Scalene Myofascial Pain Syndrome Mimicking Cervical Disc Prolapse: A Report of Two Cases
- Author:
Nizar Abd Jalil
;
Mohammad Saufi Awang
;
Mahamarowi Omar
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
cervical radiculopathy, myofascial pain syndrome, pain radiation, Scalene muscle, trigger point, neurosciences
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2010;17(1):60-66
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Scalene myofascial pain syndrome is a regional pain syndrome wherein pain originates over
the neck area and radiates down to the arm. This condition may present as primary or secondary to
underlying cervical pathology. Although scalene myofascial pain syndrome is a well known medical
entity, it is often misdiagnosed as being some other neck pain associated with radiculopathy, such as
cervical disc prolapse, cervical spinal stenosis and thoracic outlet syndrome. Because scalene myofascial
pain syndrome mimics cervical radiculopathy, this condition often leads to mismanagement,
which can, in turn, result in persistent pain and suffering. In the worst-case scenarios, patients may
be subjected to unjustifiable surgical intervention. Because the clinical findings in scalene myofascial
pain syndrome are “pathognomonic”, clinicians should be aware of ways to recognize this disorder
and be able to differentiate it from other conditions that present with neck pain and rediculopathy.
We present two cases of unilateral scalene myofascial pain syndrome that significantly impaired
the patients’ functioning and quality of life. This case report serves to create awareness about the
existence of the syndrome and to highlight the potential morbidity due to clinical misdiagnosis.
- Full text:W020151022424370818889.pdf
