The Effect of Tienchu Acupoint Block, Occipital Nerve Block, and Trigger Point Injection for Treatment of Tension Type Headache

긴장형 두통 환자에서 천주점, 후두신경차단 및 통증유발점주사의 치료효과

Background: Despite tension type headache is popular, the exact mechanism and method of treatment are not certain yet. So, we supposed the basic mechanism of tension type headache is myogenic, and did Tienchu acupoint block, occipital nerve block, and trigger point injection in tension type headache patients. Methods: Fifty-seven tension type headache patients were treated with local anesthetics and small dose of steroid. The intensity of pain and effect of every treatment was evaluated as Verbal Rating Score (VRS; 0~10) before and after every treatment. Evaluation of treatment was based on the time of treatment (1,2 times, 3 times, 4,5 times). Goal of treatment was VRS reaching below two point and it was considered as treated state. Results: Symptom improvement rates of each treatment were 90% (1, 2 times), 91% (3 times), 70% (4, 5 times) respectively. VRS reduction more than 50% rates were 60%, 64%, 60% respectively. Treated state (VRS<2) rates were 33%, 27%, 30% respectively. Conclusion: Tienchu acupoint block, occipital nerve block, trigger point injection were sorts of most effective and simply applicable modalities of treatment in tension type headache.