Magnesium sulfate added to lidocaine for trigger point injections in myofascial pain

Evaluation of the Effect of Adding Magnesium Sulfate to Lidocaine in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome Using Surface Electromyography (sEMG).(Randomized Clinical Trial)

This study will see if adding magnesium sulfate to lidocaine injections helps reduce pain and relax muscles in adults with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 28 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate)
• Trial ID: NCT07390851 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In a randomized trial, adults with clinically diagnosed Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome will be assigned to receive trigger point injections of either lidocaine 2% alone or lidocaine 2% combined with magnesium sulfate 10%. Injections will be given into identified active myofascial trigger points and pain during and after injection will be measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Muscle activity will be recorded with surface electromyography (sEMG) at specified time points during rest and contraction to compare muscle relaxation between groups. The study compares changes in pain scores and sEMG readings to determine whether magnesium sulfate provides additional analgesic or muscle-relaxing effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with a clinical diagnosis of MPDS, active accessible trigger points, pain for at least 3 months, baseline VAS ≥ 4, and no trigger point injection in the affected area within the prior 3 months are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with central pain syndromes (such as fibromyalgia), cancer-related pain, allergies to lidocaine or magnesium, bleeding disorders, local infections, or recent surgery/trauma in the area are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combination could provide greater pain relief and improved muscle relaxation after trigger point injections for patients with MPDS.

How similar studies have performed: Magnesium sulfate has shown mixed but sometimes promising results as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in other pain settings, but its specific use in trigger point injections for MPDS is limited and not well established.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 70 years.
2. Clinical diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS).
3. Presence of active myofascial trigger points in accessible muscles (e.g., masseter, temporalis, upper trapezius).
4. Pain duration ≥ 3 months.
5. Pain intensity ≥ 4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
6. Noprior trigger point injection in the affected area within the past 3 months.
7. Ability and willingness to provide informed consent.
8. Compliance with study visits and procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Lidocaine, Magnesium Sulfate, or related agents.
2. Current use of anticoagulants or history of bleeding disorders.
3. Systemic or local infection at or near the injection site.
4. History of fibromyalgia, central pain syndromes, or cancer-related pain.
5. Major psychiatric illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, severe depression).
6. Recent surgery or trauma to the head, neck, or upper back (\<6 months).
7. Use of analgesics (NSAIDs, opioids) within 5 days before intervention.
8. Severe systemic diseases:- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus- Liver or kidney failure- Severe cardiovascular conditions.

Where this trial is running

Giza, Giza Governorate

• Faculty of oral and dental medicine, cairo university — Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Maii E Abdelazeem, Bsc — Faculty of Oral & Dental Medicine, Cairo University
• Study coordinator: Maii E Abdelazeem, BSc

Conditions Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome; Trigger points injection; Magnesium Sulfate; Surface Electromyography; Visual Analog Scale