Muscle Trigger Points, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Cervical Range of Motion in Patients With High Level of Disability Related to Acute Whiplash Injury

Study Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Objective To analyze the differences in the prevalence of trigger points (TrPs) between patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) and healthy controls, and to determine if widespread pressure hypersensitivity and reduced cervical range of motion are related to the presence of TrPs in patients with acute WADs. Background The relationship between active TrPs and central sensitization is not well understood in patients with acute WADs. Methods Twenty individuals with a high level of disability related to acute WAD and 20 age- and sex-matched controls participated in the study. TrPs in the temporalis, masseter, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, and scalene muscles were examined. TrPs are defined as hypersensitive spots in a palpable taut band, producing a local twitch response and referred pain when palpated. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed bilaterally over the C5–6 zygapophyseal joints, second metacarpal,...