Myofascial Pain Response to Topical Lidocaine Patch Therapy

Abstract

This is a case from a preliminary open trial to assess the efficacy of topically applied lidocaine patches as an alternative to trigger point injections for myofascial pain. We describe one case in this report that had a dramatic response to the lidocaine patch. Her pain relief increased, pain intensity decreased, and functional capacity increased. Her pain intensity and relief was measured by the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF). A quality of life measure was also included in the BPI-SF. While this was a dramatic response to this patient, it is only one case from an open-trial. The response to other patients has varied. The true clinical utility cannot be obtained from this one report, but only after the data have been analyzed from this initial trial. If the data are promising, a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial is planned.

Key Words:

• Myofascial pain
• trigger points
• Lidoderm
• lidocaine
• local anesthetics
• topical
• patch
• dermal

Additional information

Notes on contributors

T. Andrew Dodds

Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD, is Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. At the time that this review was conducted, she was a Community Care Pharmacy Practice Resident at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Perry G. Fine, MD, is Professor of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director, Pain Management Center at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City; and National Medical Director, VistaCare, based in Scottsdale, AZ. This commentary is based on an article in Dr. Fine's VistaCare Palliative Medicine Monitor.