skeletal muscle. Our review suggests that DTI is the most effective imaging modality that has been used to define the microstructure of muscle and hence, could be optimal to image the MTrP. HARDI and DKI are techniques with theoretical potential for analysis of muscle, which may provide more detailed information representative of finer muscle structural features. Future research utilizing MRI techniques to image muscle are necessary to provide a more robust means of imaging skeletal muscle and the MTrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Evans
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Behr
- University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anshika Gangwar
- University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Noseworthy
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dinesh Kumbhare
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Sánchez-Infante J, Navarro-Santana MJ, Bravo-Sánchez A, Jiménez-Diaz F, Abián-Vicén J. Is Dry Needling Applied by Physical Therapists Effective for Pain in Musculoskeletal Conditions? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther 2021; 101:6145047. [PMID: 33609356 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the short-, medium-, and long-term effectiveness of dry needling (DN) applied by physical therapists to myofascial trigger points for the treatment of pain. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to February 2020. Randomized controlled trials that compared DN with other treatments or placebo and measured pain with a visual analog Scale or another numerical pain rating scale were included. Two authors used a personalized form to collect the following data relevant to the objectives of the review from each article independently: study design, purpose, sample size, diagnosis, characteristics of DN intervention, characteristics of placebo intervention, outcome measures, period of assessment, body region, DN technique, and number of sessions. The initial search identified 1771 articles. After the selection, 102 articles were assessed for eligibility; 42 of these articles measuring pain were used for the meta-analysis. Four meta-analyses were performed according to the follow-up period from the last reported treatment. RESULTS This meta-analysis found a large effect to decrease pain within 72 hours (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.81; 95% CI = -1.21 to -0.40), a moderate effect in 1 to 3 weeks (SMD = -0.69; 95% CI = -1.02 to -0.35), a large effect in 4 to 12 weeks (SMD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.30 to -0.40), and a large effect in 13 to 24 weeks (SMD = -0.81; 95% CI = -1.64 to -0.03). The risk of bias was generally low; however, the heterogeneity of the results downgraded the level of evidence. CONCLUSIONS Low-quality evidence that the immediate to 72-hour (large) effect, 4- to 12-week (large) effect, 13- to 24-week (large) effect, and moderate-quality 1- to 3-week (moderate) effect suggested that DN performed by physical therapists was more effective than no treatment, sham DN, and other therapies for reducing pain. IMPACT DN is commonly used by physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal pain, and it is very important for physical therapists to know the clinical conditions and time periods for which DN is effective in reducing pain in their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sánchez-Infante
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Marcos J Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, University of Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo Bravo-Sánchez
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Fernando Jiménez-Diaz
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Javier Abián-Vicén
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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14
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Gerwin R. Chronic Facial Pain: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome-An Evidence-Based Narrative Review and Etiological Hypothesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7012. [PMID: 32992770 PMCID: PMC7579138 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the most common form of severe facial pain, may be confused with an ill-defined persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP). Facial pain is reviewed and a detailed discussion of TN and PIFP is presented. A possible cause for PIFP is proposed. (1) Methods: Databases were searched for articles related to facial pain, TN, and PIFP. Relevant articles were selected, and all systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. (2) Discussion: The lifetime prevalence for TN is approximately 0.3% and for PIFP approximately 0.03%. TN is 15-20 times more common in persons with multiple sclerosis. Most cases of TN are caused by neurovascular compression, but a significant number are secondary to inflammation, tumor or trauma. The cause of PIFP remains unknown. Well-established TN treatment protocols include pharmacotherapy, neurotoxin denervation, peripheral nerve ablation, focused radiation, and microvascular decompression, with high rates of relief and varying degrees of adverse outcomes. No such protocols exist for PIFP. (3) Conclusion: PIFP may be confused with TN, but treatment possibilities differ greatly. Head and neck muscle myofascial pain syndrome is suggested as a possible cause of PIFP, a consideration that could open new approaches to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Gerwin
- Department of Neurology School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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