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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Predictive factors for arm pain, neck pain, neck specific disability and health after anterior cervical decompression and fusion.

BACKGROUND: Predictive factors for a low arm and neck pain, and good health after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) with a cervical carbon fibre intervertebral fusion cage (CIFC) are still lacking. METHOD: A prospective consecutive study to investigate which preoperative factors that could predict a good outcome with regard to arm pain, neck pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and general health three years after ACDF with CIFC was conducted. Thirty-four patients were included before surgery. Measurements took place the day before, six months, one year and three years after ACDF. FINDINGS: In multivariate analysis, to be a non-smoker before surgery was the most important factor for a low postoperative arm pain, a low pain frequency was the most important factor for low postoperative neck pain, normal rating on Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) was the most important factor for high function on NDI and a low initial pain intensity was the most important factor for good postoperative health. For all outcome variables a normal rating on DRAM was an important factor for a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Non-smoking, a low pain level and normal rating on DRAM were the best preoperative predictors of a good outcome in ACDF. Inclusion criteria for surgery should be based on a bio psychosocial model and DRAM seems to be useful for including the traditional inclusion criteria.

Adult↗

Temporomandibular joint related painless symptoms, orofacial pain, neck pain, headache, and psychosocial factors among non-patients.

The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular joint related (TMJ) painless symptoms, orofacial pain, neck pain, and headache in a Finnish working population and to evaluate the association of the symptoms with psychosocial factors. A self-administered postal questionnaire concerning items on demographic background, employment details, perceived general state of health, medication, psychosocial status, and use of health-care services, was mailed to all employees with at least 5 years at their current job. The questionnaire was completed by 1339 subjects (75%). Frequent (often or continual) TMJ-related painless symptoms were found in 10%, orofacial pain in 7%, neck pain in 39%, and headache in 15% of subjects. Females reported all pain symptoms significantly more often than men (P < 0.001). Frequent pain and TMJ-related symptoms were significantly associated with self-reported stress, depression, and somatization (P < 0.001). Perceived poor general state of health (P < 0.001), health care visits (P < 0.001), overload at work (P < 0.001), life satisfaction (P < 0.05), and work satisfaction (P < 0.05) were also significantly associated with pain symptoms, but the work duty was not (P > 0.05). Our findings are in accordance with earlier studies and confirm the strong relationship between neck pain, headache, orofacial pain. TMJ-related painless symptoms, and psychosocial factors. Furthermore, TMJ-related symptoms and painful conditions seem to be more associated with work-related psychosocial factors than with type of work itself.

Adult↗

Association of neck pain, disability and neck pain during maximal effort with neck muscle strength and range of movement in women with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Several studies have reported lower neck muscle strength in patients with chronic neck pain compared to healthy controls. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the severity of neck pain and disability with neck strength and range of movement in women suffering from chronic neck pain. One hundred and seventy-nine female office workers with chronic neck pain were selected to the study. The outcome was assessed by the self-rating questionnaires on neck pain (visual analogue scale, Vernon's disability index, Neck pain and disability index) and by measures of the passive range of movement (ROM) and maximal isometric neck muscle strength. No statistically significant correlation was found between perceived neck pain and the disability indices and the maximal isometric neck strength and ROM measures. However, the pain values reported during the strength tests were inversely correlated with the results of strength tests (r=-0.24 to -0.46), showing that pain was associated with decreased force production. About two-thirds of the patients felt pain during test efforts. Pain may prevent full effort during strength tests and hence the production of maximal force. Thus in patients with chronic neck pain the results do not always describe true maximal strength, but rather the patients' ability to bear strain, which may be considerably influenced by their painful condition. The results of the present study suggest that rehabilitation in cases of chronic neck pain should aim at raising tolerance to mechanical strain.

Adult↗

Regional musculoskeletal conditions: neck pain.

Neck pain is second only to low back pain as the most common musculoskeletal disorder in population surveys and primary care, and, like low back pain, it poses a significant health and economic burden, being a frequent source of disability. While most individuals with acute neck pain do not seek health care, those that do account for a disproportionate amount of health care costs. Furthermore, in the setting of the whiplash syndrome, neck pain accounts for significant costs to society in terms of insurance and litigation, and days lost from work. Much neck pain is not attributable to a specific disease or disorder and is labelled as 'soft-tissue' rheumatism or muscular/mechanical/postural neck pain. Most chronic neck pain is attributed to whiplash injury, another enigmatic diagnosis. Despite decades of research and posturing to explain chronic neck pain on the basis of a specific disease or injury, and despite increasingly sophisticated radiological assessment, little advance has been made in either achieving a specific structural diagnosis or, more importantly, in reducing the health and economic burden of chronic neck pain. There is some evidence, however, that measures which address the psychosocial factors that promote pain chronicity, and shift the patient's view away from injury and disease to more benign perspectives on their condition, may be helpful. This chapter considers briefly the magnitude of the neck pain problem, our limitations in understanding it from a traditional medical perspective, and suggestions for therapeutic and societal approaches that appear more likely to be helpful.

Acute Disease↗

[Retropharyngeal tendinitis. Differential diagnosis in the management of acute neck pain].

Neck pain is frequent and can be a symptom of numerous differential diagnoses with quite different diagnostic and therapeutic consequences. A 37-year-old woman reported acute neck pain aggravated by movements of the cervical spine and head and by swallowing. Clinical examination showed pronounced neck stiffness. T2-weighted MRI demonstrated high-intensity edema and effusion localized prevertebrally in the area of the superior part of the longus colli muscle. Computed tomography of this region demonstrated prevertebral calcification leading to the diagnosis of retropharyngeal tendinitis. Nonsteroidal antiphlogistic drugs led to rapid improvement of clinical signs and symptoms. Retropharyngeal tendinitis should be considered in patients with acute neck pain.

Acute Disease↗

Widespread pain and neck pain in schoolchildren. A prospective one-year follow-up study.

The aims of this study were to prospectively follow up population-based cohorts of children with widespread pain, children with neck pain and pain-free children, in order to evaluate 1-y changes in pain symptoms and to evaluate predictors for persistent widespread pain and for the change of neck pain to widespread pain. A structured pain questionnaire, the Children's Depression Inventory, and a sleep questionnaire were completed by the pre-adolescent cohorts, and clinical evaluation with tender point palpation and pain threshold measurements was carried out in both years. The Child Behavior Checklist, the Teacher's Report Form and a sociodemographic questionnaire were completed at baseline. More children in the 2 pain cohorts reported pain at follow-up than did controls (p < 0.0001). Children with persistent widespread pain had lower pain thresholds compared with those whose pain classification changed. In the neck pain group, 19 (20.4%) reported widespread pain at follow-up. Although depressive symptoms and sleep problems were associated with the change of neck pain to widespread pain, neither they nor other measured factors showed independent explanatory power in multiple logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, fluctuation of pain symptoms occurred mainly among pain cohorts. Depressive and sleep problems may have an effect on the spreading of regional neck pain to widespread pain. Pain threshold measurement and evaluation of depressive and sleep problems may be useful tools for secondary prevention of musculoskeletal pain in pre-adolescents.

Adolescent↗

Approach to imaging the patient with neck pain.

Neck pain is a common complaint of patients seeking care in the outpatient setting, and the cases seen vary widely in severity and cause. A careful history and physical exam, followed by appropriate imaging studies, are essential for the orderly work-up and management of neck pain in the ambulatory patient. Available imaging studies include plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, and CT myelography. The general considerations necessary to select the appropriate imaging study are discussed for a broad spectrum of common disorders.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of chronic neck pain after neck dissection.

BACKGROUND: Neck dissection surgery is often followed by chronic head and neck pain. To date optimal treatment of this type of pain is lacking. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and headache. In a pilot study, we wanted to test the effectiveness of BTX-A for the treatment of chronic neck pain after neck dissection. METHODS: Sixteen patients with chronic neck pain after neck dissection were included in this prospective, open study. Eighty to 320 units of BTX-A (Dysport) were injected into muscular trigger points. Outcome measures included chronic pain and shooting pain on the basis of visual analog scales and quality of life improvement (EORTC QLQ-C-30; EORTC QLQ-H and N35) before and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Patients showed a significant reduction in chronic pain (4.5 before to 3.3 after treatment, p =,005) and in shooting pain (6.1 before to 4.7 after treatment, p =.005). There was a trend toward improvement in global quality of life (QLQ-C30, p =.097) and an increase on the functional scale "pain" (QLQ-H and N35, p =.071). CONCLUSIONS: BTX-A treatment of subjects with chronic neck pain after neck dissection resulted in a fast and significant reduction of pain. A significant improvement in quality of life may be expected in a longer time course after treatment.

Adult↗

Headache, neck pain, and neck mobility after acute whiplash injury: a prospective study.

STUDY DESIGN: A 6-month prospective study of neck mobility in patients with acute whiplash injury and a control group with acute ankle distortion was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To assess active neck mobility after acute whiplash and ankle distortion injuries, and to relate neck mobility to headache, neck pain, and speed of car at the time of collision. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A major problem after whiplash injury is restriction of neck mobility immediately subsequent to trauma. It is, however, unclear whether neck mobility changes after the acute injury are related to the associated headache and neck pain. METHODS: Cervical range of neck motion, neck pain, and headache were assessed after 1 week, then 1, 3, and 6 months after injury in 141 patients with acute whiplash injury, and in 40 patients with acute nonsport ankle distortion. RESULTS: Patients with whiplash injury had significantly reduced flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the neck immediately after injury, as compared with patients with ankle distortion injury. Neck mobility, however, was similar in the two groups after 3 months. In patients with whiplash injury, neck pain and neck mobility were found to be related inversely to reported headache and neck mobility. Neck mobility was not significantly related to a difference in car speed at the time of collision. CONCLUSIONS: Neck mobility is reduced immediately after, but not 3 months after, a whiplash trauma. Headache and neck mobility are related inversely and neck pain and neck mobility are related inversely during the first 6 months after acute whiplash injury.

Acute Disease↗

Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Despite the many published randomized clinical trials (RCTs), a substantial number of reviews and several national clinical guidelines, much controversy still remains regarding the evidence for or against efficacy of spinal manipulation for low back pain and neck pain. PURPOSE: To reassess the efficacy of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and mobilization (MOB) for the management of low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP), with special attention to applying more stringent criteria for study admissibility into evidence and for isolating the effect of SMT and/or MOB. STUDY DESIGN: RCTs including 10 or more subjects per group receiving SMT or MOB and using patient-oriented primary outcome measures (eg, patient-rated pain, disability, global improvement and recovery time). METHODS: Articles in English, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Dutch reporting on randomized trials were identified by a comprehensive search of computerized and bibliographic literature databases up to the end of 2002. Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed study quality according to eight explicit criteria. A best evidence synthesis incorporating explicit, detailed information about outcome measures and interventions was used to evaluate treatment efficacy. The strength of evidence was assessed by a classification system that incorporated study validity and statistical significance of study results. Sixty-nine RCTs met the study selection criteria and were reviewed and assigned validity scores varying from 6 to 81 on a scale of 0 to 100. Forty-three RCTs met the admissibility criteria for evidence. RESULTS: Acute LBP: There is moderate evidence that SMT provides more short-term pain relief than MOB and detuned diathermy, and limited evidence of faster recovery than a commonly used physical therapy treatment strategy. Chronic LBP: There is moderate evidence that SMT has an effect similar to an efficacious prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, SMT/MOB is effective in the short term when compared with placebo and general practitioner care, and in the long term compared to physical therapy. There is limited to moderate evidence that SMT is better than physical therapy and home back exercise in both the short and long term. There is limited evidence that SMT is superior to sham SMT in the short term and superior to chemonucleolysis for disc herniation in the short term. However, there is also limited evidence that MOB is inferior to back exercise after disc herniation surgery. Mix of acute and chronic LBP: SMT/MOB provides either similar or better pain outcomes in the short and long term when compared with placebo and with other treatments, such as McKenzie therapy, medical care, management by physical therapists, soft tissue treatment and back school. Acute NP: There are few studies, and the evidence is currently inconclusive. Chronic NP: There is moderate evidence that SMT/MOB is superior to general practitioner management for short-term pain reduction but that SMT offers at most similar pain relief to high-technology rehabilitative exercise in the short and long term. Mix of acute and chronic NP: The overall evidence is not clear. There is moderate evidence that MOB is superior to physical therapy and family physician care, and similar to SMT in both the short and long term. There is limited evidence that SMT, in both the short and long term, is inferior to physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data synthesis suggests that recommendations can be made with some confidence regarding the use of SMT and/or MOB as a viable option for the treatment of both low back pain and NP. There have been few high-quality trials distinguishing between acute and chronic patients, and most are limited to shorter-term follow-up. Future trials should examine well-defined subgroups of patients, further address the value of SMT and MOB for acute patients, establish optimal number of treatment visits and consider the cost-effectiveness of care.

Databases, Factual↗

Successful treatment of low back pain and neck pain after a motor vehicle accident despite litigation.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study evaluated 39 consecutive patients with low back pain (LBP) or neck pain that resulted from a motor vehicle accident who had litigation pending. METHODS: Patients completed a McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) to quantify pain and an Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (OSW) to quantify function and were interviewed regarding medications and work status at initial and final visits. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients completed an MPQ at initial and final visits. Pain decreased in 29 (88%) and increased in four (12%). Thirty-eight patients completed an OSW at initial and final visits. Function improved in 34 and worsened in four. The authors observed statistically significant improvements in pain, function, and medication use. CONCLUSION: Patients with low back pain or neck pain resulting from a motor vehicle accident showed a statistically significant improvement with treatment despite ongoing litigation.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Back and neck pain exhibit many common features in old age: a population-based study of 4,486 Danish twins 70-102 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of data comprising 4486 Danish twins 70-102 years of age. OBJECTIVES: To describe the 1-month prevalence of back pain, neck pain, and concurrent back and neck pain and the development of these over time, associations with other health problems, education, smoking, and physical, and mental functioning. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Back pain and neck pain are prevalent symptoms in the population; however, there is little research addressing these conditions in older age groups. METHODS: Extensive interview data on health, lifestyle, social, and educational factors were collected in a nationwide cohort-sequential study of 70+-year-old Danish twins. Data for back pain, neck pain, lifetime prevalence of a comprehensive list of diseases, education, and self-rated health were based on self-report. Physical and mental functioning were measured using validated performance tests. Data including associated factors were analyzed in a cross-sectional analysis for answers given at entry into the study, and longitudinal analysis was performed for participants in all four surveys. RESULTS: The overall 1-month prevalence for back pain only was 15%, for neck pain only 11%, and for concurrent back and neck pain 11%. The prevalence varied negligibly over time and between the age groups, and 63% of participants in all surveys had no episodes or only one episode of back or neck pain. Back pain and neck pain were associated with a number of other diseases and with poorer self-rated health. Back and neck pain sufferers had significantly lower scores on physical but not cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Back pain and neck pain are common, intermittent symptoms in old age. Back pain and neck pain are associated with general poor physical health in old age.

Aged↗

The role of physiotherapy in the management of non-specific back pain and neck pain.

This paper provides an overview of best practice for the role of physiotherapy in managing back pain and neck pain, based mainly on evidence-based guidelines and systematic reviews. More up-to-date relevant primary research is also highlighted. A stepped approach is recommended in which the physiotherapist initially takes a history and carries out a physical examination to exclude any potentially serious pathology and identify any particular functional deficits. Initially, advice providing simple messages of explanation and reassurance will form the basis of a patient education package. Self-management is emphasized throughout. A return to normal activities is encouraged. For the patient who is not recovering after a few weeks, a short course of physiotherapy may be offered. This should be based on an active management approach, such as exercise therapy. Manual therapy should also be considered. Any passive treatment should only be used if required to relieve pain and assist in helping patients get moving. Barriers to recovery need to be explored. Those few patients who have persistent pain and disability that interferes with their daily lives and work need more intensive treatment or a different approach. A multidisciplinary approach may then be optimal, although it is not widely available. Liaison with the workplace and/or social services may be important. Getting all players on side is crucial, especially at this stage.

Back Pain↗

Prevalence of cervical facet joint pain in chronic neck pain.

Neck pain is considered to be one of the most common chronic pain conditions in modern society. Various structures identified as capable of transmitting pain in the cervical spine include facet joints, intervertebral discs, nerve root dura, ligaments, fascia, and muscles. The prevalence of cervical facet joint pain in patients with chronic pain after whiplash has been determined as 54% to 60%. However, the prevalence of chronic cervical facet joint pain has not yet been determined in a heterogenous population or in patients with cervical spine pain of idiopathic origin in a controlled environment. This study evaluated 160 patients seen in one interventional pain management practice in a non-university setting. Cervical facet joints were investigated with diagnostic blocks using lidocaine 1% preservative free initially, followed by bupivacaine 0.25%, usually 2 to 4 weeks apart. The study population consisted of 76 women and 30 men aged 43 +/- 13 years of age (mean +/- SD). Mode of onset of neck pain was determined as following a traumatic incident in 48% of the patients, whereas it was with gradual onset without an identifiable specific incident in the remaining 55 patients (52%). Eighty-one or 70% of the patients (70%) reported a definite response to lidocaine blocks. Confirmatory blocks with bupivacaine were performed in 81 patients with 64 patients with 60% of the total sample, or 79%, of the lidocaine-positive group reporting definite response with improvement in their pain. Thus, a prevalence rate of facet joint pain in chronic neck pain was determined to be 60% (95% CI, 50%-70%), with a false positive rate of controlled diagnostic blocks of 40% (95% CI, 34%-46%).

Journal Article↗

The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire, devised to measure neck pain and disability.

Neck pain is common in rheumatological practice. Assessment of outcome is difficult without objective measures. A neck pain questionnaire using nine five-part sections has been devised to overcome this problem. Forty-four rheumatology out-patients with neck pain were studied. Questionnaires were completed on days 0 and 3-5, and at 1 and 3 months. There was good short-term repeatability (r = 0.84, kappa = 0.62). Mean scores of each of the nine sections tended to rise with that of the pain section showing internal consistency. Questions on duration and intensity of pain were good indicators of a patient's global assessment. The questionnaire is easy for patients to complete, simple to score and provides an objective measure to evaluate outcome in patients with acute or chronic neck pain.

Adult↗

Are patients with chronic low back pain or chronic neck pain fatigued?

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were the following: to determine if fatigue is present in chronic low back pain (LBP) and chronic neck pain patients to a greater extent than in controls (nonpatients); to determine which variables are associated with the presence of fatigue; and to determine which of the above chronic pain patient (CPP) groups is more fatigued. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first such study in the literature. DESIGN: Totals of 175 chronic LBP and 33 chronic neck pain patients completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS), and Beck Depression Inventory rating scales on admission. In addition, an information tool was completed on each CPP and contained the following information: demographics, primary and secondary pain diagnoses, DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses assigned, pain location, pain precipitating event, type of injury, years in pain, number of surgeries, types of surgery, type of pain pattern, opioids consumed per day in morphine equivalents, workers' compensation status, and whether, according to the clinical examination, the pain did or did not have a neuropathic component. Scores on the MFI were then compared with published norms for controls (nonpatients) via chi-squared tests. Bivariate analyses were conducted between the MFI subscales and the variables selected for analysis. Pearson correlations, analyses of variance, and t-tests were used to test for relationships between MFI scale scores and the appropriate variables. In the next step of the analysis, stepwise regression analyses were used to predict each of the MFI subscale scores using the variables that were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) related to fatigue by the preceding analysis. In the final analysis, the variables that were significant predictors of the fatigue subscales were controlled for as covariates in an analysis of variance in order to determine if chronic LBP patients had scores on the MFI subscales that were significantly different from those of chronic neck pain patients. SETTING: Multidisciplinary pain facility. PATIENTS: Chronic LBP and chronic neck pain patients. RESULTS: Chronic LBP and chronic neck pain patients were found to be significantly more fatigued than controls (nonpatients). Most of the MFI subscale scores could be predicted by four major variables: presence of neuropathic pain, female gender, presence of depression, and total number of DSM-IV diagnoses. Chronic LBP patients were as fatigued as chronic neck pain patients. CONCLUSIONS: The complaint of fatigue appears to be a significant problem for chronic LBP and chronic neck pain patients. This complaint may be associated with neuropathic pain, female gender, and psychiatric comorbidities.

Chronic Disease↗