Thoracic Spine Pain in Adolescents and Its Association With Electronic Devices and Other Factors

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of thoracic spine pain (TSP) in adolescents and to analyze its association with sociodemographic characteristics, use of electronic devices, habitual practice of physical activity and mental health problems. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 1628 students of public schools from the city of Bauru/SP. Data collection: 1. Characterization of the participants, use of electronic devices (TV, computer, tablet and phone), psychosocial factors and lifestyle; 2. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ); 3. Baecke Questionnaire; 4. Nordic questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. Results: The overall prevalence of TSP was 51.5% (CI 49.1 to 53.9). Women showed a prevalence of 59.6% (CI 56.2 to 62.9) and men of 43.1% (CI 39.7 to 46.5), with significant difference. The variables associated with TSP were: female gender (PR= 1.96), use of computer for more than 3 hours per day (PR= 1.29), use of computer for more than 3 times per week (PR= 1.35), distance from eye to the computer screen (PR= 1.29), use of cell phone in semi-lying position (PR= 1.37), time of use of cell phone for more than 3 hours per day (PR= 1.44), use of tablet in sitting position (PR= 1.47) and presence of mental health problems (PR= 2.62) Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of TSP in adolescents and a marked association with female sex, the use of electronic devices, the presence of mental health problems. The level of physical activity was a protective factor.

Widespread Pressure Pain Sensitivity and Referred Pain from Trigger Points in Patients with Upper Thoracic Spine Pain

Objectives The presence of trigger points (MTrPs) and pressure pain sensitivity has been well documented in subjects with neck and back pain; however, it has yet to be examined in people with upper thoracic spine pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of MTrPs and mechanical pain sensitivity in individuals with upper thoracic spine pain. Methods Seventeen subjects with upper thoracic spine pain and 17 pain-free controls without spine pain participated. MTrPs were examined bilaterally in the upper trapezius, rhomboid, iliocostalis thoracic, levator scapulae, infraspinatus, and anterior and middle scalene muscles. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed over T2, the C5-C6 zygapophyseal joint, the second metacarpal, and the tibialis anterior. Results The numbers of MTrPs between both groups were significantly different (P < 0.001) between patients and controls. The number of MTrPs for each patient with upper thoracic spine pain was 12.4 ± 2.8 (5.7 ± 4.0 active TrPs, 6.7 ± 3.4 latent TrPs). The distribution of MTrPs was significantly different between groups, and active MTrPs within the rhomboid (75%), anterior scalene (65%), and middle scalene (47%) were the most prevalent in patients with upper thoracic spine pain. A higher number of active MTrPs was associated with greater pain intensity and longer duration of pain history. Conclusions This study identified active MTrPs and widespread pain hypersensitivity in subjects with upper thoracic spine pain compared with asymptomatic people. Identifying proper treatment strategies might be able to reduce pain and improve function in individuals with upper thoracic spine pain. However, future studies are needed to examine this.