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Muscle pain inhibits cutaneous touch perception
Christian S Stohler1, Charles J Kowalski, James P Lund
1Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, 1011 N University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA Center for Statistical Consultation and Research, The University of Michigan, Michigan, MI, USA Faculty of Dentistry and Department of Physiology, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B2, Canada.
Pain
|May 30, 2001
Summary
Experimental muscle pain reduces touch sensitivity at the pain site and face, even after pain subsides. This sensory change, termed hypoesthesia, was more significant in males and larger painful areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Chronic pain syndromes exhibit altered sensory processing.
- Understanding sensory changes in pain is crucial for clarifying pain etiology.
- Muscle nociceptor activation may influence mechanosensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure threshold-level mechanosensitivity during tonic experimental muscle pain in humans.
- To investigate the impact of muscle pain on cutaneous mechanosensitivity.
- To explore factors influencing the observed changes in mechanosensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Induction of tonic experimental muscle pain using hypertonic saline.
- Measurement of cutaneous threshold-level mechanosensitivity at the site of pain and contralateral mirror site.
- Assessment of pain duration, perceived painful area size, and sex differences.
Main Results:
- Muscle pain reduced mechanosensitivity at the pain site and contralateral face.
- This hypoesthesia persisted beyond the pain sensation.
- The effect was more pronounced with larger painful areas and in males compared to females.
- Different nociceptor classes may have varying effects on mechanosensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Threshold-level hypoesthesia following muscle pain is consistent with altered sensory processing.
- Findings support the hypothesis that muscle nociceptor activation contributes to increased mechanical thresholds in conditions like temporomandibular disorders and cervicobrachialgia.