Abstract
It has been hypothesized that botulinum toxin (BTX) might offer an advantage over conventional treatments for myofascial syndrome. We tested the long-term effect of BTX in the treatment of myofascial pain related to the head and neck (group 1, n = 33) and low back (group 2, n = 19). Measurements were obtained at baseline and at 4-week intervals for up to 6 months after BTX treatment. Variables included pain level, spasm level, patient satisfaction level, medication usage and the incidence of side-effects. Low-dose injection using BTX (10-300 units/treatment) was effective in ameliorating symptoms in this patient population. We documented a greater than 50 per cent reduction in spasm level and an improved response to treatment in 63 and 43 per cent of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Side-effects, such as flu-like symptoms and nausea, were reported by 62 per cent of patients after the first treatment, but resolved within 1 week.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 107-116 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Pain Clinic |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - 1997 |
Keywords
- Botulinum toxin A
- Chronic pain
- Fluoroscopy
- Human
- Myofascial syndrome
- Trigger points
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
- Clinical Neurology