Relationship between Alexithymia and latent trigger points in the upper Trapezius

Hideaki Hasuo,Tetsuya Abe,Mikihiko Fukunaga,Kenji Kanbara,Naoko Yunoki

doi:10.1186/s13030-017-0116-6

Hideaki Hasuo, Tetsuya Abe + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-017-0116-6

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Abstract

BackgroundLatent trigger points (LTrPs) can be activated by future events, leading to pain. Few studies have reported LTrP risk factors. It has been suggested that alexithymia is associated with myofascial pain and diminished awareness of physical sensation. This study was designed to evaluate the relation between alexithymia and LTrPs found the upper trapezius of healthy individuals.MethodsThe correlation between LTrPs and alexithymia, and between LTrPs and depression was analyzed in 160 healthy participants (80 male, mean age: 40.5 years [20 to 66 years]). Each participant was evaluated for potential LTrPs by careful manual examination and completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess potential alexithymia and depressive symptoms, respectively.ResultsLTrPs were observed in the upper trapezius of 76 participants (47.5%). TAS-20 scores were significantly higher in subjects with LTrPs than without LTrPs (p < 0.001); in contrast, there was no significant BDI score difference between these groups (p = 0.451). The LTrP risk for alexithymia was 2.74 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.10–3.58). There was no correlation between the TAS-20 and BDI scores (correlation coefficient: −0.04). Significant risk factors associated with LTrPs included the TAS-20 score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.15) and age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09).ConclusionsAlexithymia was associated with LTrPs in the upper trapezius of healthy individuals, suggesting that it may serve as a useful predictive factor.Trial registrationUMIN000027468. Registered 23 May 2017(retrospectively registered).

Highlights

Latent trigger points (LTrPs) can be activated by future events, leading to pain
A test of independence between the presence of LTrPs and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) score resulted in a Chi-square of 31.909 (p < 0.001), indicating that both factors are correlated with one another
Alexithymia was associated with the presence of LTrPs in the upper trapezius of healthy individuals, suggesting that it may serve as a useful predictive factor

Summary

Introduction

Latent trigger points (LTrPs) can be activated by future events, leading to pain. Few studies have reported LTrP risk factors. Trigger points (TrPs) are believed to play an important role in the development of myofascial pain. The definition of TrPs has evolved over time, and they are described as hyperirritable nodules in the fascia located within a taut band of skeletal muscle fibers that, when palpated, are tender and produce referred pain sensations [1]. LTrPs are not responsible for spontaneous pain, they can produce local tenderness and/or transient referred pain sensations after manual examination [3]. It is critical for healthcare providers to be aware of the existence of LTrPs before they are activated and respond like ATrPs. The diagnosis of TrPs requires careful manual examination, which is considered a highly reliable procedure [5]. Experienced physiotherapists can reliably identify TrPs in the upper trapezius by palpation [8]

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