Background and Aims Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points. Pharmacology, physical therapy, and injections are the most commonly used methods in treatment. Here we compare the effects of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) used in the treatment of MPS.

Methods Following IRB approval and Clinicaltrials.gov registration in this randomized controlled, double-blind study, MPS patients were recruited into two groups of 30 participants each. In group ESPB, 20 ml of LA and corticosteroid mixture was injected by applying ultrasound guided ESPB. In Group RIB, 20 ml of LA and corticosteroid mixture was injected by applying ultrasound guided RIB. Numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain assessment was evaluated before treatment, immediately after treatment, on day 1, 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks. In addition, the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and patient satisfaction were noted before and at 6 weeks after treatment.

Results Demographic data were similar between groups. A significant decrease was observed in NRS scores at all follow-up points in both groups, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (Table 1). SF-36 and NDI scores showed significant improvement in both groups, and no statistical difference was found between the two groups (Table 2).

Conclusions With this study, we show that ESPB and RIB blocks will be effective in reducing pain and disability and improving quality of life in MPS patients.