Skip to main content
Article
Reduction of Pain and EMG Activity in the Masseter Region by Trapezius Trigger Point Injection
Pain (1993)
  • Charles R. Carlson, University of Kentucky
  • Jeffrey P. Okeson, University of Kentucky
  • Donald Falace, University of Kentucky
  • Arthur J. Nitz, University of Kentucky
  • John E. Lindroth, University of Kentucky
Abstract

In this open, uncontrolled trial, 20 patients with upper trapezius muscle trigger point pain and ipsilateral masseter muscle pain received a single trigger point injection of 2% lidocaine solution (without epinephrine) in the upper trapezius muscle. Following the trapezius injection, there was a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in pain intensity ratings for pain in the masseter region. In addition, there was a significant (P < 0.03) reduction in EMG activity in the masseter muscle. Overall, however, a significant relationship between EMG activity in the masseter and the self-report of pain was not found with the present data set. These clinical findings support the contention that sources of deep pain can produce heterotopic sensory and motor changes in distant anatomical regions.

Keywords
  • Myofascial pain,
  • Trigger point,
  • Referred pain
Publication Date
December, 1993
Citation Information
Charles R. Carlson, Jeffrey P. Okeson, Donald Falace, Arthur J. Nitz, et al.. "Reduction of Pain and EMG Activity in the Masseter Region by Trapezius Trigger Point Injection" Pain Vol. 55 Iss. 3 (1993)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/charlescarlson/45/