Characterization of local mechanisms (trigger points) of abdominal myofascial pain syndrome in women with chronic pelvic pain through needle electromyography

• Grant number: 11/20797-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Omero Benedicto Poli Netto
• Grantee: Mônica Pitanguy Júlio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain (CCP) is characterized as a pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis during at least six months and requiring medical or surgical treatment. The prevalence is 4% in women with the age of 15-73 years. Studies report that up to 85% of women with CPP have musculoskeletal disorders, and of these, the abdominal myofascial syndrome (SMFA) is a major and is characterized by severe abdominal pain, caused by trigger points located in muscle or fascia. Probably the group of women with chronic pelvic pain is very heterogeneous, so the diagnostic methods are insufficient to ensure that patients benefit from a single therapy. The paucity of controlled studies using methods that facilitate the diagnosis of this syndrome culminates in the need for better options in the treatment of the syndrome. This corroborates to the frustration of the patient towards the illness and the professional that assists, as the medical procedures are not uniform and the final clinical results are frustrating, trying to minimize the cost of medicines, consultations and repeated trips to the computer services of these women health. The aim of this study is to characterize the local mechanisms (trigger points) involved in the pathophysiology of SMFA in women with chronic pelvic pain. Women with chronic pelvic pain with suspected abdominal myofascial syndrome to the examination of needle electromyography in abdominal trigger points will be included. After the evaluation, women will be sent to chronic pelvic pain clinic for treatment. (AU)