The effectiveness of the masseteric nerve block compared with trigger point injections and dry needling in myofascial pain.

Cranio. 2020 Sep 16;:1-6

Authors: Taşkesen F, Cezairli B

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of three different treatment methods in the management of myofascial pain: masseteric nerve block (MNB), trigger point injection with local anesthetic (LA), and dry needling (DN).
METHODS: Forty-five patients diagnosed with myofascial pain and trigger points in masseter muscles were treated with MNB (n = 15), DN (n = 15), and trigger point injection with LA (n = 15). Pain on palpation (PoP), pain on function (PoF), and maximum mouth opening (MMO) scores were measured and compared before the injections and all follow-ups after the injections.
RESULTS: MMO values were significantly increased in each group. The decrease in PoF values was statistically significant between the groups at 12 weeks (baseline time period).
DISCUSSION: Results of the present study indicate that MNB was not as effective as trigger point injection with local anesthetic or dry-needling in the management of masticatory myofascial pain.

PMID: 32935643 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]