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Sphenopalatine Blocks in the Treatment of Pain in Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Author(s) -
Janzen Victor D.,
Scudds Roger
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199710000-00023
Subject(s) - medicine , lidocaine , placebo , fibromyalgia , headaches , myofascial pain syndrome , anesthesia , visual analogue scale , physical therapy , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
Sphenopalatine blocks have been used to treat pain for more than 80 years. Anecdotal support for sphenopalatine ganglion blocks has been very strong in those who believe in the technique, but the research results have been inconclusive. Therefore, a double blind, placebo‐controlled study was performed on 61 patients, 42 with fibromyalgia and 19 with myofascial pain syndrome. Pain was measured using visual analogue scales prior to treatment, during treatment, and 28 days after the treatment. Headaches were evaluated in frequency and location prior to and after treatment. Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks were performed under direct vision using 4% lidocaine and sterile water as a placebo. Analysis of the results showed no statistical differences between the lidocaine and the placebo groups.