Reduction of Pain and EMG Activity in the Masseter Region by Trapezius Trigger Point Injection

Authors

Charles R. Carlson, University of KentuckyFollow
Jeffrey P. Okeson, University of KentuckyFollow
Donald Falace, University of KentuckyFollow
Arthur J. Nitz, University of KentuckyFollow
John E. Lindroth, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

In this open, uncontrolled trial, 20 patients with upper trapezius muscle trigger point pain and ipsilateral masseter muscle pain received a single trigger point injection of 2% lidocaine solution (without epinephrine) in the upper trapezius muscle. Following the trapezius injection, there was a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in pain intensity ratings for pain in the masseter region. In addition, there was a significant (P < 0.03) reduction in EMG activity in the masseter muscle. Overall, however, a significant relationship between EMG activity in the masseter and the self-report of pain was not found with the present data set. These clinical findings support the contention that sources of deep pain can produce heterotopic sensory and motor changes in distant anatomical regions.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1993

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0304-3959(93)90018-K

Repository Citation

Carlson, Charles R.; Okeson, Jeffrey P.; Falace, Donald; Nitz, Arthur J.; and Lindroth, John E., "Reduction of Pain and EMG Activity in the Masseter Region by Trapezius Trigger Point Injection" (1993). CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles. 200.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/crvaw_facpub/200