Reduction Of Pain In Chronic Myofacial Pain Syndrome Following Naturopathic Intervention

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic muscle disorder caused by sensitive knots of tight muscle fibers in different areas of the body. The upper trapezius region is involved in daily activities and neck movement. Epsom salt compresses provide soothing relief for trapezius muscle pain; these increase blood circulation and relax tight fibers. In this case report, a female with MPS was treated using naturopathic interventions. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were used as assessments. After the treatment, there was a drastic change in the scores, where NDI reduced from (30-48%) to (0-8%), VAS from (9/10) to (2/10), and SPADI scores reduced from (75.5) to (17.5). Daily assessment showed improvement in pain. Thus this case study suggests that the combination of hot Epsom salt compress and hot wax therapy application have the potential in reducing the pain associated with chronic MPS. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to establish the effectiveness of the wax therapy and Epsom salt compress.