Soonchunhyang Med Sci.  2014 Dec;20(2):156-158. 10.0000/sms.2014.20.2.156.

The Effect of Intramuscular Stimulation on Otalgia due to Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Contraction of Trapezius Muscle

• Chung JW

• KMID: 2317746
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/sms.2014.20.2.156

Abstract

There are several causes of otalgia, specifically primary otalgia, which originates inside the ear, and referred otalgia, which originates outside the ear. In a rare case, otalgia may result from myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) due to a contraction of cervical muscles. The author of this study reports a case in which otalgia caused by MPS due to contraction of the trapezius muscle was treated with intramuscular stimulation (IMS). A 48-year-old female patient with otalgia for two weeks was otolaryngologically tested and no anomaly was found. A pain clinic consultation was requested and severe contraction of the trapezius muscle was observed by history taking, visual inspections and palpation. She was successfully returned to the normal state with two sessions of IMS.

Keyword

Earache; Superficial back muscles; Myofascial pain syndromes; Intramuscular stimulation

MeSH Terms

Ear
Earache*
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Muscles
Myofascial Pain Syndromes*
Pain Clinics
Palpation
Superficial Back Muscles*