Preparatory Brain Activity and Anticipatory Postural Control in Cervical Myofascial Trigger Point

Abstract

Introduction: Neck pain is a highly prevalent disorder in developed countries. A myofascial trigger point (MTrP) is distinguished under the name of the fundamental excessive menstruation for it and certain reason for musculoskeletal dysfunction. MTrP refers to a sensitive spot in a taut band whose stretch and compression can induce pain. Modifications in the motor cortex, sensory input, irritability, and integration are the adaptive mechanisms to pain. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the preparatory brain activity and anticipatory postural control in chronic neck pain.
 Materials and Methods: The study participants included 25 women with an active MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle and 25 healthy women in the control group. We recorded the brain activities from Cz, Pz, and Fz regions and muscle activities of both sides of the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, cervical and lumbar paraspinal, sternocleidomastoid, and medial head of the gastrocnemius. The participants had to flex their arms in reply to the second sound stimulus, followed by the first sound. Then, their reaction time and brain activity were evaluated.
 Results: Significant differences between the two groups were detected in brain activities’ measurements and the onset of muscle activation (P<0.001). The exception was the onset of gastrocnemius muscle activation (P>0.05).
 Conclusion: The current study suggests that active MTrP induces latency and lengthens the muscle reaction time; thus, the production of suitable motion after the stimulus will be affected. Brain alteration after pain damages movement changes and postural control mechanism.

The Analysis of Spontaneous Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Compared with Healthy Subjects

“…Considering the functional role of alpha oscillations in local inhibition and sensory gating, the increased alpha oscillations in CLBP patients could be reflecting attenuated sensory information gating and excessive integration of pain-related information, thus appearing as somatosensory amplification in these patients. Additionally, the general role of alpha rhythms in inhibiting different processes within the brain can be used as a framework to interpret the results ( 4 , 5 , 15 , 26 - 30 ). Increased alpha power may be potentially reflecting alterations in neural processing and connectivity associated with chronic pain ( 38 ).…”

“…The 19 electrodes were placed at Fp1, Fp2, F7, F3, Fz, F4, F8, T3, C3, Cz, C4, T4, T5, P3, Pz, P4, T6, O1, Oz, O2. A pair of electrodes were placed above and below the right eye and another pair on the outer canthi of both eyes to record vertical and horizontal electrooculogram ( 30 ). Blinking and eye movement artifacts were controlled with the electrooculogram and the O1 and O2 electrodes.…”