Objective: To study of pain syndromes in parkinsonism

Background: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common but underdiagnosed pain disorder in Parkinson’s disease (PD), marked by myofascial trigger points that cause muscle stiffness and discomfort. Understanding MPS in Parkinsonism is crucial for improving patient care and functional independence.

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus Index, and Cochrane. Search terms included “Myofascial Pain Syndrome AND Parkinson’s Disease,” “Chronic Pain in Parkinsonism,” and “Trigger Points in Neurodegenerative Disorders.” Studies published between 2021 and 2025 were analyzed, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and effectiveness of various treatment strategies for MPS in Parkinsonism.

Results: Several mechanisms contribute to MPS in Parkinsonism, including muscle rigidity, dopamine deficiency, and central sensitization, which amplify pain perception. Chronic pain due to MPS further impairs mobility and sleep, negatively impacting overall well-being. Treatment strategies include pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Muscle relaxants such as baclofen and tizanidine demonstrated 55-70% efficacy in reducing muscle stiffness, while dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic medications provided 60-75% relief. NSAIDs showed temporary benefits with 40-60% efficacy. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical therapy (65-80% efficacy), trigger point injections (botulinum toxin 70-85%, lidocaine/corticosteroids 55-75%), and complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage (50-70% efficacy), also proved beneficial.

Conclusion: MPS is a significant but often overlooked contributor to pain in Parkinsonism. A multidisciplinary approach that integrates pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments yields the best outcomes.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/myofascial-pain-syndromes-in-parkinsonism/