Background
Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition characterized by localized muscular discomfort and trigger points. Dry needling mechanically disrupts trigger points, while magnesium infiltration relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation. Evidence directly comparing these treatments is scarce. This study aimed to compare their effectiveness in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and alleviating anxiety and depression.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial included 45 patients assigned to dry needling (Group A) or magnesium infiltration (Group B). Interventions were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured with the Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes were physical and mental health (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).
Results
Both treatments significantly improved pain, mental and physical health, and reduced anxiety and depression at 1 and 3 months. By 6 months, improvements were maintained but not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed between groups at any time point.
Conclusion
Dry needling and magnesium infiltration were both effective in the short to medium term for reducing pain and enhancing quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Although each treatment improved outcomes, neither demonstrated superior effectiveness. Both approaches remain viable therapeutic options. Further long-term studies are needed to clarify sustained benefits and guide clinical use (trial registration: PACTR202309751113430).

Background
It has been reported that in 62.5% of cases of incurable cancer pain, the complaint is due to myofascial pain syndrome. Trigger point injections using dibucaine hydrochloride help patients with such cancer pain. This study evaluated the efficacy of trigger point injections for alleviating pain in patients with advanced cancer.
Methods
Twenty patients with advanced cancer who had a life expectancy of 6 months or less and had been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome were treated with trigger point injections. Prior to treatment, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the resting pain level and discomfort upon application of pressure on the site of pain. These values were compared with last treatment measurements.
Results
The mean pre-treatment VAS scores for pain at rest and upon application of pressure on the pain site were 7.3 and 9.0, respectively. These scores decreased significantly to 1.95 and 3.2, respectively, after the treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Trigger point injection is an alternative and effective pain control modality for advanced cancer patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

Citations

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