Alteration in Activation Pattern of Neck Muscles in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to investigate activation pattern of neck muscles in patients with chronic neck pain of nontraumatic origin during static tasks. Materials and methods Fifteen normal subjects were taken in group A and 15 patients with chronic neck pain of nontraumatic origin were taken in group B. Electromyography (EMG) activity was recorded from the sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, levator scapulae and upper trapezius muscles. Percentage maximum voluntary isometric contraction were calculated during static tasks, which included shoulder abduction to 90° and hold, shrug and hold, craniocervical flexion and hold. Results There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference found in activation pattern of neck muscles when we compared right and left sides within groups A and B. But when we compared between groups, group B showed a significant (p < 0.05) increased activation pattern in anterior scalene, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius compared to normal subject's neck muscles except levator scapulae which shows no significant difference between groups. Conclusion It is concluded from the study that, in patient of nontraumatic origin of chronic neck pain, all the patients showed a significant increased level of EMG activity in neck muscles during performance of static activities as compared to asymptomatic controls. How to cite this article Chahal RK, Kumar P. Alteration in Activation Pattern of Neck Muscles in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(1):1-7.