Reproducing Pain Patterns in Fibromyalgia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Ge Hong-You, Wang Ying, Fernández-de-las-Peñas César, Graven-Nielsen Thomas, Danneskiold-Samsøe Bente, Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Primary Institution: Aalborg University
Hypothesis
Can the overall spontaneous pain pattern in fibromyalgia be reproduced by local and referred pain from active myofascial trigger points?
Conclusion
The overall spontaneous fibromyalgia pain pattern can be reproduced by mechanical stimulation of active myofascial trigger points located in different muscles.
Supporting Evidence
- Local and referred pain areas from active myofascial trigger points in fibromyalgia were larger than those from latent points in healthy controls.
- The induced pain area was positively associated with current spontaneous pain intensity in fibromyalgia patients.
- The study confirmed the existence of myofascial trigger points through intramuscular electromyographical registration.
Takeaway
This study shows that the pain felt by people with fibromyalgia can be triggered by specific points in their muscles, which can help doctors find better ways to treat their pain.
Methodology
The study involved 30 fibromyalgia patients and 30 healthy controls, recording pain patterns from manual stimulation of myofascial trigger points.
Limitations
Pain quality following manual stimulation was not recorded, and not all locations of active myofascial trigger points were described.
Participant Demographics
30 women with fibromyalgia, mean age 53.6 years, and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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