Trigger Point Injections Versus Lidocaine Patch for Myofascial Pain in the Emergency Department

A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Trigger Point Injections With 1% Lidocaine Versus 5% Lidocaine Patch for Myofascial Pain in the Emergency Department

The aim of this trial is to investigate the efficacy of trigger point injections with 1% lidocaine in reducing myofascial back and neck pain in the Emergency Department compared to lidocaine patches 5%.

After being informed about the study and the potential risks and benefits, all patients will be randomized into either the trigger point injection group with 1% lidocaine, or the 5% lidocaine patch group. Pain scores will be recorded while in the emergency department, and we will have a 5 day follow-up phone call to assess efficacy. Patients who present to UCI Department of Emergency medicine will be screened and recruited prospectively, and information regarding this study will be available on clinicaltrials.gov as a method of recruitment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Diagnosed with myofascial pain of the posterior neck or back. *The diagnosis of myofascial pain was based on established criteria of having a palpable taut band (trigger point) that when depressed reproduced the patient's pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

• midline spinal tenderness
• evidence of radiculopathy
• pregnant
• have an allergy to lidocaine
• altered or deemed incapable of making informed consent
• had signs of infection or skin breakdown over the trigger point.