Modifications of Cutaneous, Subcutaneous, and Muscular Sensory and Pain Thresholds After the Induction of an Experimental Algogenic Focus in the Skeletal Muscle

Abstract

After the induction of an experimental algogenic focus in the left brachioradialis muscle of 15 healthy subjects, the algosensitive thresholds of the cutaneous, subcutaneous, and muscular tissues are studied in the painful region by means of electrical stimulation. Statistical analysis of the results shows (a) normal sensory thresholds in the three structures; (b) significantly lowered pain thresholds in a limited ellipsoid area in the skin and subcutaneous tissue and in the whole painful area in the muscle. These results clearly indicate a hyperalgesic condition in the parietal layers of the area examined.