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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
Assessment of Effectiveness of Bupivacaine Trigger-Point Injections in Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome: a
S R Dhole1, B D Kamble1, D Bisoi1
1Associate Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India.
Background:
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the trapezius is a common cause of chronic neck and shoulder pain. Among various treatments, trigger point injections (TPIs) using local anesthetics like bupivacaine are frequently administered, though clinical evidence supporting their use remains limited.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of bupivacaine trigger-point injections in patients with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.
Methods:
A retrospective record review of 69 patients diagnosed with trapezius MPS and treated with (0.25%) bupivacaine TPIs in a tertiary care center was conducted. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and functionality using the neck pain and disability index (NPD) at four time points: pre-injection, immediately after injection, two weeks and one month post-injection. Repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc analysis were used to evaluate statistical significance.
Results:
Significant reductions in VAS and NPD scores were observed over time (p < 0.001). The mean VAS decreased from (6.10) to (2.64) and mean NPD from (31.7) to (12.8) over one month. Most patients (n = 65, 94.2%) experienced no adverse effects. Overall, 48 (70.6%) of patients were satisfied with the treatment.
Conclusion:
Bupivacaine trigger point injections are effective and safe for pain relief and functional improvement in trapezius MPS.
