Similarities and differences between the trigger point of myofascial pain and the traditional meridian points

In recent years,the treatment of myofascial pain trigger point is a relatively popular technology,many people regard it as"Ashi point"in meridian theory,but compared with the traditional meridian theory,the description of myofascial pain trigger point is more intuitive and easier to master.This paper expounds the similarities and differences between myofascial pain trigger point and traditional meridian theory from the aspects of theory,basic research and clinical application,in order to provide a specific idea for the scientific interpretation of meridian phenomenon in traditional Chinese medicine.

Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome(MPS)is characterized by myofascial trigger points and fascial constrictions.At present,domestic and foreign scholars have not reached a consensus on the etiology and pathogenesis of MPS.Due to the lack of specific laboratory indicators and imaging evidence,there is no unified diagnostic criteria for MPS,making it easy to confuse with other diseases.The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized domestic experts to formulate this Chinese Pain Specialist Consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of MPS.This article reviews relevant domestic and foreign literature on the definition,epidemiology,pathogenesis,clinical manifestation,diagnostic criteria and treatments of MPS.The consensus is intended to normalize the diagnosis and treatment of MPS and be used by first-line doctors,including pain physicians to manage patients with MPS.

Instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilization vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Active myofascial trigger points(TrPs)often occur in the upper region of the upper trapezius(UT)muscle.These TrPs can be a significant source of neck,shoulder,and upper back pain and headaches.These TrPs and their related pain and disability can adversely affect an individual’s everyday routine functioning,work-related productivity,and general quality of life.AIM To investigate the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization(IASTM)vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)on the TrPs of the UT muscle.METHODS A randomized,single-blind,comparative clinical study was conducted at the Medical Center of the Egyptian Railway Station in Cairo.Forty patients(28 females and 12 males),aged between 20-years-old and 40-years-old,with active myofascial TrPs in the UT muscle were randomly assigned to two equal groups(A and B).Group A received IASTM,while group B received ESWT.Each group was treated twice weekly for 2 weeks.Both groups received muscle energy technique for the UT muscle.Patients were evaluated twice(pre-and posttreatment)for pain intensity using the visual analogue scale and for pain pressure threshold(PPT)using a pressure algometer.RESULTS Comparing the pre-and post-treatment mean values for all variables for group A,there were significant differences in pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.0002)and TrP2(P=0.0001).Also,for group B,there were significant differences between the pre-and post-treatment pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2 and PPT for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001).There were no significant differences between the two groups in the post-treatment mean values of pain intensity for TrP1(P=0.9)and TrP2(P=0.76)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.09)and for TrP2(P=0.91).CONCLUSION IASTM and ESWT are effective methods for improving pain and PPT in patients with UT muscle TrPs.There is no significant difference between either treatment method.

滞动针干预“激痛点”对肌筋膜疼痛综合征模型大鼠中枢镇痛的作用机制

背景:滞动针治疗肌筋膜疼痛综合征的镇痛效果显著,但镇痛机制尚不明确。目的:探索滞动针干预激痛点缓解肌筋膜疼痛综合征疼痛的作用机制。方法:按照随机数字表法将54只SD大鼠随机分为空白组(n=16)和造模组(n=38),造模组采用“打击结合离心运动”方式制备左侧股内侧肌筋膜疼痛综合征模型,造模12周后随机挑选6只验证造模成功,将剩余32只造模大鼠随机分为模型组(n=16)与滞动针组(n=16),使用滞动针对滞动针组大鼠左侧股内侧肌局部激痛点进行干预治疗,2次/周,治疗4周。造模前后及治疗后进行左足机械缩足阈值测定;治疗后第4周,苏木精-伊红染色观察大鼠左侧股内侧肌肌肉组织形态学变化,ELISA法检测血清和中脑导水管周围灰质中P物质、β-内啡肽水平,免疫组化检测中脑导水管周围灰质中小胶质细胞标志物(Iba-1)和c-fos阳性表达,Western Blot检测中脑导水管周围灰质脑源性神经营养因子蛋白表达。结果与结论:①与空白组比较,造模后模型组、滞动针组大鼠机械缩足阈值降低(P<0.05);治疗4周后,滞动针组大鼠机械缩足阈值高于模型组(P<0.05);②苏木精-伊红染色结果显示,模型组肌纤维排列紊乱、粗细不等,肌细胞增大并出现核内移现象,细胞内出现圆形挛缩结节以及紧张带;滞动针组肌纤维排列整齐,肌细胞多呈角状,细胞内偶见挛缩结节;③与空白组比较,模型组血清中P物质水平升高(P<0.05),血清中β-内啡肽及脑中P物质、β-内啡肽水平均降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,滞动针组血清中P物质水平降低(P<0.05),血清中β-内啡肽及脑中P物质、β-内啡肽水平均升高(P<0.05);④与空白组比较,模型组c-fos、Iba-1阳性表达及脑源性神经营养因子蛋白均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,滞动针组c-fos阳性表达升高(P<0.05),Iba-1阳性表达及脑源性神经营养因子蛋白均降低(P<0.05);(5)结果表明,滞动针可能通过抑制中脑导水管周围灰质小胶质细胞的活性、下调脑源性神经营养因子蛋白表达间接促进小胶质细胞向M2表型极化释放β-内啡肽、增加c-fos神经元兴奋性,从而降低中枢致敏程度,有效缓解肌筋膜疼痛综合征疼痛的症状。

慢性肌筋膜触发点模型大鼠的尿液代谢组学分析

背景:慢性肌筋膜触发点通过非靶向代谢组学技术可识别差异性代谢物变化,有助于从内源性小分子代谢物层面理解并进一步探究慢性肌筋膜触发点的病理生理过程和发病机制。目的:以慢性肌筋膜触发点模型大鼠为研究对象,基于尿液代谢组学寻找潜在生物标志物及相关代谢通路。方法:将16只SD大鼠随机分为造模组和正常组,造模组大鼠采用钝性打击结合离心运动(跑台坡度为-16°,跑速为16 m/min,训练时间为90 min/次)方式建立慢性肌筋膜触发点动物模型,每周1次,连续干预8周,休息4周;正常组大鼠不做干预。12周造模结束后,采用代谢笼法收集大鼠造模后24 h尿液,利用液相色谱-质谱联用非靶向代谢组学技术对尿样进行代谢图谱检测,筛选出共同差异代谢物,并进行生物信息学分析。结果与结论:①与正常组相比,造模组有32个差异代谢标志物,其中上调21个、下调11个;依据变量权重值>3,共14个差异代谢物被认定为潜在生物标志物;②京都基因与基因组百科全书富集分析表明,慢性肌筋膜触发点的形成与初级胆汁酸生物合成、花生四烯酸代谢通路密切相关。

超声形态学评估银质针对腰椎间盘突出症患者多裂肌形态学的影响

背景:银质针等针刺治疗腰椎间盘突出症的研究较多,但基于肌筋膜触发点理论的研究尚少。目的:从肌筋膜触发点理论出发探讨银质针综合疗法对腰椎间盘突出症患者多裂肌超声形态学及临床疗效的影响。方法:前瞻性选取2022年1月至2023年4月就诊的159例腰椎间盘突出症患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法随机分为常规组(n=53)、传统针灸组(n=53)和银质针组(n=53)。常规西药组给予常规西药治疗,传统针灸组根据经络走向和症状定位采用传统针刺疗法治疗,银质针组采用银质针灸肌筋膜疼痛触发点进行治疗,3组均连续治疗4周。记录所有患者治疗前后筋膜触发点数量、疼痛程度、腰椎功能、多裂肌超声形态学变化、临床疗效、中医症候评分。结果与结论:(1)治疗后3组的腰背部各肌肉筋膜触发点数量减少,且银质针组较传统针灸组和常规西药组明显减少(P<0.05);(2)银质针组的疼痛分级指数评分、目测类比评分、现有疼痛强度评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数和下背痛功能障碍调查问卷评分均低于传统针灸组和常规西药组(P<0.05);(3)银质针组的多裂肌超声形态学各指标均优于传统针灸组和常规西药组(P<0.05);(4)银质针组的中医症候评分低于传统针灸组和常规西药组(P<0.05);(5)3组的临床疗效比较有显著差异(P<0.05)。结果表明:基于肌筋膜触发点理论应用银质针综合疗法能有效减轻腰椎间盘突出症患者疼痛,提高临床疗效,改善腰椎功能障碍和多裂肌形态。

基于肝肾同源理论探讨肌筋膜触发点拔罐对腰椎间盘突出症的影响

目的基于肝肾同源理论探讨肌筋膜触发点拔罐对肝肾亏虚型腰椎间盘突出症患者腰椎功能及腰背伸肌群表面肌电指标的改善效果。方法选取河南省中医院骨科2022年3月至2024年3月收治的109例肝肾亏虚型腰椎间盘突出症患者作为研究对象,对照组54例给予CT引导下射频针刀联合脊得舒丸治疗,观察组55例在对照组基础上增加肌筋膜触发点拔罐,对比两组患者中医证候积分、腰椎功能、腰椎活动度、腰背肌表面肌电信号的变化、复发率及不良反应。结果治疗后,两组中医证候评分均降低(P<0.05),且观察组更低(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组腰椎功能评分及活动度均增加(P<0.05),且观察组更高(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组积分肌电值及平均功率频率均增加(P<0.05),且观察组更高(P<0.05)。观察组复发率3.70%低于对照组18.52%(P<0.05)。两组不良反应差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论基于肝肾同源理论的肌筋膜触发点拔罐能够减轻肝肾亏虚型腰椎间盘突出症患者临床症状,改善腰椎功能,调节腰背伸肌群表面肌电,并降低复发率。

Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture plus Tanbo-plucking the trigger points for scapulohumeral periarthritis

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) plus Tanbo-plucking the trigger points for scapulohumeral periarthritis (SP). Methods:A total of 80 patients with SP were randomized into an observation group and an EA group by the random number table, with 40 cases in each group. The EA group was treated with EA therapy, and the observation group was treated with EA therapy plus Tanbo-plucking the trigger points. After treatment, the visual analog scale (VAS) and Melle scores of the two groups were compared to evaluate the improvement of shoulder pain and functional activity, and meanwhile the clinical efficacy was observed. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was 95.0% and the cure and markedly effective rate was 72.5%. The total effective rate of the EA group was 87.5% and the cure and markedly effective rate was 42.5%. There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The cure and markedly effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the EA group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the intra-group differences in VAS and Melle scores of both groups were statistically significant (bothP<0.001). The inter-group differences in the changes of the VAS and Melle scores after treatment were statistically significant (bothP<0.001). Conclusion: EA plus Tanbo-plucking the trigger points has a better curative effect than EA therapy alone in the treatment of SP.

Study on the relationship between relieving energy crisis in myofascial trigger points with An-Pressing manipulation and AMPK/PGC-1α pathway activation

Objective To explore the mechanism of An-Pressing manipulation in relieving energy crisis in chronic myofascial trigger points(MTrPs)by observing the effects of An-Pressing manipulation on adenosine triphosphate(ATP),adenosine 5′-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1α(PGC-1α)pathway and mitochondrial ultrastructure of skeletal muscle cells in MTrPs rats.Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a lidocaine group,and an An-Pressing manipulation group,with 12 rats in each group.The model group,lidocaine group and An-Pressing manipulation group were used to replicate the MTrPs rat model by blunt shock and centrifugal motion method.After modeling,the An-Pressing manipulation group was subjected to 7 times An-Pressing manipulation,once every other day;the lidocaine group was treated with 3 times of injection of lidocaine at the MTrPs,once every 6 d.The blank group and the model group were fed normally without intervention.After the intervention,local muscle tissue was taken to detect the content of ATP and the expression of AMPK,phosphorylated AMPK(phospho-AMPK),PGC-1α,and glucose transporter 4(GluT4),and the ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed under an electron microscope.Results Compared with the blank group,the ATP content in the model group was decreased(P<0.05),the protein expression levels of phospho-AMPK,PGC-1α,and GluT4 and the ratio of phospho-AMPK to AMPK were decreased(P<0.05);under the electron microscope,the number of mitochondria decreased,and they were deformed,small in volume,and had deformed cristae.Compared with the model group,the ATP contents in the An-Pressing manipulation group and the lidocaine group were increased(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of phospho-AMPK,PGC-1α,and GluT4 and the ratio of phospho-AMPK to AMPK were increased(P<0.05);under the electron microscope,the number of mitochondria increased,the shape and size of the mitochondria were basically normal,and the cristae could be seen.Compared with the lidocaine group,phospho-AMPK and the ratio of phospho-AMPK to AMPK in the An-Pressing manipulation group were increased(P<0.05);under the electron microscope,the numbers of mitochondria were similar,and the shape and size of the mitochondria were basically normal without swelling,and the cristae could be observed.Conclusion An-Pressing manipulation can increase the ATP content in MTrPs tissue,improve the expression levels of PGC-1α and GluT4 proteins and the ratio of phospho-AMPK to AMPK;its mechanism may relate to the activation of AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway to promote the repair of mitochondrial damages.

Updates on therapies for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Prostatitis comprises of a group of syndromes that affect almost 50% of men at least once in their lifetime and makeup the majority of visits to the Urology Clinics.After much debate, it has been divided into four distinct categories by National Institutes of Health namely(1) acute bacterial prostatitis;(2) chronic bacterial prostatitis;(3) chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS) which is further divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory CP/CPPS; and(4)asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. CP/CPPS has been a cause of great concern for both patients and physicians because of the lack of presence of thoroughinformation about the etiological factors along with the difficult-to-treat nature of the syndrome. For the presented manuscript an extensive search on PubM ed was conducted for CP/CPPS aimed to present an updated review on the evaluation and treatment options available for patients with CP/CPPS. Several diagnostic criteria's have been established to diagnose CP/CPPS, with prostatic/pelvic pain for at least 3 mo being the major classifying symptom along with the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms and/or ejaculatory pain. Diagnostic tests can help differentiate CP/CPPS from other syndromes that come under the heading of prostatitis by ruling out active urinary tract infection and/or prostatic infection with uropathogen by performing urine cultures, Meares-Stamey Four Glass Test, Preand Post-Massage Two Glass Test. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is confirmed through prostate biopsy done for elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels or abnormal digital rectal examination. Researchers have been unable to link a single etiological factor to the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS, instead a cluster of potential etiologies including atypical bacterial or nanobacterial infection, autoimmunity, neurological dysfunction and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are most commonly implicated. Initially monotherapy with anti-biotics and alpha adrenergic-blockers can be tried, but its success has only been observed in treatment nave population. Other pharmacotherapies including phytotherapy, neuromodulatory drugs and anti-inflammatories achieved limited success in trials. Complementary and interventional therapies including acupuncture, myofascial trigger point release and pelvic floor biofeedback have been employed. This review points towards the fact that treatment should be tailored individually for patients based on their symptoms. Patients can be stratified phenotypically based on the UPOINT system constituting of Urinary, Psychosocial, Organ-specific, Infectious, Neurologic/Systemic and symptoms of muscular Tenderness and the treatment algorithm should be proposed accordingly. Treatment of CP/CPPS should be aimed towards treating local aswell as central factors causing the symptoms. Surgical intervention can cause significant morbidity and should only be reserved for treatment-refractory patients that have previously failed to respond to multiple drug therapies.

Myofascial Foot Pain Following Uneventful Epidural Analgesia for Labor and Delivery

Following an uneventful delivery under epidural analgesia, a 17 year old female patient was referred to the Pain Clinic because of numbness and pain of the left big toe for 2 and a half Months. An Orthopedic consultation had ruled out foot injury and concluded that the pain was radicular and secondary to nerve damage from the epidural analgesia. A Pain Clinic evaluation made the diagnosis of myofascial pain which was successfully treated with trigger pint block using normal saline.

Clinical symptoms of cervical and shoulder MTrPs combined with the "third stage" dialectical traction in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and its effect on the serum inflammatory factors of patients

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupotomology in the treatment of cervical and shoulder myofascial pain trigger point for cervical radiculopathy,and to detect its effect on COX-2,PGE2,5-HT,TNF-α and other inflammatory factors.Methods:A total of 110 CSR patients were selected as the research objects and divided into observation group(Acupotomology to release the trigger points of myofascial pain in neck and shoulder combined with"three-stage"dialectical traction method)and control group(conventional acupuncture combined with"Stage 3"dialectical traction)with 55 cases.Before and after treatment,the two groups were compared by improving the efficacy of MacNab,simplifying the SCORE of Mc Gill Pain Scale,measuring cervical curvature and serum levels of inflammatory factors such as COX-2,PGE2,5-HT and TNF-α.Results:After two weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 96.36%,higher than that of the control group(83.63%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After the treatment,PRI,VAS,PPI and other scores of the two groups were all lower than those before the treatment,with statistical significance(P<0.05).However,there was no statistically significant difference in PRI,VAS and PPI scores between the two groups after treatment(P>0.05).The serum inflammatory factors of coX-2,PGE2,5-HT and TNF-αin the two groups were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05).However,the comparison of cox-2,PGE2,5-ht and TNF-αbetween the two groups showed no statistical significance(P>0.05).The cervical curvature values measured after treatment were significantly increased compared with those before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The combination of acumotomology and"three-stage"dialectical traction method can significantly improve the pain and discomfort of patients with cervical radiculopathy,significantly reduce the symptoms,restore the physiological curvature of cervical vertebra,and reduce the inflammatory factors in serum.

针灸肌筋膜触发点作用机制研究进展

肌筋膜触发点(myofascial trigger points,MTrPs)为骨骼肌绷紧带中的过敏结节,可引发压痛、特征性转移痛、运动功能障碍和自主神经现象。近年来,基于MTrPs特殊的病理生理机制,采用针灸治疗非器质性神经肌纤维的疼痛综合征取得了满意的效果。针刺干预MTrPs对于组织修复、恢复功能活动具有重要的指导价值,为临床治疗肌筋膜疼痛综合征(myofascial pain syndrome,MPS)提供了有效手段。但针刺MTrPs作用机制尚未完全阐明,今后还需从多层次、多角度、多领域深入探究,以期为临床针灸施治提供有力的理论依据。

The Comparison of trigger point acupuncture and traditional acupuncture

Trigger point（TrP） acupuncture（dry needling）,the use of solid filiform needles at TrPs,has been developed from a comprehensive integration and adaptation of traditional acupuncture using current understandings of TrPs.During the past twenty years,the concept and technique continues to evolve,with a potential to expand to other conditions beyond myofascial pain syndromes that can be managed via stimulating TrPs.In this article,we compared TrP acupuncture and traditional acupuncture from the following aspects：points of needle insertion,needles and needling techniques,and therapeutic indications.Traditional acupuncture encompasses an abundance of methods and techniques in acupuncture practices and has been widely used and studied for a variety of disorders.With unique specific characteristics,TrP acupuncture further develops traditional acupuncture theories,especially the concepts of Ashi point.The location of TrPs,their distribution pattern and pain indication are similar to those of traditional acupoints;the selection of needles,depth of needle insertion,and manipulation techniques are part of traditional acupuncture.TrP acupuncture is thus an integral part of traditional acupuncture.

按压肌筋膜触发点对功能性踝关节不稳患者的疗效研究

目的:探讨按压肌筋膜触发点在功能性踝关节不稳(functional ankle instability,FAI)患者中的临床疗效。方法:选取西南大学医院康复医学中心门诊2021年5月—8月就诊的功能性踝关节不稳患者29例,随机分为试验组15例和对照组14例。试验组在踝关节平衡训练基础上增加按压肌筋膜触发点技术,对照组采用BOSU球进行踝关节平衡训练。分别在基线、干预第4周后和干预第8周后对两组患者进行疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评估、踝关节功能量表评分(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score,AOFAS)和Y平衡测试(Ybalance test,YBT)评估。结果:治疗前,两组患者在评估的各项指标上无明显差异(P>0.05)。治疗8周后,两组患者在VAS疼痛评分上均有显著降低(P<0.05),Y平衡测试综合数值得到显著改善(P<0.01),AOFAS踝关节功能评分得到显著提高(P<0.05)。治疗后,试验组在上述各项评估指标中均显著优胜于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:为期8周的平衡训练和平衡训练联合按压MTrPs治疗均对FAI患者有显著的临床康复疗效,而平衡训练联合按压MTrPs治疗在缓解FAI患者的疼痛、促进踝关节功能和动态平衡的改善等方面具有更好的康复效益。

不同力量推拿按法对大鼠肌筋膜疼痛触发点的影响

背景:推拿按法干预肌筋膜触发点疼痛疗效明确,但是不同力量按法的作用需要深入研究。目的:观察不同力量推拿按法对肌筋膜疼痛大鼠触发点的影响。方法:将60只SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分为不参与造模的空白组10只和参与触发点造模的大鼠50只。以定期钝性击打结合离心运动法在大鼠左侧大腿内侧肌建立慢性触发点模型,将造模成功的40只大鼠随机分为模型组、轻按组、中按组和重按组,每组10只。空白组、模型组大鼠不予干预,轻按组、中按组和重按组以自制按法刺激器,分别以轻力量(0.3 kg)、中力量(0.5 kg)和重力量(0.7 kg)对触发点局部进行干预,7.5 min/次,隔天1次,共计7次。在干预前后分别以电生理仪、软组织张力测定仪和机械痛阈测定仪检测触发点局部肌电图、软组织张力和机械痛阈值。干预结束后,空白组大鼠取左侧大腿内侧肌组织,其余组大鼠取触发点组织,以苏木精-伊红染色观察病理形态,ELISA法检测环氧化酶2、前列腺素E2和缓激肽水平。结果与结论:①与空白组比较,模型组机械痛阈值降低,软组织张力升高,自发电活动振幅频率升高,病理形态学明显改变,环氧化酶2、前列腺素E2和缓激肽水平增加(P<0.05);②与模型组比较,中按组和重按组机械痛阈值升高,软组织张力降低,肌电图频率和振幅降低,环氧化酶2、前列腺素E2和缓激肽水平降低(P<0.05),病理形态学恢复明显;轻按组以上指标无明显变化(P>0.05);③与中按组比较,重按组上述指标改善作用更明显(P<0.05)。结果表明:对触发点疼痛,按压力度可能为中至重度才能有治疗效果。

肌骨超声下辅助针刺肌筋膜触发点治疗脑卒中偏瘫肩痛的临床疗效

目的:探讨肌骨超声下辅助针刺肌筋膜触发点治疗脑卒中偏瘫肩痛的临床疗效。方法:选取2020年5月—2021年12月就诊于广东省第二中医院针灸康复科的脑卒中偏瘫肩痛患者66例,随机分为对照组和治疗组,每组33例。对照组以常规针刺治疗,治疗组在肌骨超声检查下结合针刺肌筋膜触发点治疗。观察治疗前后患者疼痛评级指数、FuglMeyer运动功能评定量表评分、患肩活动度及肩关节活动度评分,并对结果进行评估。结果:治疗后,两组患者McGill疼痛评分均较治疗前明显降低,且治疗组改善程度优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01,P<0.05)。两组患者FuglMeyer上肢运动评分,患侧肩关节外展、前屈、内旋、外旋与后伸的被动活动度均较治疗前明显升高,且观察组明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论:在肌骨超声技术支持下针刺肌筋膜触发点治疗脑卒中偏瘫肩痛,可显著缓解肩痛症状,提高肩关节活动度,提高针刺治疗脑卒中偏瘫肩痛的疗效,促进上肢功能的恢复,总体疗效优于常规针刺。

基于“以痛为输”探讨针刺激痛点治疗肌筋膜疼痛综合征镇痛效应机制

肌筋膜疼痛综合征(myofascial pain syndrome,MPS)已成为一种全球多发病,疼痛是MPS患者最常见的主诉症状。激痛点(myofascial trigger points,MTrPs)实质为挛缩的肌小节,利用体格检查或生物化学检测可以确定MTrPs在骨骼肌中的位置,它是引发肌肉紧绷疼痛的主要原因之一,亦为肌骨疼痛疾病尤其是MPS的有效治疗部位。这与《灵枢·经筋》“以痛为输”理论高度契合。“以痛为输”重点关注患者软组织损伤的疼痛部位和医者触诊到的压痛点,是针刺治疗经筋病的基本取穴原则,已被沿用二千余年,但其作用机制尚不清楚。国内外已开展大量研究探查针刺MTrPs治疗MPS作用机制,基于其与“以痛为输”的相似性,该文就MTrPs实质、MPS疼痛发病机制及针刺MTrPs治疗MPS抗炎镇痛机制等方面进行探讨,以期丰富“以痛为输”理论的科学内涵。

冲击波联合肌筋膜触发点治疗神经根型颈椎病疗效观察

目的:探讨发散式体外冲击波联合针刺肌筋膜触发点治疗神经根型颈椎病(CSR)的疗效。方法:将80例神经根型颈椎病患者随机分为两组,各40例。两组患者均给予颈椎牵引、口服甲钴胺片,对照组在此基础上给予发散式体外冲击波联合普通针刺治疗,观察组给予发散式体外冲击波联合针刺颈肩部肌筋膜触发点治疗。比较两组治疗前后简化McGill疼痛问卷(SF-MPQ)、颈椎功能障碍指数量表(NDI)及中文版简明健康调查问卷(SF-36)评分变化情况,比较两组治疗后的临床疗效及6个月内的复发情况。结果:两组均治疗4周,治疗前,两组患者一般资料、SF-MPQ、NDI、SF-36评分组间比较,无统计学差异(P>0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的SF-MPQ评分、NDI评分较治疗前均降低(P<0.05),SF-36评分较治疗前均升高(P<0.05);组间比较,观察组患者的SF-MPQ、NDI及SF-36改善程度均优于对照组(P<0.05);治疗后,观察组总有效率(97.5%)高于对照组(80.0%),治疗后6个月内观察组复发率(5%)低于对照组(25%),差异均有统计学意义(χ^(2)=4.507、6.275,均P<0.05)。结论:发散式体外冲击波联合肌筋膜触发点治疗能够有效减轻神经根型颈椎病患者的疼痛症状,改善颈椎功能,提高生活质量,临床疗效显著,复发率低。

超声引导下针刀松解激痛点治疗腰背肌筋膜疼痛综合征临床观察

目的观察超声引导下针刀松解激痛点治疗腰背肌筋膜疼痛综合征(myofascial pain syndrome,MPS)的临床疗效。方法将60例腰背MPS患者随机分为常规组和超声组,每组30例。常规组采用普通针刀疗法进行治疗,超声组在超声引导下行针刀疗法治疗,两组均每周治疗1次,连续治疗4次为1个疗程。分别于治疗前后采用简化McGill疼痛问卷(short-form McGill pain questionnaire,SF-MPQ)评估患者疼痛程度,采用多裂肌杨氏模量值评估患者肌肉状态变化,并于治疗后观察两组临床疗效。结果与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后SF-MPQ评分及杨氏模量值均显著降低(P<0.05);与常规组比较,超声组SF-MPQ评分及杨氏模量值降低程度更显著(P<0.05);超声组临床疗效显著优于常规组(P<0.05)。结论超声引导下针刀松解激痛点治疗腰背MPS,能显著缓解患者疼痛症状,显著改善肌肉组织弹性。