The effectiveness of the masseteric nerve block compared with trigger point injections and dry needling in myofascial pain

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy of three different treatment methods in the management of myofascial pain: masseteric nerve block (MNB), trigger point injection with local anesthetic (LA), and dry needling (DN). Methods Forty-five patients diagnosed with myofascial pain and trigger points in masseter muscles were treated with MNB (n = 15), DN (n = 15), and trigger point injection with LA (n = 15). Pain on palpation (PoP), pain on function (PoF), and maximum mouth opening (MMO) scores were measured and compared before the injections and all follow-ups after the injections. Results MMO values were significantly increased in each group. The decrease in PoF values was statistically significant between the groups at 12 weeks (baseline time period). Discussion Results of the present study indicate that MNB was not as effective as trigger point injection with local anesthetic or dry-needling in the management of masticatory myofascial pain.