A randomized study published in the 'The American Journal of Emergency Medicine' elucidated that the trigger point injection (TPI) is superior to the intravenous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for acute low back pain (LBP) treatment. LBP commonly arises due to problem arising from the muscles. The myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is primarily concerned with trigger points (TrP) in the muscle tissue.

Kocak AO et al. distinguished between the intravenously administered NSAIDs and TPI in the treatment of LBP patients in the emergency department due to pain instigated by TrPs. The NSAID was administered intravenously in group 1, and TPIs were performed as described by Travell and Simons in group 2 after randomization. The TrPs were recognized with the anamnesis, and physical examination. Demographic characteristics and vital signs of the patients were noted. The pain scores were calculated via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at admission; and at 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Group one had 32 patients, and group two had 22 patients. Between the groups, the demographics, vital signs, and pain scores at admission were not statistically significantly different. A significant reduction was observed in pain scores in the TPI group. Mean VAS pain score declined by 0.41 ± 1.30 in the TPI group and by 2.59 ± 2.37 in the NSAID group during the 60 minute follow-up period. The treatment response was notably higher in the TPI group as compared to the NSAID group (21/22 versus 20/32), respectively.

"TPI can be used in patients admitted to the emergency departments for acute LBP treatment in the selected patients", noted the study authors.