Ultrasound-guided spinal accessory nerve block for intractable trapezius pain

Myofascial pain affects about 10% of the United States population, often involves the trapezius muscle, and can be difficult to manage using conventional analgesic medications in the Emergency Department (ED). The use of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks performed by emergency physicians is well-documented, but this is the first report describing the technique and effectiveness of an ultrasound-guided spinal accessory nerve block for acutely treating trapezius myofascial pain in the ED setting. In this case series of three patients with intractable trapezius pain, the ultrasound-guided spinal accessory nerve block proved feasible and offered substantial therapeutic benefit. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article reports the first use of ultrasound-guided spinal accessory nerve block for acutely treating trapezius myofascial pain in the Emergency Department. The technique proved feasible and offered substantial therapeutic benefit for patients with intractable trapezius pain.