Study finds higher Frankfort plane angle linked to reduced myofascial pain

The Journal of Clinical Medicine recently published a study analyzing the relationship between the Frankfort plane and the presence of myofascial trigger points contributing to cervical myofascial pain. 

Darío Sánchez-Guilabert and Angel Martínez-Carrasco conducted an observational study, where the people with cervical pain underwent a photographic evaluation of the Frankfort plane inclination. At the same time, myofascial trigger points in the posterior cervical musculature were palpated and measured using a pressure algometer at three cervical locations on both the left and right sides. 

Forty-seven subjects with at least a single episode of cervical pain were included.  Statistically significant outcomes were found in these pairs:

• 1st right location and sports practice
• 2nd right location and gender
• 2nd right location and sports practice
• 3rd right location and gender
• Gender at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd left locations

Additionally, the Frankfort plane positively correlated with myofascial trigger points, particularly on the right side. 

The study concluded that a greater Frankfort plane angle was associated with reduced myofascial pain, whereas a smaller angle corresponded to increased pain. Females exhibited a lower pressure pain threshold compared to males, predisposing them to more myofascial cervical pain. Subjects engaging in sports at least three times per week had a higher pressure pain threshold and less neck pain. Surprisingly, excessive electronic device uses and study hours were not meaningfully associated with increased neck pain.