Neck And Shoulder Pain Research Articles

Analysis of pharmacological effects and mechanisms of compound essential oils via GC-MS and network pharmacology.

Aromatherapy based on essential oil (EO) has been widely used for alleviating pain and intense where no compound EO reports its application on pharmacological effects. In order to explore the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and mechanism of a compound EO, a blend of Artemisia argyi, Boswellia carterii, Commiphora myrrha, Cinnamomum cassia, Zingiber oj-jicinale, and Ilex pubescens EO, in treating neck and shoulder pain (NSP). Network pharmacology hyphenated with mice model was employed to investigate. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied for the identification of constituents in compound EO. Lastly, transdermal absorption of compound EO was studied before verifying analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. Totally, 75 compounds were tentatively identified through GC-MS, predicting 46 potential analgesic targets. Moreover, 11 core targets were obtained through network topology screening. Animal test resulted that the compound EO had significantly stronger anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to single EO. Multiple API in compound EO affected on targets and exerted therapeutic effects on NSP through multiple pathways. Afterwards, eucalyptol, camphor, and borneol from compound EO exhibited a sustained-release effect, which provide scientific basis to illustrate the application of compound EO in clinical.

Risk factors associated with the prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among high school students: a cross-sectional survey in China

BackgroundAfter the COVID-19 outbreak, many Chinese high school students have increased their dependence on electronic devices for studying and life, which may affect the incidence of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) in Chinese adolescents.MethodsTo evaluate the prevalence of NSP in high school students and its associated risk factors during COVID-19, a survey was conducted among 5,046 high school students in Shanghai, Qinghai, Henan and Macao during the second semester and summer vacation of the 2019–2020 academic year. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic characteristics, the prevalence of NSP and lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, poor posture and electronic device usage. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the possible influencing factors for neck and shoulder pain.ResultsA total of 4793 valid questionnaires (95.0%) were collected. The results indicated that the prevalence of NSP was 23.7% among high school students. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender (P < 0.05, OR = 1.82), grade (P < 0.05, range OR 1.40–1.51) and subject selection (P < 0.05, range OR 0.49–0.68) were risk factors for NSP in high school students. Sedentary behavior (P < 0.05, range OR 1.74–2.36), poor posture (P < 0.05, range OR 1.19–2.56), backpack weight (P < 0.05, range OR 1.17–1.88), exercise style and frequency (P < 0.05, range OR 1.18–1.31; P < 0.05, range OR 0.76–0.79, respectively), and the time spent using electronic devices (P < 0.05, range OR 1.23–1.38)had a significant correlation with NSP in high school students.ConclusionsNSP is currently very common among high school students during the outbreak of COVID-19. Sedentary behavior, poor posture and other factors have a great impact on the occurrence of NSP in high school students. Education regarding healthy lifestyle choices should be advocated for to decrease NSP among high school students, such as more physical activity, changing poor postures and reducing the amount of time spent using electronic devices.

Physical fitness characteristics and neck and shoulder pain incidence in school-aged children-A 2-year follow-up.

Background and AimsNeck and shoulder pain (NSP) is common in school age, but preventative factors have not been identified. The purpose was to study whether a fitness test could be used to predict the incidence of NSP and determine whether good physical fitness characters would be associated with lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children at 2‐year follow‐up.MethodsAfter the invitation to nine schools, 970 children (10–15 years old) agreed to participate. Flexibility, fundamental movement skills, musculoskeletal fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness measurements included in Finnish Schools on the Move! monitoring system for physical functional capacity were measured at baseline in 2013. The NSP incidence was assessed by an online survey during school hours after 1 and 2 years. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between physical fitness characteristics and NSP incidence.ResultsThe mean prevalence of NSP was 26% at baseline. The NSP incidence was 15% in the first and 18% in the second follow‐up year. Good physical fitness was not associated with lower NSP incidence in the 2‐year follow‐up. Successful lower back extension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83) and good scores in curl‐up (OR = 1.80) adjusted with age, gender, and body mass index, were associated with higher NSP incidence between T0 and T2. Throwing–catching combination (OR = 0.55) was associated with a lower NSP incidence in unadjusted analysis, but the association did not remain after adjustments.ConclusionGood physical fitness characteristics were not consistently associated with a lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children in a 2‐year follow‐up. The role of general field‐based physical fitness test as a screening tool for NSP incidence remains unconfirmed. More longitudinal studies are needed to detect the factors underlying NSP incidence in school‐aged children.

The Intramuscular Circulation Is Affected by Neck and Shoulder Pain.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) and the position of the head and neck on the intramuscular circulation of the cervical muscles such as the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles in young females. Ten NSP subjects (mean age: 20.9±0.5years) and ten non-NSP subjects (mean age: 20.6±0.7years) were recruited to this study. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to non-invasively measure total haemoglobin (Total-Hb), oxygenated haemoglobin (Oxy-Hb), and deoxygenated haemoglobin (Deoxy-Hb) of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. The measurements of Total-Hb, Oxy-Hb, and Deoxy-Hb were taken in the neutral position, immediately after the maximally flexed (extended) position, and after 30s in the maximally flexed (extended) position. In flexion, no significant main effect or interaction was observed with Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb. A significant interaction was observed with Deoxy-Hb (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the changes over time in the NSP group (p=0.91). However, in the non-NSP group, a significant increase was noted at the neutral position to immediately after the maximally flexed position (p<0.01) and at the end of maintaining the maximally flexed position (p<0.01). In extension, no significant main effect or interaction was observed with Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb. A significant interaction was observed with Deoxy-Hb (p<0.01). In the NSP group, no significant difference was observed in the changes over time (p=0.91). In the non-NSP group, however, a significant decrease was observed from the neutral position to immediately after the maximally extended position (p<0.01). The results of this study indicate that maintaining either maximal cervical flexion or extension may affect venous blood flow on non-NSP group. However, no effect on NSP group was observed due to existing diminished intramuscular circulation.

1384Factors related to neck and shoulder pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

BackgroundShoulder stiffness is a common health issue in Japan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were forced to stay home which possibly escalated the development of shoulder stiffness. We aimed to assess associations of lifestyle changes and newly developed neck and shoulder pain (NSP) during the pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing the data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), an internet survey conducted from August to September 2020. Data included sociodemographic, lifestyle and health measures related to NSP during the pandemic. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to calculate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for newly developed NSP with adjustment for lifestyle, physiological and psychosocial changes.ResultsAfter exclusion of participants with existing pain, 25,482 participants (12,673 male, 12,809 female) aged 15-79 years were included in the analysis. Of these, 4.1% reported newly developed NSP. Weight gain and long sedentary time were strongly associated with the NSP (AOR (95%CI): 2.4 (2.0-2.8) and 1.81 (1.4-2.3)). Stratified analyses of 1,751 students and 4,211 teleworkers showed significant associations (AOR (95%CI): 2.1 (1.4-2.8) and 2.5 (1.9-3.2)) compared to non-workers and non-teleworkers, respectively.ConclusionsStudents and teleworkers became prone to NSP during the pandemic. However, factors which were associated to pain did not differ during the pandemic compared with the previous studies.Key messagesPreventive measures for NSP should be taken in students and teleworkers.

Impact of Neck and Shoulder Pain on Health-Related Quality of Life in a Middle-Aged Community-Living Population.

Purpose Neck and shoulder pain (NSP) is very common in the general population. However, scarce information exists on the relationship between NSP and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in this population. The present study described NSP prevalence and its impact on the HRQOL of middle-aged and older persons undergoing a routine medical checkup. Methods This study recruited 318 subjects (125 males and 193 females; average age, 63.4 years) in good health, collected underwent anthropometric measurements, physical function examinations, and blood testing. This study defined NSP as the presence of muscle tension, stiffness, pressure, or dull pain in areas between the neck and the arch of the scapular. Study subjects were divided into two groups (NSP (+) and NSP (−) groups). The subjects completed questions on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and the EuroQol 5-dimension, 5-level version (EQ-5D-5L) tool. Results Of the patients, 150 and 168 were NSP (+) and NSP (−), respectively. The NSP complaint rate was 47.2%. The NSP (+) group had younger and more female participants than the NSP (−) group. In the multivariate regression analysis, the NSP (+) group had lower physical QOL based on the SF-36 physical component summary (odds ratio (OR), 2.45) and lower mental QOL based on the SF-36 mental component summary (OR, 2.05). Overall, the NSP (+) group had a higher risk of having low QOL scores (EQ-5D-5L index; OR, 1.76). Conclusions The NSP (+) rate in healthy middle-aged and older persons was 47.2%. Furthermore, NSP (+) status was directly related poor HRQOL. NSP is a predictor of suboptimal physical and mental QOL. Therefore, NSP prevention or intervention for NSP may improve middle-aged and older adults' QOL.

Cervicothoracic spinal alignment and neck flexor muscle endurance in young and older adult females with and without neck and shoulder pain (Katakori in Japanese).

[Purpose] The characteristics of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) in different age populations have not been sufficiently examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare and verify the cervicothoracic spinal alignment and neck flexor muscle endurance of young and older adult females with and without NSP. [Participants and Methods] We assessed 72 female participants (39 young participants, 33 elderly participants, 43 NSP, 29 non-NSP) aged 18–82 years who were recruited for this study. Cervicothoracic spinal alignment measurements were obtained with forward head alignment (FHA) along with the upper thoracic angle. The neck flexor endurance test was performed. [Results] There were no significant age-by-group interactions for any of the assessment variables. However, the upper thoracic angle and neck flexor muscle endurance showed significant effects in the groups. Age also had significant effects on FHA and upper thoracic angle. [Conclusion] These results suggested that the neck flexor muscle endurance was more appropriate as an evaluation tool for older adult females with NSP. It was also suggested that the cervical flexor muscle endurance and upper thoracic angle were more appropriate as evaluation tools for young adult females with NSP.

Dose-response of resistance training for neck-and shoulder pain relief: a workplace intervention study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among office workers, with strong evidence suggesting that workplace-based resistance training programs can prevent several upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the dose-response relationship between resistance training frequency and pain relief among office workers with neck- and shoulder pain.MethodsThirty participants with mild to moderate neck- and shoulder pain attended a 16-week intervention starting with an eight-week control period followed by an eight-week training period. After the control period, the participants were randomized into either a 10 min (TG10) or 2 × 10 min (TG2) workplace-based, high-intensity neck- and shoulder specific resistance training program that was executed 5 days per week and consisting of four exercises. The participants were tested pre and post each period for mean and worst pain using the 0-100 mm visual analog scale (VAS), 0-100 mm health-related quality of life and isometric strength of the neck-and shoulder region. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Friedman with Bonferroni post hoc corrections were used to assess differences in between and within groups for the three testing times pre, mid and post intervention.ResultsNo differences were observed between the groups in any of the variables in the control period (p = 0.27–0.97) or training period (p = 0.37–0.68). When merging the two groups, the mean and worst pain was reduced by 25 and 43% (p = 0.05 and < 0.01, ES = 0.41 and 0.55) in the training period in addition to 10.6% increase in health-related quality of life (p = 0.01, ES = 0.52). No difference in strength was observed (p = 0.29–0.85).ConclusionDaily bouts of specific high-intensity resistance training of the shoulder and neck region at the workplace reduced neck- and shoulder pain and improved quality of life of office workers. However, 10 min bouts were equally effective as 2 × 10 min bouts per day. The authors recommend office workers to perform daily neck- and shoulder resistance training to possibly prevent and/or decrease pain in the neck- and shoulder area.Trial registrationISRCTN69968888, retrospectively registered (24/09/2019).

Stress association with neck and shoulder pain among male taxi drivers in Shah Alam, Malaysia

Background: Drivers are often involved in events that elevate their stress levels. Drivers also experience musculoskeletal pain. The association of psychological stress with neck and shoulder pain (NSP) among drivers is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the stress associated with NSP among male taxi drivers in Shah Alam, Malaysia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the psychological stress associated with neck and shoulder pain among male taxi drivers aged 20 to 40 years old in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Data was collected using a self-modified questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions for section A, stress level questions for section B and neck and shoulder pain for section C. A total of 89 taxi drivers from Shah Alam, Malaysia were selected using convenience sampling.Results: A total of 95.5% of taxi drivers experienced stress, 95.5% experienced neck pain and 50.6% experienced shoulder pain. However, the result also indicated that stress did not have an association with neck pain (p=0.140) and shoulder pain (p=0.285) among male taxi drivers in Shah Alam, Malaysia.Conclusions: There is no association between psychological stress and neck-shoulder pain among male taxi drivers in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Egyptian Dentists Working at Faculty of Dentistry-Ain Shams University

Introduction: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among dentists is high. The symptoms mightimpair work capacity and the future possibility to stay in the profession. In Egypt, data about the prevalence andrisk factors of this problem are scanty. Aim of work: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) and its distribution among dental staff, house officers and students at faculty of Dentistry, to find out theinfluence of personal and job characteristics, physical and psychological risk factors at work on the occurrenceof MSDs and to detect the impact of MSDs on participants’ life. Materials and methods: A cross sectionalstudy was carried out among (403) participants. A self-administered questionnaire that included informationabout: personal and job characteristics, a version of Standard Nordic Questionnaire for occurrence of MSDsand modified version of Demand/Control model Questionnaire from Karasek for psychosocial factors. Results:The overall MSDs prevalence among participants was 66.7%, in which 29.3% had chronic complaints. Neckand shoulder pain were the most prevalent sites of complaint reported by 66.5% and 61.8% of the subjectsrespectively, followed by low back pain and wrist pain (59.3%, 46.2%, respectively). The severity of MSDsforced 24.2% of respondents to take analgesic, 30.1% to reduce their daily activities, and 8.6% to go on sickleave. Dental staff significantly had the highest prevalence of MSDs compared to dental students and houseofficers. Older age participants were more prone to MSDs compared to younger ones; female respondents hadhigher MSDs than male but without statistical significance. As regard the physical factors at work: the useof vibration tool, excessive arm elevation and prolonged standing / sitting were significantly associated withincrease in the prevalence of MSDs. Also psychosocial factors: as poor job control was significantly associatedwith the development of MSDs while high work demand didn’t. Conclusion: Work related musculoskeletaldisorders are significant occupational health problems among both dentists and dental students. Their medicalconsequences justify extensive preventive efforts. Specific occupational health education programs, includingergonomic workplace adaptation should be implemented.

Investigation of neck and shoulder pain among workers in an automobile plant

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) among automobile manufacturing workers and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of NSP. Methods: From November 5 to November 19, 2017, a total 446 works who had worked for more than one year were recruited from an automobile plant by cluster sampling method. Chi square test and unconditional logistic regression were used to exam the relation between influencing factors and NSP. Results: The annual prevalence rate of NSP was 34.8%. Multifactor regression analysis showed that age、work fatigue、department staff shortages、lifting heavy objects in awkward positions、neck flexion foreword and prolong sitting position work were the risk factors of NSP (OR=2.18, 95%CI:1.49~3.18; OR=4.52, 95%CI:1.27~16.00; OR=1.66, 95%CI:1.04~26.68; OR=2.10, 95%CI:1.16~3.81; OR=2.25, 95%CI:1.39~3.66; OR=2.42, 95%CI:1.06~5.56) and work break was the benefit factors of NSP (OR=0.58, 95%CI:0.36~0.94) . Conclusion: The annual prevalence rate of NSP among automobile manufacturing workers was high. Lifing heavy objects、awkward working positions and unreasonable work arrangement were the major risk factors of NSP, and work break can effectively reduce the risk of NSP. Effective ergonomic intervention should be carried out to prevent the occurrence of NSP.

Exposure to Upper Arm Elevation During Work Compared to Leisure Among 12 Different Occupations Measured with Triaxial Accelerometers.

Regarding prevention of neck and shoulder pain (NSP), unsupported arm elevation is one factor that should be taken into account when performing work risk assessment. Triaxial accelerometers can be used to measure arm elevation over several days but it is not possible to differentiate between supported and unsupported arm elevation from accelerometers only. Supported arm elevation is more likely to exist during sitting than standing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of whole workday measurements of arm elevation with accelerometers to assess potentially harmful work exposure of arm elevation, by comparing arm elevation at work with arm elevation during leisure, in a population with diverse work tasks, and to assess how the exposure parameters were modified when upper arm elevation during sitting time was excluded. The participants, 197 workers belonging to 12 occupational groups with diverse work tasks, wore triaxial accelerometers on the dominant arm, hip, and back for 1–4 days to measure arm elevation and periods of sitting. None of the groups were found to have higher exposure to arm elevation during work compared to leisure. Even though some occupations where known to have work tasks that forced them to work with elevated arms to a large extent. A high proportion of arm elevation derived from sitting time, especially so during leisure. When arm elevation during sitting time was excluded from the analysis, arm elevation was significantly higher at work than during leisure among construction workers, garbage collectors, manufacturing workers, and domestic cleaners. Together this illustrates that it is not suitable to use whole workday measurments of arm elevation with accelerometer as a sole information source when assessing the risk for NSP due to arm elevation. Information on body posture can provide relevant contextual information in exposure assessments when it is known that the potential harmful exposure is performed in standing or walking.

Factors Associated with Neck and Shoulder Pain in Volunteers.

Introduction The aims of the present study were 1) to examine the association between neck and shoulder pain (NSP) and lifestyle in the general population and 2) to examine if sagittal spino-pelvic malalignment is more prevalent in NSP. Methods A total of 107 volunteers (mean age, 64.5 years) were recruited in this study from listings of resident registrations in Kihoku region, Wakayama, Japan. Feeling pain or stiffness in the neck or shoulders was defined as an NSP. The items studied were: 1) the existence or lack of NSP and their severity (using VAS scale), 2) Short Form-36 (SF-36), 3) Self-Rating Questionnaire for Depression (SRQ-D), 4) Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), 5) a detailed history consisting of 5 domains as being relevant to the psychosocial situation of patients with chronic pain, 6) A VAS of pain and numbness to the arm, and from thoracic region to legs. The radiographic parameters evaluated were also measured. Participants with a VAS score of 40 mm or higher and less were divided into 2 groups. Association of SF-36, SRQ-D, and PCS with NSP were assessed using multiple regression analysis. Results In terms of QoL, psychological assessment and a detailed history, bodily pain in SF-36, SRQ-D, and family stress were significantly associated with NSP. A VAS of pain and numbness to the arm, and from thoracic region to legs, was significantly associated with NSP. There were no statistical correlations between the VAS and radiographic parameters of the cervical spine. Among the whole spine sagittal measurements, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sacral slope (SS) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were significantly associated with NSP. Conclusion In this study, we showed the factors associated with NSP. Large SS and reduced SVA were significantly associated with NSP, while cervical spine measurements were not.

Low back and neck and shoulder pain in members and non-members of adolescents' sports clubs: the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported low back pain (LBP) and neck and shoulder pain (NSP), and the related factors in members and non-members of adolescents’ sports clubs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on surveys of 14–16-year-olds as a part of the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) Study. The surveys on self-reported health behaviours, injuries, and musculoskeletal health were conducted among sports club members (n = 962) and non-members (n = 675). Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to study the associations between dependent variables of LBP and NSP, and the independent factors.ResultsThe prevalence of LBP during the preceding 3 months was 35.0 % in girls and 24.5 % in boys (p < 0.05 for sex difference). The prevalence of NSP was 55.9 % in girls and 27.3 % in boys (p < 0.001 for sex difference). Being a sports club member increased the odds for LBP in boys (odds ratio [OR] 2.35, 95 % CI 1.48–3.72). On the other hand, sports club participation was associated with lower odds of frequent NSP in girls (OR 0.52, 95 % CI 0.33–0.82). No associations were found between other leisure-time physical activity and LBP or NSP. Higher screen time (computer games, TV/DVD, phone, Internet) during leisure-time increased the odds of NSP in boys and LBP in boys and girls.ConclusionsIn this study, self-reported LBP and NSP were already relatively common among adolescents. Girls have a higher risk for reporting LBP and NSP. Measures that are more effective in the prevention of LBP in male sports club members are needed. Excessive screen time is weakly associated with LBP and NSP, which should be taken into account in health promotion among adolescents.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1114-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Physiological Evaluation of Neck and Shoulder Pain (Katakori in Japanese) in Postpartum Japanese Women

Objective: Neck and shoulder pain (NSP) is the most common symptom in Japanese women. NSP is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. The objective of this study is to elucidate the pathophysiology of NSP in relation to specific mental and physical states in postpartum women. Methods: Data was collected by questionnaire, It consisted of the subject’s characteristics, details of NSP and degree disturbance of daily life due to NSP (level 0 (none) to 10). Evaluation of psychological stress was using the Profile of Mood States - Brief Japanese version (POMS-B). Moreover, we examined measurement of muscle hardness, blood flow, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and angles of breastfeeding posture. Participants were 62 postpartum women from one month to six months after delivery. Results: The worsening of NSP after birth was associated with psychological distress by POMS-B. ANS activity was compared with “less than 25% of the quartile” and “more than 75% of the quartile” of POMS-B score, using t-test. High-Frequency (HF) tended to be lower in “more than 75%” than in “less than 25%” score for Fatigue. The mean score of “disturbance of daily life due to NSP” in postpartum women with NSP was 4.7±2.3. The surface skin temperatures in “disturbance of daily life due to NSP ≧ 4.7” were significantly lower than those in “< 4.7”. LF/ HF ratio in “≧ 4.7” was significantly higher than that in “< 4.7”. Breastfeeding posture angles showed significant differences in head angle between “worse after birth” and “no-change/relief after birth”. Conclusions: The results suggested that psychological stress in postpartum women might be related to worsening of NSP through the modification of ANS activity and worsening of NSP after birth was associated with breastfeeding posture.

The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy on Relieving Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cupping therapy (CT) in changes on skin surface temperature (SST) for relieving chronic neck and shoulder pain (NSP) among community residents. A single-blind experimental design constituted of sixty subjects with self-perceived NSP. The subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. The cupping group received CT at SI 15, GB 21, and LI 15 acupuncture points, and the control group received no intervention. Pain was assessed using the SST, visual analog scale (VAS), and blood pressure (BP). The main results were SST of GB 21 acupuncture point raised from 30.6°C to 32.7°C and from 30.7°C to 30.6°C in the control group. Neck pain intensity (NPI) severity scores were reduced from 9.7 to 3.6 in the cupping group and from 9.7 to 9.5 in the control group. The SST and NPI differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). One treatment of CT is shown to increase SST. In conjunction with the physiological effect the subjective experience of NSP is reduced in intensity. Further studies are required to improve the understanding and potential long-term effects of CT.

A cross sectional study between the prevalence of chronic pain and academic pressure in adolescents in China (Shanghai).

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of four types of chronic pain (headache, abdominal pain, neck and shoulder pain (NSP), and low back pain (LBP)) and to explore the relationship between the prevalence of chronic pain and self-reported academic pressure in high school students in Shanghai, China.MethodThree thousand students were randomly surveyed on related issues using a questionnaire, and the results were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsAmong the 2849 high school students who completed the questionnaire, the overall prevalence rates of headache, abdominal pain, NSP, and LBP were 30.3, 20.9, 32.8, and 41.1 %, respectively. The students in general experienced a heavy burden of learning, a high level of stress, and sleep deprivation, which were closely related to the four types of chronic pain.ConclusionChronic pain is a common condition in Chinese adolescents and is closely related to self-reported academic pressure.

Sleep disturbances predict future sickness absence among individuals with lower back or neck-shoulder pain: A 5-year prospective study

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common causes of sickness absence. Sleep disturbances are often co-occurring with pain, but the relationship between sleep and pain is complex. Little is known about the importance of self-reported sleep, when predicting sickness absence among persons with musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to study the association between self-reported sleep quality and sickness absence 5 years later, among individuals stratified by presence of lower back pain (LBP) and neck and shoulder pain (NSP). The cohort (n = 2286) in this 5-year prospective study (using data from the MUSIC-Norrtälje study) was stratified by self-reported pain into three groups: no LBP or NSP, solely LBP or NSP, and concurrent LBP and NSP. Odds ratios (ORs) for the effect of self-reported sleep disturbances at baseline on sickness absence (> 14 consecutive days), 5 years later, were calculated. Within all three pain strata, individuals reporting the most sleep problems showed a significantly higher OR for all-cause sickness absence, 5 years later. The group with the most pronounced sleep problems within the concurrent LBP and NSP stratum had a significantly higher OR (OR 2.00; CI 1.09-3.67) also for long-term sickness absence (> 90 days) 5 years later, compared to the group with the best sleep. CONCLUSIONS Sleep disturbances predict sickness absence among individuals regardless of co-existing features of LBP and/or NSP. The clinical evaluation of patients should take possible sleep disturbances into account in the planning of treatments.

A prospective cohort study of neck and shoulder pain in professional drivers

In a three-year follow-up study, the occurrence of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) in terms of frequency, duration and intensity was investigated in a population of 537 male professional drivers. Over the follow-up period, the cumulative incidences for neck and shoulder pain were 31.9% and 21.4%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, a measure of cumulative whole-body vibration exposure was significantly associated with all NSP outcomes. Lifting loads and work with hands above shoulder level were significantly related to shoulder outcomes, while driving with trunk bent or twisted was associated with neck pain. Limited job decision, low social support and job dissatisfaction were significant predictors of neck outcomes. Psychological distress was associated with all NSP outcomes. The findings of this cohort study suggest that NSP outcomes are of multifactorial origin in driving occupations.Practitioner Summary: This prospective cohort study highlighted the multifactorial nature of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) outcomes in a population of professional drivers. Cumulative whole-body vibration exposure, physical load factors and adverse psychosocial environment at the workplace, as well as individual-related psychological distress, were significant predictors of the occurrence of NSP in the professional drivers.

Detecting the neuropathic pain component in the clinical setting: a study protocol for validation of screening instruments for the presence of a neuropathic pain component.

BackgroundThe presence of nerve damage plays a key role in the development and prognosis of chronic pain states. Assessment of the presence and severity of a neuropathic pain component (NePC) is key in diagnosing chronic pain patients. Low back pain (LBP) and neck and shoulder pain (NSP) are highly prevalent and clinically important medical and societal problems in which a NePC is frequently present. The more severe the NePC, the worse the course of the pain, its prognosis and the results of treatment. Reliable and standardised diagnosis of the NePC remains difficult to achieve. Standardized and validated screening tools may help to reliably identify the NePC in individual chronic pain patients. The aim of this study is to validate the Dutch language versions of the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ-Dlv) and the ‘Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions’ (DN4-Dlv) for use in primary and specialist medical care settings to screen for a NePC in patients with chronic pain due to (1) LBP, (2) NSP or (3) known peripheral nerve damage (PND).Methods/designThe study design is cross-sectional to assess the validity of the PDQ-Dlv and the DN4-Dlv with 2 weeks follow-up for test-retest reliability and 3 months follow-up for monitoring and prognosis. 438 patients with chronic pain due to (1) LBP, (2) NSP or (3) PND. will be included in this study. Based on the IASP definition of neuropathic pain, two physicians will independently assess whether the patient has a NEPC or not. This result will be compared with the outcome of the PDQ-Dlv & DN4-Dlv, the grading system for neuropathic pain, bed side examination and quantitative sensory testing. This study will further collect data regarding prevalence of NePC, general health status, mental health status, functioning, pain attribution and quality of life.DiscussionThe rationale for this study is to provide detailed information on the clinimetric quality of the PDQ-Dlv and DN4-Dlv in Dutch speaking countries. Our innovative multi-factorial approach should help achieve more reliable diagnosis and quantification of a NePC in patients with chronic pain.Trial registrationThe Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR3030).