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Myofascial trigger points in subjects presenting with mechanical neck pain: a blinded, controlled study
C Fernández-de-las-Peñas1, C Alonso-Blanco, J C Miangolarra
1Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Alcorcón, Spain. cesarfdlp@yahoo.es, cesar.fernandez@urjc.es
Manual Therapy
|September 3, 2011
Summary
Active myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are significantly more prevalent in individuals with mechanical neck pain compared to healthy controls. This finding highlights the role of active TrPs in neck pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal research
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
Background:
- Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are associated with various pain conditions.
- The prevalence and characteristics of TrPs in mechanical neck pain (MNP) require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the presence and distribution of TrPs in specific neck muscles between MNP patients and healthy controls.
- To identify differences in active versus latent TrPs between the groups.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 20 MNP patients and 20 healthy controls.
- TrPs were identified by a blinded assessor based on hypersensitivity, taut bands, local twitch response, and referred pain reproduction.
- Quantitative assessment of TrP count and location in upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles.
Main Results:
- MNP patients had a significantly higher number of active TrPs (1.8) compared to controls (0).
- The total number of TrPs was higher in MNP patients (4.3) than in controls (2).
- Significant differences in TrP distribution were found across most analyzed neck muscles between groups.
Conclusions:
- Active TrPs are a key differentiator between individuals with mechanical neck pain and healthy subjects.
- The findings suggest that active TrPs in specific neck muscles contribute significantly to the symptoms experienced by MNP patients.
- Targeting active TrPs may be a crucial component in the management of mechanical neck pain.
