Prevalence and anatomical location of muscle tenderness in adults with nonspecific neck/shoulder pain
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
BACKGROUND: Many adults experience bothersome neck/shoulder pain. While research and treatment strategies often focus on the upper trapezius, other neck/shoulder muscles may be affected as well. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical location of muscle tenderness in adults with nonspecific neck/shoulder pain.
METHODS: Clinical neck/shoulder examination at two large office workplaces in Copenhagen, Denmark. 174 women and 24 men (aged 25-65 years) with nonspecific neck/shoulder pain for a duration of at least 30 days during the previous year and a pain intensity of at least 2 on a modified VAS-scale of 0-10 participated. Exclusion criteria were traumatic injuries or other serious chronic disease. Using a standardized finger pressure of 2 kg, palpable tenderness were performed of eight anatomical neck/shoulder locations in the left and right side on a scale of 'no tenderness', 'some tenderness' and 'severe tenderness'.
RESULTS: In women, the levator scapulae, neck extensors and infraspinatus showed the highest prevalence of severe tenderness (18-30%). In comparison, the prevalence of severe tenderness in the upper trapezius, occipital border and supraspinatus was 13-19%. Severe tenderness of the medial deltoid was least prevalent (0-1%). In men, the prevalence of severe tenderness in the levator scapulae was 13-21%, and ranged between 0-8% in the remainder of the examined anatomical locations.
CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of tenderness exists in several anatomical locations of the neck/shoulder complex among adults with nonspecific neck/shoulder pain. Future research should focus on several neck/shoulder muscles, including the levator scapulae, neck extensors and infraspinatus, and not only the upper trapezius.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN60264809.
Original language | English |
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Journal | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |
Volume | 12 |
Pages (from-to) | 169 |
ISSN | 1471-2474 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 22 Jul 2011 |
- Adult, Aged, Analysis of Variance, Denmark, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neck/pathology, Neck Pain/diagnosis, Pain Measurement, Palpation, Physical Examination, Predictive Value of Tests, Prevalence, Regression Analysis, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Shoulder/pathology, Shoulder Pain/diagnosis
Research areas
ID: 347802133