Chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome: Improvement in dizziness and pain with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. A pilot study.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective, pilot study was to assess changes in dizziness, pain and function in subjects undergoing an outpatient rehabilitation program focusing on cervical pain.

METHODS

Fifteen subjects with chronic cervical myofascial pain and concurrent dizziness of suspected cervical origin completed a retrospective questionnaire. Improvement in pain, dizziness and function were recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) in response to a non-standardized rehabilitation program involving modalities, stretching, strengthening, trigger point injections and aerobic conditioning.

RESULTS

Subjects reported an average VAS improvement in dizziness of 59% (±29%), pain 69% (±21%) and function 71%(±19). Seven subjects experienced reproduction of their dizziness and pain during trigger point injections. Overall, twenty seven percent reported no further episodes of dizziness. All subjects experienced a decrease in the frequency of episodes of dizziness. There was a correlation between dizziness and pain (r = 0.58), dizziness and function (r = 0.60), and pain and function (r = 0.74).

CONCLUSION

Subjects with dizziness and cervical myofascial pain of suspected cervical origin may experience symptomatic and functional improvement through a rehabilitative program addressing their cervical pain. Future prospective, randomized controlled studies are needed to address which intervention is the most effective.