Pregabalin Treatment for Trigger Points

VAS is psychometric measuring instrument designed to document the characteristics of disease-related symptom severity in each patient and use this to achieve a rapid classification of symptom severity and disease control. Patients were instructed to rate their pain between 0 and 10

We assessed PPTs in upper trapezius trigger points with an algometer in all patients. PPT is defined as the minimal amount of pressure required to change a sensation of pressure to pain. An electronic algometer (Baseline Push Pull Force Gauge) was used, which consisted of a metal piston with a 1-cm circular rubber tip. Pressure measurements were recorded as kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm2) with the patient in a seated position. The algometer was placed at a selected trigger point with the metal rod perpendicular to the surface of the skin, the pressure applied to the muscles was increased at a rate of approximately 1 kg per second, and the patient was instructed to state when pain was perceived. This procedure was repeated three times per patient, with 1-minute intervals. The mean of three trials (intra-examiner reliability) was calculated and used for the main analysis. If trigger points were in both upper trapezius muscle, the dominant side was evaluated.

DN4 was used to evaluate neuropathic pain. DN4 is used to identify neuropathic pain and consists of ten questions. Seven questions are concerned with symptoms and three are concerned with clinical findings. Symptoms assessed are burning, painful cold, electric shocks, tingling, pins and needles, numbness, and itching. The physician assesses whether there is reduced sensation (hypoesthesia) to touch or pinprick, and if light brushing increases or causes pain (allodynia) by examination. Each item is scored "yes" (1 point) or "no" (0 points). If the total score is ≥4, the pain is likely to be neuropathic

The SF36 is a self-reported questionnaire widely used to measure quality of life. The questions are summarized into eight scales: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, bodily pain, general health perception, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health. The initial four items form the physical component summary measuring physical health domains, while the latter four items form the mental component summary measuring mental health domains. Scores can range from 0 (worst health status) to 100 (best health status) per domain. Higher scores indicate better health status for the calculated sub item