Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Pain, Anxiety, Comfort, and Cortisol Levels During Trigger Point Injection

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Complementary Therapies
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common condition characterized by trigger points.
• Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a standard treatment for MPS, often associated with pain and anxiety.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to enhance patient experience during TPIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of inhaler aromatherapy using lavender oil on pain, comfort, anxiety, and cortisol levels during TPIs in MPS patients.
• To assess the efficacy of lavender oil aromatherapy as an adjunct therapy for TPIs.

Main Methods:

• A study involving individuals diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome undergoing trigger point injections.
• Administration of lavender oil via inhaler aromatherapy prior to and during the procedure.
• Assessment of pain, comfort, anxiety, and salivary cortisol levels pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Lavender oil inhalation significantly reduced perceived pain levels during TPIs.
• Patient-reported comfort was notably improved with the use of lavender oil aromatherapy.
• Anxiety levels experienced during the procedure were significantly decreased.
• Salivary cortisol levels, a biomarker for stress, showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

• Inhaler aromatherapy with lavender oil is a viable non-pharmacological method to alleviate pain, anxiety, and enhance comfort during trigger point injections for myofascial pain syndrome.
• Lavender oil aromatherapy does not appear to modulate the physiological stress response as measured by salivary cortisol in this context.
• Further research could explore different aromatherapy agents or delivery methods for pain management.