On the basis of the limited number of studies available , and significant problems with their design , reporting , statistical integrity , and clinical applicability , physical examination can not currently be recommended as a reliable test for the diagnosis of trigger points .
BACKGROUND Trigger points are promoted as an important cause of musculoskeletal pain .
There is no accepted reference st and ard for the diagnosis of trigger points , and data on the reliability of physical examination for trigger points are conflicting .
OBJECTIVES To systematic ally review the literature on the reliability of physical examination for the diagnosis of trigger points .
The prevalence of pain in a general population. The results of a postal survey in a county of Sweden
& NA ; In a postal survey , we asked 1009 r and omly chosen individuals , age 18–84 , about their pain problems . The pain prevalence depended on what types of questions were asked . Any pain or discomfort , including even a problem of short duration , was reported by 66 % of those question ed . Forty percent reported ‘ obvious pain ’ ( pain which affected them ‘ to quite a high degree ’ or more and was ‘ like being stiff after exercise ’ or worse ) lasting more than 6 months . Pain problems of more than 6 months duration were reported far more often than short‐lasting problems . Continuous or nearly continuous pain problems were reported as frequently as problems recurring regularly or irregularly . Pains in the neck , shoulders , arms , lower back and legs were most frequent . The prevalence of ‘ obvious pain ’ in these localizations was 15–20 % . Pain was reported most frequently in the age group 45–64 , where the prevalence of ‘ obvious pain ’ was 50 % among males as well as females . Over 65 years of age the prevalence was less
On the basis of the limited number of studies available , and significant problems with their design , reporting , statistical integrity , and clinical applicability , physical examination can not currently be recommended as a reliable test for the diagnosis of trigger points .
BACKGROUND Trigger points are promoted as an important cause of musculoskeletal pain .
There is no accepted reference st and ard for the diagnosis of trigger points , and data on the reliability of physical examination for trigger points are conflicting .
OBJECTIVES To systematic ally review the literature on the reliability of physical examination for the diagnosis of trigger points .