Ultrasonic Characterization of the Upper Trapezius Muscle in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: To date, there is a lack of prior studies on the use of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RF) to treat neck pain. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RF=448 kHz), in comparison with a placebo, on (1) reducing neck pain intensity at myofascial trigger points (MTrP), (2) decreasing neck disability and (3) improving cervical range of motion (CROM). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02353195) was carried out. Patients with myofascial chronic neck pain (N=24) with active MTrP in one upper trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two groups: a radio-frequency group, which received eight sessions of a monopolar capacitive resistive radio-frequency application over the upper trapezius muscle, and a placebo group (PG), which received eight sessions of placebo radio-frequency over the same muscle. Visual analog scale (VAS), CROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were evaluated after the first session and after the eight sessions. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test for VAS showed statistically significant differences between baseline, immediately after the first session and after eight sessions (p<.001). No significant differences for PG were found. No differences were observed between groups. NDI improved in both groups after eight sessions, but no differences were found between groups (p<.05). ANOVA for time factor showed statistically significant changes in the right cervical rotation in both groups (F=4.112; p=.026) after eight sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there were no differences between both groups, the monopolar capacitive, resistive RF could have a potential effect on pain intensity.

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Shear wave elastography of the upper trapezius muscle in patient with chronic neck pain: is there a correlation between elastic modulus and intensity of pain?

10.21203/rs.2.21900/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Junsheng Ge ◽

Jun Zhang ◽

Zhi Jie Zhang

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Shear Wave ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Chronic Neck Pain ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle

Abstract Background Chronic neck pain is a common discomfort and the alteration of elasticity of the upper trapezius in pathological conditions is unknown. Therefore, the aims of this investigation were (1) to determine the intra- and inter-operator reliability of evaluating the elasticity of the upper trapezius by shear wave elastography in individuals with chronic neck pain; (2) to examine the alteration for the upper trapezius during cervical flexion; and (3) to explore the correlation between elasticity of the upper trapezius and pain intensity. Methods Thirty individuals with chronic neck pain were recruited for this study. Alteration in elasticity of upper trapezius was evaluated by shear wave elastography during cervical flexion at 0°and 50°. Results The intra- and inter-operator reliability was excellent with the intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.92 to 0.98. An increase of 30.80% was shown in the elasticity of the upper trapezius during cervical flexion of the painful side. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between elasticity of the upper trapezius and intensity of pain (rho=0.647, P <0.05). Conclusion Shear wave elastography is a feasible tool for assessing changes of elasticity in muscles, and the findings in this investigation might be a good reference of evaluating upper trapezius elastic alterations in chronic neck pain.

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Assessment of the Upper Trapezius Muscle Temperature in Women With and Without Neck Pain

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics ◽

10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.04.006 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 413-417 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Almir Vieira Dibai Filho ◽

Amanda Carine Packer ◽

Ana Cláudia de Souza Costa ◽

Kelly Cristina dos Santos Berni-Schwarzenbeck ◽

Delaine Rodrigues-Bigaton

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Muscle Temperature ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle

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Association between widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity, health history, and trigger points in subjects with neck pain

Scandinavian Journal of Pain ◽

10.1016/j.sjpain.2017.04.013 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 168-168

Author(s):

Matteo Castaldo ◽

Antonella Catena ◽

César Fernández-de-las-Peñas ◽

Lars Arendt-Nielsen

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Tibialis Anterior ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Pressure Pain ◽

Pain Hypersensitivity ◽

Health History ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽

Extensor Carpi Radialis

Abstract Aims Health history (medical conditions, comorbid musculoskeletal pain, surgical operation, long term intake of medications) may contribute to central sensitization. The duration and the number of the peripheral nociceptive input seem to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of sensitization. No study has previously investigated these relationships. Our aim was to investigate the association between pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and health history in patients with neck pain, and the role of active trigger points (TrPs) on PPTs. Methods Thirty-four subjects with mechanical neck pain and 34 with whiplash-associated neck pain participated. They underwent an assessment of PPTs over upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis longus, and tibialis anterior muscles, and were screened for the presence of active TrPs in upper trapezius muscle. Further, patients fulfilled a questionnaire investigating health history outcomes number and duration. Results Significant negative correlations between all PPTs and the duration of health history outcomes were found in both groups (all, P < 0.02), with no correlations between PPTs and the number of health history outcomes (all, P > 0.15). Significant lower PPTs over upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis longus, and tibialis anterior (all, P < 0.01) muscles were found in subjects with active TrPs as compared to those with latent TrPs. Conclusions Widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity was associated with the duration, but not the number, of health history outcomes suggesting that long-lasting health complains may act as triggering factor driving sensitization in individuals with neck pain regardless the origin of neck pain. Patients with active TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle showed higher widespread pressure sensitivity than those with latent TrPs. These data should be included in the assessment of neck pain subjects, as they may be useful for planning the management of their symptoms.

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Evaluation of the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-015-0623-3 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Simone Aparecida Penimpedo Calamita ◽

Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez ◽

Nivea Cristina De Melo ◽

Douglas Meira dos Santos ◽

Roberta de Lassa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Electromyographic Activity ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle

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Immediate effect of muscle energy technique versus passive stretching for upper trapezius muscle on neck pain

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20205566 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 86

Author(s):

Mansi Ray ◽

Roopa Desai

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Passive Stretching ◽

Muscle Energy Technique ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽

Muscle Energy ◽

Carry Over ◽

Cervical Rotation ◽

Hot Pack

Background: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem in the General population. Upper trapezius is a superficial postural muscle that tends to get shortened due to overuse activity which causes neck pain and reduces neck mobility. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate effect of Muscle energy technique (MET) and passive stretching of upper trapezius muscle in neck pain patients.Methods: An experimental study was undertaken during period from March 2017 to March 2018. 358 participants with Neck pain were included in this study. Participants were divided in two groups: Group A received Hot pack and MET for upper Trapezius. Group B received Hot pack and Passive stretching for upper trapezius. Visual analogue scale (VAS) at end range of motion (ROM), same cervical side flexion and opposite side cervical rotation by goniometer and tape were taken as outcome measures. Participants were assessed prior to the treatment, immediately after the treatment and post 24 hours to see the carry over treatment.Results: Mann Whitney U test showed that VAS at end range of motion, opposite side cervical rotation and same side cervical side flexion had significant improvement in MET group as compared to passive stretching group (p<0.0001). Carry over effect was less significant with p<0.0001.Conclusions: A single session of MET for upper trapezius muscle reduced the pain intensity (VAS) and increased the cervical rotation and cervical side flexion.

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Visceral Manipulation Decreases Pain, Increases Cervical Mobility and Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Trapezius Muscle in Non-Specific Neck Pain Subjects with Functional Dyspepsia: Two Case Reports

International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Research Education & Practice ◽

10.3822/ijtmb.v12i2.399 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 25-30

Author(s):

Andréia C. O. Silva, PT, MSc ◽

Claudia S. Oliveira, PT, PhD ◽

Daniela A. Biasotto-Gonzalez, PT, PhD ◽

Marco A. Fumagalli, Eng, PhD ◽

Fabiano Politti, PT, PhD

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Case Reports ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Electromyographic Activity ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Emg Signal ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽

One Year

Background and Purpose: The lack of clear knowledge about the etiology of nonspecific neck pain (NS-NP) strengthens the need for other mech-anisms, still poorly described in the literature, to be investigated. Therefore, a quantitative analysis of two cases of NS-NP in subjects with functiona dyspepsia was conducted in order to verify the immediate and seven-day postintervention effects of visceral manipulation (VM) to the stomach and liver on neck pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper trapezius muscle. Case Description: Case A was an 18-year-old female with a complaint of nonspecific neck pain for one year, with reported pain on waking, momentary intermittent pain, and occasional symptoms of paresthesia in the upper limbs. Case B was a 25-year-old female with a complaint of cervical pain for one year, accompanied by pain in the unilateral temporomandibular joint, and medial thoracic region. Both cases presented functional dyspepsia.Outcomes: The results demonstrated (sub-jects A and B, respectively) a general increase in cervical ROM (range: 12.5% to 44.44%) and amplitude of the EMG signal (immediately postintervention: 57.62 and 20.78; post seven days: 53.54% and 18.83%), and an increase in muscle fiber conduction velocity immediately postintervention (4.44% and 7.44%) and a de-crease seven days postintervention (25.25% and 21.18%). For pain, a decrease was observed immediately postintervention (23.07% and 76.92%) and seven days postintervention (100% for both subjects). Discussion: A single VM provided important clinical improvement in neck pain, cervical spine range of motion, and EMG activity of the upper trapezius muscle, immediately and seven days postintervention in two NS-NP subjects with func-tional dyspepsia.

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