Short-term effectiveness of auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with myofascial pain syndrome

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of auricular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) applied in addition to ischemic compression and stretching exercises on pain, trigger point (TP) sensitivity, grip strength, quality life autonomic functions patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods: Sixty patients, who had neck met diagnostic MPS criteria Travell Simons were included study. The subjects randomly divided into VNS group (n = 30) or control 30). Each performed 10 sessions TP (5 days/week). Ten 30-minute long added treatment group. Pain severity [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)], sensitivity (algometer), strength (Jamar dynamometer), [Short Form-36 (SF-36)] function [Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale-31 (Compass-31)] evaluated before after treatment. Results: VAS, algometer Jamar measurements showed significant improvement both groups. A statistically was found orthostatic intolerance, secretomotor pupillomotor subscales Compass-31 scale following (p < 0.05) while no difference observed > 0.05). all parameters SF-36 scale, physical function, social functionality changes algometer, scores subscale higher than 0.001, p 0.001 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: It can be argued that increases effectiveness MPS. Further detailed studies are needed which alone combination other treatments is examined physiological mechanisms investigated.