Patients received pregabalin (target dose 300 mg/day) and exercise therapy (stretching exercises for the trapezius muscle). Patients were instructed to perform 10 repetitions three times a day., 3 months

Patients received exercise therapy alone (stretching exercises for the trapezius muscle). Patients were instructed to perform 10 repetitions three times a day., 3 months

Patients in group I received pregabalin at a dose of 75 mg twice daily during the first week that was increased to 150 mg twice daily thereafter and maintained at that level for 12 weeks.

Patients in two groups received exercise therapy (stretching exercises for the trapezius muscle). Patients were instructed to perform 10 repetitions three times a day., 3 months

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