Understanding the complete pathophysiology of chronic mild to moderate neck pain: Implications for the inclusion of a comprehensive sensorimotor evaluation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Cheever, Kelly M.^{a; *} | Myrer, J. William^b | Johnson, A. Wayne^b | Fellingham, Gilbert W.^c

Affiliations: [a] Department of Kinesiology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA | [b] Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA | [c] Statistics Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Kelly M. Cheever, Department of Kinesiology, Temple University, 1800 N. Broad Street 230 Pearson Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. Tel.: +1 801 856 3769; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inconsistencies in the literature concerning the effect of neck pain have led to a lack of understanding concerning the complete pathophysiology of neck pain. While the effect of neck pain on motor function as measured by active range of motion and isometric neck strength is well documented the effect of neck pain on sensory measures such as tactical acuity and neck reposition error (NRE) remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a combined sensorimotor evaluation to explore the potential benefits of incorporating both sensory and motor task into a physical evaluation of neck pain suffers to gain an added knowledge of the complete pathophysiology of their health status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that measured neck joint reposition error, tactical acuity, neck isometric strength and range of motion in 40 volunteer participants (22 pain, 18 control). RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in NRE in flexion (2.75∘± 1.52∘ vs. 4.53∘± 1.74∘ and in extension (3.78∘± 1.95∘ vs 5.77∘± 2.73∘ in participants suffering from neck pain was observed. Additionally, the dermatome C5 was found to be the most affected. No differences were found in neck strength or neck range of motion between healthy controls and patients with chronic moderate neck pain.

Keywords: Tactile acuity, neck reposition error, isometric neck strength, range of motion, two-point discrimination, proprioception training

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-169535

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 5, pp. 991-997, 2017