Effect of trigger point injection on lumbosacral radiculopathy source

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Active muscular trigger points (aMTPs) with radiating pain can complicate diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy.
• Identifying and addressing aMTPs is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To diagnose and evaluate the efficacy of trigger point therapy for pain reduction in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.
• To compare outcomes between trigger point injection therapy and conservative management.

Main Methods:

• 98 patients with chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy received conservative modalities for one week.
• Patients were assessed for lower extremity trigger points; those positive underwent trigger point injection (TP group) or continued conservative care (N group).
• Pain scores and straight leg raise (SLR) tests were analyzed on days 7 and 10.

Main Results:

• Of 98 patients, 64 had trigger points and were divided into two groups (32 each).
• The TP group showed significantly reduced pain scores (2.4 vs. 4.06) and a negative SLR test in all patients, compared to the N group (P=0.008 and P=0.001, respectively).
• Initial pain scores were similar between groups (7.12 vs. 6.7, P=0.196).

Conclusions:

• Trigger point injection therapy significantly improves recovery in lumbosacral radiculopathy patients with trigger points.
• Standard conservative therapy may be insufficient for patients with co-existing active muscular trigger points.
• This study highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating aMTPs in lumbosacral radiculopathy.