Effectiveness of Bupivacaine Trigger Points Injections in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome is a regional or widespread muscular pain associated with tenderness localized to linear or nodular hardening, trigger points in one or group of muscles. It is a major cause of time loss from work and low quality of life. Injections of myofascial trigger points either with local anaesthetics, steroid, normal saline or without any agent have been proven to provide pain relief. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of trigger point injection with bupivacaine in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and improvement in quality of life. Methods: After Institutional Ethical Committee approval, forty one patients aged 16 years and above with myofacial pain syndrome had 0.5mls of 0.25% plain bupivacaine trigger points injections with size 26G 11 /2 inch hypodermic needle. Pain was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale and Pain disability questionnaire was administered to all the patients before the procedures and 1 month post-intervention (follow-up visits) to assessed functional and psychological component of pain disability scale and their response to treatment. Results: