 DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized study was performed at the Pain Clinic. METHODS: Thirty patients were divided into two groups: G1 received trigger point injection of 0.25 bupivacaine 1 mlpoint twice a week, 10 mgday cyclobenzaprine and 500 mg dipyrone every 8 h. G2 was submitted to classical and trigger point acupuncture twice a week. The patients were asked to continue physical exercise. The following parameters were evaluated: pain intensity rated on a numerical and verbal scale, quality of life before and four weeks after treatment, and quality of analgesia. 