American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 2017
Review Case ReportsPersistent Singultus Associated with Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections in a Septuagenarian: A Case Report and Review.
Singultus are rare but notable adverse effect of epidural steroid injections (ESIs). To date, reports of persistent hiccups associated with ESIs have been reported mostly in adults aged 65 years or older. We present the first case of persistent hiccups in a septuagenarian who underwent repeated transforaminal ESIs for chronic lumbar radiculopathy. ⋯ The singultus eventually resolved without medical intervention within 5 days of onset. A major take-home point is that preprocedure informed consent should include singultus as one of the potential adverse effects of ESIs. Increased awareness and appropriate planning may help curb the incidence of adverse outcomes in older adults undergoing ESI.
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Myofascial pain syndrome is a common musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome is currently made on clinical grounds. Numerous diagnostic criteria are used to identify myofascial pain syndrome, including the localization of MTrPs. ⋯ This comprehensive review focuses on summarizing ultrasound imaging techniques that have shown promise in visually localizing the trigger point. The authors' literature search identified three sonographic approaches that have been used in MTrP localization: conventional gray-scale imaging, Doppler imaging, and elastographic ultrasound imaging. This review article explains the basic physics behind the imaging methods and summarizes the characteristics of the MTrP as identified by the ultrasonic techniques.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2015
ReviewSonographic tracking of the upper limb peripheral nerves: a pictorial essay and video demonstration.
Ultrasound has been the most useful imaging tool for musculoskeletal disorders whereby peripheral nerve lesions constitute a substantial portion. High-resolution ultrasound enables elaboration of peripheral nerve morphology and reciprocal anatomy. ⋯ The present article incorporates a series of ultrasound images and videos to demonstrate how to scan the suprascapular, axillary, musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, and radial nerves. Overall, the authors aim to demonstrate the relevant nerve tracking techniques as regards the upper extremity.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2015
Review Comparative StudyEvidence for the Use of Ischemic Compression and Dry Needling in the Management of Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius in Patients with Neck Pain: A Systematic Review.
The aim of this review was to describe the effects of ischemic compression and dry needling on trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle in patients with neck pain and compare these two interventions with other therapeutic interventions aiming to inactivate trigger points. Both PubMed and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials using different key word combinations related to myofascial neck pain and therapeutic interventions. Four main outcome parameters were evaluated on short and medium term: pain, range of motion, functionality, and quality-of-life, including depression. ⋯ There is weak evidence regarding its effects on functionality and quality-of-life. On the basis of this systematic review, ischemic compression and dry needling can both be recommended in the treatment of neck pain patients with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Additional research with high-quality study designs are needed to develop more conclusive evidence.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2015
Review Comparative StudyEvidence for the Use of Ischemic Compression and Dry Needling in the Management of Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius in Patients with Neck Pain: A Systematic Review.
The aim of this review was to describe the effects of ischemic compression and dry needling on trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle in patients with neck pain and compare these two interventions with other therapeutic interventions aiming to inactivate trigger points. Both PubMed and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials using different key word combinations related to myofascial neck pain and therapeutic interventions. Four main outcome parameters were evaluated on short and medium term: pain, range of motion, functionality, and quality-of-life, including depression. ⋯ There is weak evidence regarding its effects on functionality and quality-of-life. On the basis of this systematic review, ischemic compression and dry needling can both be recommended in the treatment of neck pain patients with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Additional research with high-quality study designs are needed to develop more conclusive evidence.