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A Structured Myofascial Pain Management Program for Chronic Headache Including Medication-Refractory Cases
Sho Usuda1, Satoru Morikawa1, Hironori Saisu2
1Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN.
Cureus
|August 29, 2025
Summary
A structured self-care program for myofascial pain management (MPM) effectively reduced chronic headache symptoms. This non-pharmacological approach improved pain for many patients, including those with medication-refractory headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal factors, particularly myofascial pain, are frequently underestimated in chronic headache etiology.
- Chronic headaches significantly impact quality of life, necessitating effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a structured myofascial pain management (MPM) self-care program for individuals experiencing chronic headaches.
- To determine if MPM offers a viable non-pharmacological treatment option for chronic headache sufferers.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm observational study included 37 chronic headache patients from a neurology clinic.
- Participants were divided into suspected myofascial pain and medication-refractory groups.
- The MPM program involved patient education on self-massage and stretching techniques.
Main Results:
- An overall improvement rate of 76% was observed across all participants.
- Significant improvements were noted in both the myofascial (84%) and medication-refractory (67%) groups.
- Most improved patients (89%) maintained their headache medication regimens.
Conclusions:
- The myofascial pain management (MPM) program demonstrated significant effectiveness in managing chronic headaches.
- MPM offers a valuable non-pharmacological strategy, particularly for medication-refractory chronic headaches.
- Targeting masticatory and pericranial muscles via self-care programs is a promising approach for headache management.
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