Treating Subjective Shortness of Breath by Inactivating Trigger Points of Levator Scapular Muscles with Acupuncture Needles

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to investigate whether inactivation of teigger points (TrPs) in the levator scapulae muscle can eliminate the patient's subjective feeling of the shortness of breath symptom. Methods: Seventy-five patients with nuchal soreness who also experienced a feeling of shortness of breath were examined for taut bands and trigger points in their levator scapulas muscles. When located, the TrPs were inactivated with 34 gauge acupuncture needles. Results: Sixty-eight of the seventy-five patients under study reported that their subjective shortness of breath and nuchal soreness were abolished immediately after inactivation of the TrPs. The other seven patients needed a second trial of inactivation. Conclusion: Subjective shortness of breath can be part of the myofascial pain syndrome of the levator scapulae muscle and dry needling of the TrPs can eliminate the symptom.

KEYWORDS:

• Acupuncture needle
• Levator scapular
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Shortness of breath
• Trigger points