Changes in Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle After a Cervical Spine Manipulation in Pain-Free Subjects

Abstract Aims Health history (medical conditions, comorbid musculoskeletal pain, surgical operation, long term intake of medications) may contribute to central sensitization. The duration and the number of the peripheral nociceptive input seem to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of sensitization. No study has previously investigated these relationships. Our aim was to investigate the association between pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and health history in patients with neck pain, and the role of active trigger points (TrPs) on PPTs. Methods Thirty-four subjects with mechanical neck pain and 34 with whiplash-associated neck pain participated. They underwent an assessment of PPTs over upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis longus, and tibialis anterior muscles, and were screened for the presence of active TrPs in upper trapezius muscle. Further, patients fulfilled a questionnaire investigating health history outcomes number and duration. Results Significant negative correlations between all PPTs and the duration of health history outcomes were found in both groups (all, P < 0.02), with no correlations between PPTs and the number of health history outcomes (all, P > 0.15). Significant lower PPTs over upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis longus, and tibialis anterior (all, P < 0.01) muscles were found in subjects with active TrPs as compared to those with latent TrPs. Conclusions Widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity was associated with the duration, but not the number, of health history outcomes suggesting that long-lasting health complains may act as triggering factor driving sensitization in individuals with neck pain regardless the origin of neck pain. Patients with active TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle showed higher widespread pressure sensitivity than those with latent TrPs. These data should be included in the assessment of neck pain subjects, as they may be useful for planning the management of their symptoms.

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The Location of Peak Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity During Submaximal Contractions is not Associated With the Location of Myofascial Trigger Points

Clinical Journal of Pain ◽

10.1097/ajp.0000000000000373 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (12) ◽

pp. 1044-1052 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Marco Barbero ◽

Deborah Falla ◽

Luca Mafodda ◽

Corrado Cescon ◽

Roberto Gatti

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activity ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle

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Effects of Conventional Physical Therapy with or without Strain Counterstrain in Patients with Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius; a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Annals of King Edward Medical University ◽

10.21649/akemu.v22i3.1400 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hafiz Muhammad Waseem Javaid ◽

Ashfaq Ahmad ◽

Fareeha Ajmad ◽

Sidrah Liaqat ◽

Saba Tahir

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Control Group ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Group A ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽

Group B

Background:Â Â Non-specific neck pain has potential contributing factors. One of the factors being emphasized in the modern era is the Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. These could be treated by strain counterstrain method whose effectiveness needs to be evaluated. Hence, the objective of the study was to compare the effects of conventional Physical therapy with or without strain counterstrain in patients with trigger points of upper trapezius muscle.Â Patients and MethodsIt is randomized controlled clinical trial.48 patients with treatment group A (24 patients) and control group B (24 patients).48 patients with treatment group A (24 patients) and control group B (24 patients).Patients with non-specific neck pain, having active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle presented to physical therapy department. Effects of interventions were recorded on neck disability index, visual analogue scale and cervical range of motion goniometer.Results of this study using repeated measure ANOVA demonstrated that within group from day 1 to 7, there was mean reduction of pain by 32.13 (26.99, 37.27) in conventional physical therapy group with Strain counterstrain group (group A) and conventional physical therapy only group (group B) by 12.62 (8.28, 16.96). Less significant improvement was seen within groups for day 1, 4 and 7 in cervical range of motion. There was significant improvement seen in pain, neck disability index and neck range of motions on day 7 between group A and B measured by independent sample t test.Conclusion:Â Â Conventional physical therapy with strain counterstrain was found effective in reducing pain, functional disability and improving range of motion at cervical region.

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