Article Text
Abstract
Background Neuropathic Pain Component in Myofascial Pain Syndrome is very imoprtant in the grups of aged between 20–50 years which is neck or upper back region. It was evalueyted by using specific diagnostic crtiteria, visual analog scale (VAS) and Neck Pain and Disability Index (NPDI)
Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the presence and incidence of neuropathic pain in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and to detect factors that may be related to neuropathic pain
Methods 112 patients with MPS in their neck or upper back region (aged between 20–50 years) and 62 age, gender and body mass index matched, healthy controls were included in the study. The existence of MPS was evaluated using specific diagnostic crtiteria. Pain assessment was made by visual analog scale (VAS). Neck Pain and Disability Index (NPDI) was used for the evaluation of the disability depends on neck and upper back pain. The existence of neuropathic pain component in both trigger point and referred pain regions was assessed with Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), painDETECT and Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaires.
Results Mean ages of the patients with MPS was 33.4±8.0 years and controls was 33.5±8.4 years (p>0.05). The mean VAS score for pain and the mean NPDI values were significantly higher in the patients group (5.9±1.0 and 35.7±28.3, respectively, p<0.001). Neuropathic pain component was identified at both trigger points and referred pain areas in the patients group. Neuropathic component in the trigger point area was detected in 19 of 112 patients (17%) using DN4, in 4 patients (3.6%) using LANSS and in 2 patients (1.8%) using painDETECT scales. On the other hand; DN4, LANSS and painDETECT scales showed positive results for neuropathic component at 33 (% 29.5), 14 (% 12.5) and 12 (%10.7) of 112 patients in referred pain areas, respectively. Significant correlations were found between the higher values of NPDI and VAS with DN4, LANSS and painDETECT values in patiens with MPS.
Conclusions In this study, the existence of neuropathic component was determined in both trigger point and referred pain regions of patients with MPS. Neuropathic component was more prominent in the referred pain area. Central pain mechanisms may be responsible for this result. Further studies with more patients are needed to confirm our results. We think that, it is important to consider neuropathic component in the treatment of MPS.
Disclosure of Interest None declared