Botulinum toxin in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.
Six patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome involving cervical paraspinal and shoulder girdle muscles received trigger point injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) or saline in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Four patients experienced reduction in pain of at least 30% following Botox, but not saline, injections, as measured by visual analog scales, verbal descriptors for pain intensity and unpleasantness, palpable muscle firmness, and pressure pain thresholds. Results were statistically significant. Botox, which inhibits muscle contraction by blocking the release of acetylcholine from peripheral nerves, appears to be an effective treatment for focal myofascial pain disorders.
Cheshire
William P
WP
Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, 751 Clinical Sciences Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA.
Abashian
Sandra W
SW
Mann
Douglas J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D013035:Spasm / Q000503:physiopathology
D001905:Botulinum Toxins