A choice of abstracts about Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Trigger Points
by Dr. César Fernandez de las Penas PT PhD & Christian Gröbli, PT
last update December 2011
Diagnostic
Ballyns JJ, Shah JP, Hammond J, Gebreab T, Gerber LH, Sikdar S. Objective sonographic measures for characterizing myofascial trigger points associated with cervical pain. J Ultrasound Med 2011; 30: 1331-40
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Rha DW, Shin JC, Kim YK et al. Detecting local twitch responses of myofascial trigger points in the lower-back muscles using ultrasonography. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011; 92: 1576-1580
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Sikdar S, Ortiz R, Gebreab T, Gerber LH, Shah JP. Understanding the vascular environment of myofascial trigger points using ultrasonic imaging and computational modeling. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2010; 1:5302-5
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Sikdar S, Shah JP, Gilliams E et al. Novel applications of ultrasound technology to visualize and characterize myofascial trigger points and surrounding soft tissue. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2009; 90 (11): 1829-1838
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Chen Q, Basford JR, An KN. Ability of magnetic resonance elastography to assess taut bands. Clinical Biomechanics 2008; 23 (5): 623-9
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Simons DG. New views of myofascial trigger points: etiology and diagnosis.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Jan;89(1):157-9
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Myburgh C, Larsen AH, Hartvigsen J. A systematic, critical review of manual palpation for identifying myofascial triggers points: evidence and clinical significance. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008; 89 (6):1169-76
Link to the Abstract onPubmed
Bron C, Franssen J, Wensing M, Oostendorp RA. Inter-rater reliability of palpation of myofascial trigger points in three shoulder muscles. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy 2007; 15 (4): 203-15
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Chen Q, Bensamoun S, Basford JR et al. Identification and quantification of myofascial taut bands with magnetic resonance elastography. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2007; 88 (12): 1658-61
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Tough EA, Write AR, Richards SS, Campbell J. Variability of criteria used to diagnose myofascial trigger point pain syndrome: evidence from a review of the literature. Clinical Journal of Pain 2007; 23 (3): 278-86
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Hsieh CY, Hong CZ, Adams AH, Platt KJ, Danielson CD, Hoehler FK, Tobis JS. Interexaminer reliability of the palpation of trigger points in the trunk and lower limb muscles. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2000 Mar;81(3):258-64
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Gerwin RD, Shannon S, Hong CZ, Hubbard D, Gevirtz R. Interrater reliability in myofascial trigger point examination. Pain. 1997 Jan;69(1-2):65-73
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Basic Research
Hsieh YL, Chou LW, Joe YS, Hong CZ. Spinal cord mechanism involving the remote effects of dry needling on the irritability of myofascial trigger spots in rabbit skeletal muscle. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011; 92: 1098-105
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Hoyle JA, Marras WS, Sheedy JE, Hart DE. Effects of postural and visual stressors on myofascial trigger point development and motor unit rotation during computer work. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2011; 21: 41-8
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L. Latent myofascial trigger points. Curr Pain Head Reports 2011; 15: 386-392
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Ge HY, Fernández-de-las- Peñas C, Yue SW. Myofascial trigger points: spontaneous electrical activity and its consequences for pain induction and propagation. Chin Med 2011; 6: 13
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Xu YM, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L. Sustained nociceptive mechanical stimulation of latent myofascial trigger point induces central sensitization in healthy subjects. J Pain 2010; 11: 1348-55
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Wang YH, Ding X, Zhang Y et al. Ischemic compression block attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia evoked from latent myofascial trigger point. Exp Brain Res 2010; 202: 265-7
Link to Abstract on Pubmed
Srbely JZ, Dickey JP, Bent LR, Lee D, Lowerison M. Capsaicin-induced central sensitization evokes segmental increases in trigger point sensitivity in humans. J Pain 2010; 11: 636-43
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Lucas KR, Rich PA, Polus BI. Muscle activation patterns in the scapular positioning muscles during loaded scapular plane elevation: the effects of latent myofascial trigger points. Clin Biomech 2010; 25: 765-770
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Fernandez-Carnero J, Ge HY, Kimura Y, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Arendt- Nielsen L. Increased spontaneous electrical activity at a latent myofascial trigger point after nociceptive stimulation of another latent trigger point. Clin J Pain 2010; 26: 138-143.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Fernández-Lao C, Cantarero-Villanueva I, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Del-Moral-Ávila R, Arendt-Nielsen L, Arroyo-Morales M. Myofascial trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles and widespread pressure pain hypersensitivtiy in patients with postmastectomy pain: evidence of peripheral and central sensitization. Clin J Pain. 2010 Nov-Dec;26(9):798-806
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Partanen JV, Ojala TA, Arokoski JP. Myofascial syndrome and pain: A neurophysiological approach. Pathophysiology 17 (2010) 19–28
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Niddam DM. Brain manifestation and modulation of pain from myofascial trigger points. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2009; 13: 370-5
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Li LT, Ge HY, Yue SW, Arendt-Nielsen L. Nociceptive and non-nociceptive hypersensitivity at latent myofascial trigger points. Clinical Journal of Pain 2009; 25 (2): 132-7
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Zhang Y, Ge HY, Yue SW et al. Attenuated skin blood flow response to nociceptive stimulation of latent myofascial trigger points. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2009; 90 (2): 325-32
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Arendt-Nielsen L, Ge HY, Pareja JA. Association of cross sectional area of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle with active trigger points in chronic tension type headache: A pilot study. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008; 87 (3): 197-203
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Chang CW, Chen YR, Chang KF. Evidence of neuroaxonal degeneration in myofascial pain syndrome: a study of neuromuscular jitter by axonal micro- stimulation. European Journal of Pain 2008; 12: 1026-30
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Shah JP, Danoff JV, Desai MJ et al. Biochemicals associated with pain and inflammation are elevated in sites near to and remote from active myofascial trigger points. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008; 89 (1): 16-23
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Srbely JZ, Dickey JP, Lowerison M et al. Stimulation of myofascial trigger points with ultrasound induces segmental anti-nociceptive effects: a randomized controlled study. Pain 2008; 139 (2): 260-6
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Kuan TS, Hong CZ, Chen JT et al. The spinal cord connections of the myofascial trigger spots. European Journal of Pain 2007; 11 (6): 624-34
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Niddam DM, Chan RC, Lee SH et al. Central modulation of pain evoked from myofascial trigger point. Clinical Journal of Pain 2007; 23 (5): 440-448
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Srbely JZ, Dickey JP. Randomized controlled study of the anti-nociceptive effect of ultrasound on trigger point sensitivity: novel applications in myofascial therapy? Clinical Rehabilitation 2007; 21: 411-417
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Ge HY, Fernández de las Peñas C, Arendt-Nielsen L. Sympathetic facilitation of hyperalgesia evoked from Myofascial tender and trigger points in patients with unilateral shoulder pain. Clinical Neurophysiology 2006; 117 (7): 1545-1550
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Hwang M, Kang YK, Kim DH. Referred pain pattern of the pronator quadratus muscle. Pain 2005; 116 (3): 238-42
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Hwang M, Kang YK, Shin JY, Kim DH. Referred pain pattern of the abductor pollicis longus muscle. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2005; 84 (8): 593-7
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Shah JP, Phillips TM, Danoff JV, Gerber LH. An in vitro microanalytical technique for measuring the local biochemical milieu of human skeletal muscle. Journal of Applied Physiology 2005; 99 (5): 1977-84
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Gerwin RD, Dommerholt J, Shah JP. An expansion of Simons' integrated hypothesis of trigger point formation. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2004 Dec;8(6):468-75. Review
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McNulty WH, Gevirtz RN, Hubbard DR, Berkoff GM. Needle electromyographic evaluation of trigger point response to a psychological stressor. Psychophysiology. 1994 May;31(3):313-6
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Hoheisel U, Mense S, Simons DG, Yu XM. Appearance of new receptive fields in rat dorsal horn neurons following noxious stimulation of skeletal muscle: a model for referral of muscle pain? Neurosci Lett. 1993 Apr 16;153(1):9-12
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Hubbard DR, Berkoff GM. Myofascial trigger points show spontaneous needle EMG activity. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1993 Oct 1;18(13):1803-7
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Manual Therapy
Rodríguez-Fernández A, Garrido-Santofimia V, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. Effects of burst-type transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on cervical range of motion and latent myofascial trigger point pain sensitivity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011; 92: 1353-8.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Grieve R, Clark J, Pearson E, Bullock S, Boyer C, Jarrett A. The immediate effect of soleus trigger point pressure release on restricted ankle joint dorsiflexion: A pilot randomised controlled trial. J Bodywork Mov Ther 2011; 15: 42-9
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Hains G, Descarreaux M, Lamy AM, Hains F. A randomized controlled (intervention) trial of ischemic compression therapy for chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. J Can Chiropr Assoc 2010; 54: 155-163
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Hains G, Descarreaux M, Hains F. Chronic shoulder pain of myofascial origin: a randomized clinical trial using ischemic compression therapy. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010 Jun;33(5):362-9.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Wang YH, Ding XL, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L, Yue SW. Ischemic compression block attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia evoked from latent myofascial trigger points. Exp Brain Res. 2009 Dec 25
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Aguilera FJ, Martín DP, Masanet RA, Botella AC, Soler LB, Morell FB. Immediate effect of ultrasound and ischemic compression techniques for the treatment of trapezius latent myofascial trigger points in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Sep;32(7):515-20
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Takamoto K, Sakai S, Hori E, Urakawa S, Umeno K, Ono T, Nishijo H. Compression on trigger points in the leg muscle increases parasympathetic nervous activity based on heart rate variability. J Physiol Sci. 2009 May;59(3):191-7. Epub 2009 Feb 21
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Barriere P, Zink S, Riehm S, Kahn JL, Veillon F, Wilk A. Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle in acute TMJ dysfunction syndrome. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2009 Apr;110(2):77-80. Epub 2009 Jan 21
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FitzGerald MP et al. Randomized multicenter feasibility trial of myofascial physical therapy for the treatment of urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes. J Urol. 2009 Aug;182(2):570-80. Epub 2009 Jun 17
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Vernon H, Schneider M. Chiropractic management of myofascial trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2009; 32: 14-24
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cleland JA, Cuadrado ML, Pareja JA. Predictor variables for identifying patients with chronic tension type headache who are likely to achieve short-term success with muscle trigger point therapy. Cephalalgia 2008; 28 (3): 264-275.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Ruiz Sáez M, Fernández de las Peñas C, Rodríguez Blanco C, Martínez Segura R, García León R. Changes in pressure pain sensitivity in latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle following a cervical spine manipulation in pain-free subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2007; 30 (8): 578-583.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Dry Needling
Huang YT, Lin SY, Neoh CA, Wang KY, Jean YH, Shi HY. Dry needling for myofascial pain: prognostic factors. J Altern Complement Med 2011; 17: 755-62
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Niraj G, Collett BJ, Bone M. Ultrasound-guided trigger point injection: first description of changes visible on ultrasound scanning in the muscle containing the trigger point. Br J Anaesth 107: 474-5.
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Fernández-Carnero J, La Touche R, Ortega-Santiago R, Galan-del-Rio F, Pesquera J, Ge HY, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Short-term effects of dry needling of active myofascial trigger points in the masseter muscle in patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Orofac Pain. 2010 Winter;24(1):106-12.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Srbely JZ, Dickey JP, Lee D, Lowerison M. Dry needle stimulation of myofascial trigger points evokes segmental anti-nociceptive effects. J Rehabil Med. 2010 May;42(5):463-8.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Tough EA, White AR, Cummings TM et al. Acupuncture and dry needling in the management of myofascial trigger point pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. European Journal of Pain 2009; 13: 3-10
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Hsieh YL, Kao MJ, Kuan TS et al. Dry needling to a key myofascial trigger point may reduce the irritability of satellite MTrPs. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2007; 86 (5): 397-403
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Itoh K, Katsumi Y, Hirota S, Kitakoji H. Randomised trial of trigger point acupuncture compared with other acupuncture for treatment of chronic neck pain. Complement Ther Med. 2007 Sep;15(3):172-9. Epub 2006 Jul 10
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Dommerholt J, Mayoral-Del-Moral O, Gröbli C. Trigger point dry needling. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy 2006; 14: E70-E87
Link to the Full Text Article
Furlan AD, van Tulder M, Cherkin D, Tsukayama H, Lao L, Koes B, Berman B. Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain: an updated systematic review within the framework of the cochrane collaboration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Apr 15;30(8):944-63
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Clinical Research
Anderson R, Wise D, Sawyer T, Nathanson BH. Safety and effectiveness of an internal pelvic myofascial trigger point wand for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Clin J Pain 2011; 27: 764-8.
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Chen CK, Nizar AJ. Myofascial pain syndrome in chronic back pain patients. Korean J Pain 2011; 24: 100-4
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Bendtsen L, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. The role of muscles in tension-type headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2011; 15: 451-8.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Bron C, Dommerholt J, Stegenga B, Wensing M, Oostendorp RA. High prevalence of shoulder girdle muscles with myofascial trigger points in patients with shoulder pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12: 139
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Gemmell H, Hilland A. Immediate effect of electric point stimulation (TENS) in treating latent upper trapezius trigger points: a double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2011; 15: 348-54.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Bron C, de Gast A, Dommerholt J, Stegenga B, Wensing M, Oostendorp RA. Treatment of myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic shoulder pain: a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Med. 2011 Jan 24;9(1):8.
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Hidalgo-Lozano A, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Alonso-Blanco C, Ge H-Y, Arendt-Nielsen L, Arroyo-Morales M. Muscle trigger points and pressure pain hyperalgesia in the shoulder muscles in patients with unilateral shoulder impingement: a blinded, controlled study. Exp. Brain Res 2010; 202: 915-925
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Azadeh H, Dehghani M, Zarezadeh A. Incidence of trapezius myofascial trigger points in patients with the possible carpal tunnel syndrome. J Res Med Sci 2010; 15: 250-5.
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Srbely JZ. New trends in the treatment and management of myofascial pain syndrome. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2010 Oct;14(5):346-52.
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Freeman MD, Nystrom A, Centeno C. Chronic whiplash and central sensitization; an evaluation of the role of a myofascial trigger points in pain modulation. J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2009; 4: 2
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Qerama E, Kasch H, Fuglsang-Frederiksen A. Occurrence of myofascial pain in patients with possible carpal tunnel syndrome: A single-blinded study. European Journal of Pain 2009; 13 (6): 588-91
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Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Caminero AB, Madeleine P, Guillem-Mesado A, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L, Pareja JA. Multiple active myofascial trigger points and pressure pain sensitivity maps in the temporalis muscle are related in chronic tension type headache. Clinical Journal of Pain 2009 ; 25 (6): 506-512
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Gerwin RD, Pareja JA. Referred pain elicited by manual exploration of the lateral rectus muscle in chronic tension type headache. Pain Medicine 2009; 10 (1): 43-48
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Ge HY, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Madeleine P, Arendt-Nielsen L. Topographical mapping and mechanical pain sensitivity of myofascial trigger points in the infraspinatus muscle. European Journal of Pain 2008; 12 (7): 859-865
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Fernández Carnero J, Fernández de las Peñas C, De La Llave Rincón AI, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L. Bilateral myofascial trigger points in the forearm muscles in chronic unilateral lateral epicondylalgia; A blinded controlled study. Clinical Journal of Pain 2008; 24 (9): 802-807
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Kao MJ, Han TI, Kuan TS et al. Myofascial trigger points in early life. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2007; 88 (2): 251-4
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L, Cuadrado ML, Pareja JA. Referred pain from trapezius muscle trigger point shares similar characteristics with chronic tension type headache. European Journal of Pain 2007; 11 (4): 475-482
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Arendt-Nielsen L, Simons DG, Pareja JA. Myofascial trigger points and sensitisation: an updated pain model for tension type headache. Cephalalgia 2007; 27 (5): 383-393
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
Fernández de las Peñas C, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L, Cuadrado ML, Pareja JA. The local and referred pain from myofascial trigger points in the temporalis muscle contributes to pain profile in chronic tension type headache. Clinical Journal of Pain 2007; 23 (9): 786-792
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Fernández Carnero J, Fernández de las Peñas C, De La Llave Rincón AI, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L. Prevalence of and referred pain from myofascial trigger points in the forearm muscles in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. Clinical Journal of Pain 2007; 23 (4): 353-360
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Gerwin RD, Pareja JA. Myofascial disorders in the trochlear region in unilateral migraine: a possible initiating or perpetuating factor. Clinical Journal of Pain 2006; 22 (6): 548-553
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Alonso Blanco C, Cuadrado ML, Gerwin RD, Pareja JA. Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles and forward head posture in tension type headache. Headache 2006; 46 (3): 454-460
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Pareja JA. Myofascial trigger points, neck mobility and forward head posture in unilateral migraine. Cephalalgia 2006; 26 (9): 1061-1070
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Alonso Blanco C, Cuadrado ML, Gerwin RD, Pareja JA. Myofascial trigger points and their relationship to headache clinical parameters in chronic tension type headache. Headache 2006; 46 (8): 1264-1272
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Fernández de las Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Gerwin RD, Pareja JA. Referred pain from the trochlear region in tension-type headache: a Myofascial trigger point from the superior oblique muscle. Headache 2005; 45 (6): 731-737
Link to the Abstract on Pubmed
