A Comparison of the Efficacy of Dry Needling, Lidocaine Injection, and Oral Flurbiprofen Treatments in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Double-Blind (For Injection, Groups Only), Randomized Clinical Trial

摘要

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess andcompare the efficiency of dry needling, lidocaine injectionand oral flurbiprofen treatments in patients with myofascialpain syndrome (MPS) involving the neck and back region.Patients and methods: A total of 60 patients (7 males,53 females; mean age 33.7 years; range 18 to 50 years)were included in this prospective study. The patients weredivided into three groups by block randomization. Eachgroup was assigned to dry needling for trigger points,lidocaine injection (double blind) or oral flurbiprofen200 mg/day over seven days. All patients were alsoprescribed a standardized home exercise program basedon stretching of the affected muscles. Before treatmentand on the third and 14 days after treatment, pain severitywas assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), degree oftenderness at the trigger points by algometry, active jointrange of motion of the neck and shoulders by goniometry,and the quality of life by Nottingham Health Profile.Results: There was a significant improvement in painseverity, trigger point tenderness, joint range of motion,and quality of life in all three groups on the third and 14thdays of treatment. No significant difference was found intreatment efficiency among the groups.Conclusion: Treatments with dry needling, lidocaininjection and oral flurbiprofen along with home exercisesare all effective in the management of MPS.