Chronic back pain: Electromyographic, motion and behavioral assessments following sympathetic nerve blocks and placebos

Abstract

Patients (20) with chronic low back pain received 12 lumbar sympathetic injections, in a series of 6 with bupivacaine and a series of 6 with saline. Changes in subjective pain intensity, EMG [electromyogram] from paravertebral muscles, joint ranges of mobility and daily activity levels were measured at multiple intervals throughout treatment and at 3 mo. follow-up intervals. The MMPI [Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory] was administered before treatment, after treatment and at 3 mo. follow-up. Significant reductions resulted in subjective pain intensity lasting 1 mo. after treatment which were not significantly different during bupivacaine and saline injection periods. Patients'' MMPI profiles were indicative of reduced depression and an increase in ability to manage their lives. No significant changes were recorded with respect to EMG, joint range of mobility or daily activity levels. Results were discussed in terms of a massive placebo effect and analgesia obtained through hyperstimulation of various tissue structures. They are consistent with the hypothesis that central postsynaptic mechanisms were predominant in these patients'' chronic back pain states. Because subjective pain relief did not independently produce increasing function, deep analgesic injections or other pain-relieving techniques can be matched with behavior modification leading to functional rehabilitation.