Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuropathic pain component in patients with myofascial pain syndrome, and to examine the effects of neuropathic pain on emotional status, sleep and quality of life. Material and Methods: 73 patients with MPS in their neck or upper back region admitted to the tertiary university hospital were included. Questionnaires were administrated to the patients via face-to-face interviews, and included sociodemographic variables. The patients were evaluated for neuropathic component by DN4 questionnaires, and pain by visual analog scale (VAS). Validated questionnaires measuring emosyonel status, sleep quality and quality of life were used. Results: Of the 73 patients, 48 (65.8%) were female and 25 (34.2%) were male. The mean age of all recruited patients was 38.2±10.6 years. According to the DN4 scale 56.2% of the patients had neuropathic pain. MPS patients were divided into two groups as those with and without neuropathic pain. VAS, BDI, and PSQI scores were significantly higher among MPS patients with neuropathic pain than among MPS patients without neuropathic pain (p<0.01).The patients with neuropathic pain had lower scores for all the parameters of the SF-36. Morever vitality, social function, mental health, and emotional role dimensions scores were significantly lower in MPS patients with neuropathic pain than MPS patients without neuropathic pain (p<0.01). Conclusion: An appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the neuropathic pain plays an important role and can reduce the pain, improve the quality of life and sleep qulity, and decrease the level of depression in treatment of MPS.

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