BOTULINUM TOXIN IN THE TREATMENT OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Six patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome involving cervical paraspinal and shoulder girdle muscles received trigger point injectio ns of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) or saline in a randomized, double -blind, placebo-controlled study. Four patients experienced reduction in pain of at least 30% following Botox, but not saline, injections, a s measured by visual analog scales, verbal descriptors for pain intens ity and unpleasantness, palpable muscle firmness, and pressure pain th resholds. Results were statistically significant. Botox, which inhibit s muscle contraction by blocking the release of acetylcholine from per ipheral nerves, appears to be an effective treatment for focal myofasc ial pain disorders.