Correlation analysis of cervical spine dysfunction, pain and muscle strength in office workers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To expore the correlation between neck disability, neck pain and muscle strength in cervical pondylosis of office worker, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis. Methods: In April 2021 ,234 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated in the Subsidiary Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2015 to April 2017 were selected, the correlation between Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, neck pain and muscle strength was analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation method. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference of maximum muscle strength of isometric contraction. Results: NDI score was negatively correlated with neck flexion, extension, and muscle strength in the left and right flexion directions (r(s)=-0.164, -0.169, -0.222, -0.176, P=0.012, 0.010, 0.001 , 0.007). In mild and moderate functional disorder patients, the muscle strength in flexion, extension and left and right flexion direction was greater, the difference was statistically significant (P <0.01). Conclusion: There is a negative correlation between cervical functional disorder and cervical muscle strength in office workers, suggesting that strengthening cervical muscle strength may be a way to improve cervical spine function.

Clinical features of patients with chronic non-specific neck pain per disability level: A novel observational study

BACKGROUND To date, there are no cross-sectional studies considering the influence of disability level in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine kinesiophobia, active cervical range of movement (CROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) differences between different disability levels (mild, moderate, and severe) in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain and asymptomatic subjects. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited from a primary health care center and an outpatient department hospital. A total sample of 128 subjects, 96 of them with nonspecific chronic neck pain and 32 asymptomatic, were recruited. The NDI was used to divide the subjects with chronic neck pain into 3 groups (mild, moderate, and severe disability). The main outcome measurement was the Tampa Scale of kinesiophobia (TSK-11). The secondary outcome measurements were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), PPT (trapezius and tibialis anterior), CROM (flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral inclination) and pain duration. RESULTS The ANOVA results revealed, in the comparisons between groups, statistically significant differences for the VAS between the mild-severe (P < 0.01) and moderate-severe groups (P < 0.01), but not between the mild-moderate groups (P > 0.05); for the TSK, differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Kinesiophobia may not be influenced by disability level in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Nevertheless, pain intensity and chronicity of patients with severe neck disability are increased with respect to mild and moderate disability index.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Até a data, não há estudos transversais considerando a influência do nível de incapacidade em pacientes com dor de garganta crônica não específica. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi determinar a diferença entre os níveis de diminuição do colesterol cervical (Crom) e o limiar por dor de pressão (PPT) entre diferentes níveis de incapacidade (leve, moderada e grave) em indivíduos com dor crônica não específica no pescoço e sujeitos assintomáticos. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo transversal. Os indivíduos foram recrutados de um centro de saúde primário e de um hospital do departamento ambulatorial. Uma amostra total de 128 indivíduos, 96 indivíduos com dor no pescoço crônica não específica e 32 indivíduos assintomáticos, foi recrutada. O NDI foi usado para dividir os indivíduos com dor no pescoço crônica em três grupos (incapacidade leve, moderada e grave). A principal medida de resultados foi a Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). As medidas de resultado secundário foram a Escala Analógica Visual (VAS), PPT (trapézio e tibial anterior), Crom (flexão, extensão, rotação e inclinação lateral) e duração da dor. RESULTADOS Nos resultados da Anova revelados nas comparações entre os grupos, diferenças estatisticamente significativas para o VAS foram observadas entre os grupos leve-grave (P<0,01) e moderado-grave (P<0,01), mas não entre os grupos moderado-moderado (P>0,05). Para o TSK, as diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO A cinesiofobia pode não ser influenciada pelo nível de incapacidade em pacientes com dor no pescoço crônica não específica. No entanto, a intensidade da dor e a cronicidade de pacientes com deficiência grave do pescoço são aumentadas em relação ao índice de incapacidade leve e moderada.

Systemic diseases and other painful conditions in patients with temporomandibular disorders and migraine

Abstract Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a highly prevalent, painful musculoskeletal condition affecting the masticatory system, and are frequently associated with migraines (M) and other diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between painful TMD and M with other painful conditions and systemic diseases, such as cervicalgia, body pain (BP), ear-nose-throat disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, cardiopulmonary diseases and gastritis/peptic ulcer. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of 352 individuals. Participants were stratified into three groups according to the presence of painful TMD and M: controls [individuals free of TMD and any headache (HA)]; TMD only (presence of painful TMD, but free of any HA); and TMD+M (presence of painful TMD and M). TMD was classified according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) - Axis I. Nonspecific physical symptoms (NSPS) were assessed by RDC/TMD - Axis II. The International Classification of Headache Disorders - II criteria, second edition, were applied to identify and classify primary HA. Other painful conditions and systemic diseases were assessed by volunteers' self-report. The prevalence of all assessed conditions was higher in the TMD+M group. Multiple regression models showed that cervicalgia was associated with the TMD only group (p<0.05), whereas gender (p<0.05), cervicalgia (p<0.05), BP (p<0.05) and NSPS (p<0.05) were significantly associated with the TMD+M group. Our results suggest that individuals with a comorbidity (TMD associated with M) have a more severe condition than those presenting only painful TMD.

The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on pain and disability in cervical myofascial pain syndrome / Efetividade do kinesio taping na dor e incapacidade na síndrome dolorosa miofascial cervical

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and sham Kinesio Taping on pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and disability in cervical myofascial pain syndrome patients (MPS). Methods: This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study. Sixty-one patients with MPS were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 (n = 31) was treated with Kinesio Taping and group 2 (n = 30) was treated sham taping five times by intervals of 3 days for 15 days. Additionally, all patients were given neck exercise program. Patients were evaluated according to pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion and disability. Pain was assessed by using Visual Analog Scale, pressure pain threshold was measured by using an algometer, and active cervical range of motion was measured by using goniometry. Disability was assessed with the neck pain disability index disability. Measurements were taken before and after the treatment. Results: At the end of the therapy, there were statistically significant improvements on pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and disability (p < 0.05) in both groups. Also there was a statistical difference between the groups regarding pain, pressure pain threshold, cervical flexion-extension (p < 0.05); except cervical rotation, cervical lateral flexion and disability (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that Kinesio Taping leads to improvements on pain, pressure pain threshold and cervical range of motion, but not disability in short time. Therefore, Kinesio Taping can be used as an alternative therapy method in the treatment of patients with MPS.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a eficácia do kinesio taping e do taping placebo sobre a dor, limiar de dor à pressão, amplitude de movimento cervical e incapacidade em pacientes com síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM) cervical. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego controlado por placebo. Foram alocados em dois grupos, aleatoriamente, 61 pacientes com SDM. O grupo 1 (n = 31) foi tratado com kinesio taping e o grupo 2 (n = 30) foi tratado com taping placebo cinco vezes em intervalos de três dias, durante 15 dias. Além disso, todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um programa de exercícios para o pescoço. Os pacientes foram avaliados em relação à dor, ao limiar de dor à pressão, à amplitude de movimento cervical e à incapacidade. A dor foi avaliada com a escala visual analógica, o limiar de dor à pressão foi medido com um algômetro e a amplitude de movimento cervical ativa foi mensurada com a goniometria. A incapacidade foi avaliada com o Neck Pain Disability Scale. As mensurações foram feitas antes e depois do tratamento. Resultados: No fim do tratamento, houve melhoria estatisticamente significativa na dor, no limiar de dor à pressão, na amplitude de movimento cervical e na incapacidade (p < 0,05) em ambos os grupos. Também houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação à dor, ao limiar de dor à pressão e à flexão-extensão cervical (p < 0,05); não houve diferença na rotação cervical, flexão lateral cervical e incapacidade (p > 0,05). Conclusão: O kinesio taping leva à melhoria na dor, no limiar de dor à pressão e na amplitude de movimento cervical, mas não na incapacidade em um curto período. Portanto, o kinesio taping pode ser usado como um método de terapia opcional para o tratamento de pacientes com SDM.

Translation and validation of Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese / Tradução e validação do Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire para o português do Brasil

Abstract Objective: To translate the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese, cross-culturally adapt, and to verify its validity and its reliability. Methods: The development of the Brazilian version of Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (Brazil-NBQ) was based on the guideline proposed by Guillemin. The applied process consisted of translation, back-translation, committee review and pre-test. Sixty-one volunteers presenting neck pain participated in this study. Thirty-five of them participated during pre-testing phase to verify the instrument comprehension, and the remaining 26 took part during psychometric analysis. Psychometric evaluation included interrater and intrarater reliability and construct validity (correlation among Brazil-NBQ, SF-36, Numerical rating score and Neck Disability Index). Results: Some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence for Brazil-NBQ during the translation phase. The NBQ showed an intrarater ICC of 0.96 and interrater ICC of 0.87. Construct validity analysis showed moderate correlations with SF-36 and strong correlation with Numerical rating score and Neck Disability Index. Conclusion: Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to Portuguese language, and it demonstrated to be valid and reliable to evaluate patients’ neck pain.

Resumo Objetivo: Traduzir o Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire para o português do Brasil, adaptá-lo culturalmente e verificar a sua validade e confiabilidade. Métodos: O desenvolvimento da versão brasileira do Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ-Brasil) foi baseado nas diretrizes propostas por Guillemin. O processo aplicado consistiu em tradução, retrotradução, revisão por um comitê e pré-teste. Participaram deste estudo 61 voluntários que apresentavam dor cervical; 35 deles participaram durante a fase de pré-teste para verificar a compreensão do instrumento e os 26 restantes durante a análise psicométrica. A avaliação psicométrica incluiu a análise da confiabilidade interavaliadores e intra-avaliador e da validade do construto (correlação entre o NBQ-Brasil, o SF-36, a escala numérica de dor e o Neck Disability Index). Resultados: Alguns termos e algumas expressões foram alterados para se obter equivalência cultural com o NBQ-Brasil durante a fase de tradução. O NBQ mostrou uma CCI intra-avaliador de 0,96 e CCI interavaliadores de 0,87. A análise da validade do construto mostrou correlações moderadas com o SF-36 e correlação forte com a escala numérica de dor e o Neck Disability Index. Conclusão: O Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para o idioma português e demonstrou ser válido e confiável para avaliar a dor cervical dos pacientes.

Immediate and short-term effects of the combination of dry needling and percutaneous TENS on post-needling soreness in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain

ABSTRACT Background Dry needling (DN) and percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) are widely used techniques in the treatment of myofascial pain. Objective To investigate the immediate and short-term effects of the combination of DN and PENS compared to DN alone on the upper trapezius muscle. Method This is a 72-hour follow-up single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Sixty-two volunteer patients with chronic myofascial neck pain with active Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle were recruited. Randomization was performed, and 31 patients received DN treatment (DN group) and 31 received DN and PENS (DN+PENS group). The primary outcomes were neck disability index (NDI) and visual analog scale for pain for both post-needling soreness (PNS) and neck pain intensity (NPI). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and cervical range of motion (CROM) were the secondary outcomes. Results We detected between-group differences in NPI and PNS in favor of the DN+PENS group immediately after treatment. No between-group differences in NDI were observed. Conclusion PENS application after dry needling treatment is more effective than dry needling alone for decreasing soreness in the short term and improving neck pain intensity immediately in patients with myofascial chronic neck pain.

Reliability of new software in measuring cervical multifidus diameters and shoulder muscle strength in a synchronized way; an ultrasonographic study

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the inter-session reliability of new software to measure the diameters of the cervical multifidus muscle (CMM), both at rest and during isometric contractions of the shoulder abductors in subjects with neck pain and in healthy individuals.METHOD: In the present study, the reliability of measuring the diameters of the CMM with the Sonosynch software was evaluated by using 24 participants, including 12 subjects with chronic neck pain and 12 healthy individuals. The anterior-posterior diameter (APD) and the lateral diameter (LD) of the CMM were measured in a resting state and then repeated during isometric contraction of the shoulder abductors. Measurements were taken on separate occasions 3 to 7 days apart in order to determine inter-session reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were used to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability, respectively.RESULTS: The Sonosynch software has shown to be highly reliable in measuring the diameters of the CMM both in healthy subjects and in those with neck pain. The ICCs 95% CI for APD ranged from 0.84 to 0.94 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.86 to 0.94 in healthy subjects. For LD, the ICC 95% CI ranged from 0.64 to 0.95 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.82 to 0.92 in healthy subjects.CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurement of the diameters of the CMM using Sonosynch has proved to be reliable especially for APD in healthy subjects as well as subjects with neck pain.

Influence of craniomandibular and cervical pain on the activity of masticatory muscles in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder / Influência da dor craniomandibular e cervical na atividade dos músculos mastigatórios em indivíduos com Disfunção Temporomandibular

Purpose: This study aimed to establish the prevalence of pain in the craniomandibular and cervical spine region in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and to analyze the effects of these disorders on the bilateral activation of anterior temporalis (AT) and masseter (MA) muscles during the masticatory cycle. Methods: The participants were 55 female volunteers aged 18–30 years. The presence of TMD and craniomandibular and cervical spine pain was evaluated by applying the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and using a combination of tests for the cervical region. The muscle activity of AT and MA during the masticatory cycle was assessed using the symmetry and antero-posterior coefficient indices. Results: The AT activity during the masticatory cycle is more asymmetric in individuals with TMD. The craniomandibular pain, more prevalent in these individuals, influenced these results. Conclusion: Individuals with TMD showed changes in the pattern activity of AT. The craniomandibular nociceptive inputs can influence the increase in asymmetry of the activation of this muscle. .

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de dor nas regiões craniomandibular e cervical em indivíduos com Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) e analisar o efeito dessas desordens na ativação bilateral dos músculos temporal anterior (TA) e masseter (MA) durante o ciclo mastigatório. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 55 voluntários do sexo feminino com idade de 18 a 30 anos. A presença de DTM e de dor craniomandibular e cervical foi avaliada por meio do questionário Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) e uma combinação de testes para a região cervical. A análise da ativação muscular do TA e MA durante o ciclo mastigatório foi realizada através dos índices de simetria e do coeficiente anteroposterior. Resultados: A atividade dos músculos TA, durante o ciclo mastigatório, é mais assimétrica em indivíduos com DTM. A dor craniomandibular, mais prevalente nesses indivíduos, influencia nesses resultados. Conclusão: Indivíduos com DTM apresentam alteração no padrão mastigatório do músculo TA e estímulos nociceptivos da região craniomandibular podem influenciar no aumento da assimetria de ativação dessa musculatura. .

Cervical and shoulder postural assessment of adolescents between 15 and 17 years old and association with upper quadrant pain

Background: There is sparse literature that provides evidence of cervical and shoulder postural alignment of 15 to 17-year-old adolescents and that analyzes sex differences. Objectives: To characterize the postural alignment of the head and shoulder in the sagittal plane of 15 to 17-year-old Portuguese adolescents in natural erect standing and explore the relationships between three postural angles and presence of neck and shoulder pain. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two secondary schools in Portugal. 275 adolescent students (153 females and 122 males) aged 15 to 17 were evaluated. Sagittal head, cervical, and shoulder angles were measured with photogrammetry and PAS software. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment (ASES) was used to assess shoulder pain, whereas neck pain was self-reported with a single question. Results: Mean values of sagittal head, cervical, and shoulder angles were 17.2±5.7, 47.4±5.2, and 51.4±8.5º, respectively. 68% of the participants revealed protraction of the head, whereas 58% of them had protraction of the shoulder. The boys showed a significantly higher mean cervical angle, and adolescents with neck pain revealed lower mean cervical angle than adolescents without neck pain. 53% of the girls self-reported regular neck pain, contrasting with 19% of the boys. Conclusions: This data shows that forward head and protracted shoulder are common postural disorders in adolescents, especially in girls. Neck pain is prevalent in adolescents, especially girls, and it is associated with forward head posture. .

The physical, social and emotional aspects are the most affected in the quality of life of the patients with cervical dystonia / Os aspectos físicos, sociais e emocionais são os mais afetados na qualidade de vida dos pacientes com distonia cervical

Objective : Describe the functional, clinical and quality of life (QoL) profiles in patients with cervical dystonia (CD) with residual effect or without effect of botulinum toxin (BTX), as well as verify the existence of correlation between the level of motor impairment, pain and QoL. Method : Seventy patients were assessed through the Craniocervical dystonia questionnaire-24 (CDQ-24) and the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). Results : The greater the disability, pain and severity of dystonia, the worse the QoL (p<0.0001). Greater severity relates to greater disability (p<0.0001). Pain was present in 84% of the sample, being source of disability in 41%. The most frequent complaints were: difficulty in keeping up with professional and personal demands (74.3%), feeling uneasy in public (72.9%), hindered by pain (68.6%), depressed, annoyed or bitter (47.1%), lonely or isolated (32.9%). Conclusion : The physical, social and emotional aspects are the most affected in the QoL of these patients. .

Objetivo : Descrever o perfil funcional, clínico e de qualidade de vida (QV) de pacientes com distonia cervical (DC) com efeito residual ou sem efeito da toxina botulínica (BTX), bem como verificar a existência de correlação entre o nível de comprometimento motor, dor e QV. Método : Setenta pacientes foram avaliados através do Craniocervical dystonia questionnaire-24 (CDQ 24) e Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). Resultados : Quanto maior a incapacidade, dor e gravidade da distonia pior a QV (p<0,0001). A maior gravidade está relacionada à maior incapacidade (p<0,0001). A dor esteve presente em 84% da amostra sendo fonte de incapacidade em 41%. Dificuldade em manter-se com as demandas profissionais e pessoais (74,3%), sentir-se desconfortável em público (72,9%), prejudicado pela dor (68,6%), deprimido, irritado ou amargurado (47,1%), solitário ou isolado (32,9%) foram as queixas mais frequentes. Conclusão : Os domínios físico, social e emocional são os mais prejudicados na QV desses pacientes. .

[Symmetry of cervical multifidus muscle in females with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy by ultrasonography]

Multifidus muscle is one of the short and deep posterior Paraspinal muscles, which gives stability to the spine during various activities. Studies have shown that in people with neck pain, weakness and atrophy of neck muscles are major factors in the incidence of neck pain. Measurement of muscle's dimensions by ultrasonography provides an opportunity to be able to objectively assess muscle atrophy or hypertrophy. This study aimed to assess symmetry of cervical multifidus muscle size in females with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy by ultrasonography apparatus. Twenty five women with unilateral chronic nonspecific neck pain and 25 healthy women were participated in this study. All subjects were employed and more than 4 hours working with computers or paying office in a day. Imaging of the cervical multifidus muscles were done bilaterally in the level of the fourth vertebra. Anterior-Posterior Dimension [APD], Lateral Dimension[LD], Cross-Sectional Area [multiplied of two diameters[APD and LD]] and the Shape ratio [Lateral diameter divided by the Anterior-Posterior diameter[LD/APD]] of the muscle were measured and recorded. Multifidus muscle size in patients group was smaller than the healthy group. In patients group, size of multifidus muscle in the painful side was smaller than the opposite side. Asymmetry of muscle size between the two sides, in the patient group was higher than the control group [P < 0.05]. The ratio of smaller size to the larger size of the muscle, in the healthy group was higher than the ratio in the patient group [P < 0.05]. In patients group, asymmetry of the muscle size between two sides, also smaller size of the muscle in the painful side, showed that muscle atrophy has happened in the involved side

Cervical spine dysfunction signs and symptoms in individuals with temporomandibular disorder / Frequência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção cervical em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular

PURPOSE: To study the frequency of cervical spine dysfunction (CCD) signs and symptoms in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and to assess the craniocervical posture influence on TMD and CCD coexistence. METHODS: Participants were 71 women (19 to 35 years), assessed about TMD presence; 34 constituted the TMD group (G1) and 37 comprised the group without TMD (G2). The CCD was evaluated through the Craniocervical Dysfunction Index and the Cervical Mobility Index. Subjects were also questioned about cervical pain. Craniocervical posture was assessed by cephalometric analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in the craniocervical posture between groups. G2 presented more mild CCD frequency and less moderate and severe CCD frequency (p=0.01). G1 presented higher percentage of pain during movements (p=0.03) and pain during cervical muscles palpation (p=0.01) compared to G2. Most of the TMD patients (88.24%) related cervical pain with significant difference when compared to G2 (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Craniocervical posture assessment showed no difference between groups, suggesting that postural alterations could be more related to the CCD. Presence of TMD resulted in higher frequency of cervical pain symptom. Thus the coexistence of CCD and TMD signs and symptoms appear to be more related to the common innervations of the trigeminocervical complex and hyperalgesia of the TMD patients than to craniocervical posture deviations.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar a frequência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção da coluna cervical (DCC) em indivíduos com e sem disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) e avaliar a influência da postura craniocervical sobre a coexistência da DTM e da DCC. MÉTODOS: Participaram 71 mulheres, com idades entre 19 e 35 anos, que foram avaliadas quanto à presença de DTM. Destas, 34 constituíram o grupo com DTM (G1) e 37 participaram compuseram o grupo sem DTM (G2). A DCC foi avaliada pelo Índice de Disfunção Clínica Craniocervical e pelo Índice de Mobilidade Cervical. Questionou-se, ainda, a queixa de dor cervical. A postura craniocervical foi aferida por meio do traçado cefalométrico. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na entre os grupos quanto à postura craniocervical. O G2 apresentou maior frequência de DCC leve e menor frequência de DCC moderada ou grave (0,01). O G1 apresentou maiores percentuais de frequência de dor durante a execução do movimento e dor à palpação dos músculos cervicais. No G1, a maioria (88,24%) das participantes relatou dor cervical, com diferença em relação ao G2. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na postura craniocervical entre os grupos, o que sugere que as alterações posturais estejam mais relacionadas à ocorrência de DCC. A presença de DTM resultou em maior frequência de sintomas dolorosos na região cervical. Assim, a coexistência de sinais e sintomas de DCC e DTM parece estar mais relacionada à inervação comum do complexo trigêmino-cervical e à hiperalgesia de indivíduos com DTM do que à alteração postural craniocervical.

Prevalência de disfuncões crânio cervicais em pacientes portadores de disfunções temporomandibulares / Prevalence of cranio spine difunction in patients with temporomandibular difunction

O presente estudo teve como objetivos determinar a prevalência de Disfunções Crânio Cervicais (DCC) em voluntários portadores de Disfunções Temporomandibulares (DTM). Foram se¬lecionados 200 voluntários do serviço de triagem da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, os quais foram avaliados por meio da ficha clínica ela¬borada pelo Centro de Estudos e Tratamento das Alterações Funcionais do Sistema Estomatognático (CETASE) para o diagnóstico de DTM. Os voluntários que apresentaram sinais e síntomas positivos para as DTM foram submetidos a um novo exame clínico para avaliação de DCC. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram uma prevalência de 69% de DCC em voluntários portadores de DTM. Os sinais e sintomas de maior prevalência para as duas patologias foram presença de ruído articular, dor nas articulações tem poro mandibulares e dor à palpação nos músculos mas¬seter e trapézio. Em conclusão, devido à significante prevalência da associação entre DCC e DTM se torna importante a investigação clínica das estruturas cervicais durantes os exames físicos para o diagnóstico das DTM.

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Cervical Spine Disfunction (CSD) in volunteers with Temporomandibular Disfunction (TMD). 200 volunteers were selected from the screening service of Dentistry School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas, which were evaluated by records prepared by the Center for Research and Treatment of Functional Alterations of the Stomatognathic System (CETASE) for the diagnosis of TMD. Volunteers who presented positive signs and symptoms of TMD underwent a new clinical examination for C5D. The results showed a prevalence of 69% of CSD in volunteers with TMD. The most frequently signs and symptoms observed for the two diseases were the presence of joint noise, temporomandibular joint pain, pain on palpation in the masseter and trapezius muscles. In conclusion, due to the significant association between prevalence of CSD and TMD becomes important clinical research of neck structures during the physical examination for the diagnosis ofTMD.

Tratamiento percutáneo de hernias discales y dolor discogénico de columna cervical y lumbar con etanol gelificado radiopaco / Percutaneous treatment of cervical and lumbar disc herniation and discogenic pain with radiopaque gelified ethanol

This study documents the efficacy of chemonucleolysis with radiopaque gelified ethanol in the treatment of cervical and lumbar disc herniation and discogenic pain. Ten patients underwent this procedure between April 1 and June 30, 2010. Satisfactory results were obtained in 100 percent of patients. There were no adverse events reported during or post-procedure and a significant reduction in pain and analgesic intake after intradiscal injection was registered. This technique, simple and safe to perform, yielded satisfactory results; thus, it appears to be a good alternative in the treatment of herniated discs and discogenic pain.

Este estudio reporta el resultado de quimionucleolisis usando etanol gelificado radiopaco en el tratamiento de hernias discales o dolor discogénico en columna cervical y lumbar. La muestra de pacientes fue relativamente pequeña y corresponde al periodo del 1º de abril al 30 de junio de 2011. Los resultados fueron satisfactorios en el 100 por ciento de los pacientes. No hubo eventos adversos durante y luego del procedimiento. Se observó significativa reducción de analgésicos y dolor después del procedimiento. Esta técnica fue relativamente simple de realizar y segura en su aplicación mostrando buenos resultados. Promete ser una buena alternativa en el tratamiento de hernias discales o dolor discogénico.

Terapia manipulativa ortopédica na dor vertebral crônica: uma revisão sistemática / Manipulative orthopedic therapy for chronic spinal pain: a systematic review

Analisar a eficácia da Terapia Manipulativa Ortopédica (TMO) nos casos de dores vertebrais crônicas. Métodos: Uma busca sistematizada foi realizada nas bases de dados PEDro, Medline e Science Direct no mês de junho de 2010, reunindo ensaios clínicos randomizados recentes que documentassem os efeitos da TMO na Dor Vertebral Crônica. Todos os trabalhos tiveram suas qualidades metodológicas avaliadas pela escala de PEDro e somente os estudos com notas acima de cinco foram revisados. Os dados foram extraídos de forma padronizada de cada estudo. Resultados: Foram revisados oito artigos sobre dor cervical crônica e onze sobre dor lombar crônica. Quanto a dor cervical crônica, seis estudos mostraram que a TMO associada a exercícios são eficazes, mantendo a melhora dos sintomas por até 24 meses. Um estudo mostrou que a TMO (sem exercícios) é superior à massagem e outro estudo mostrou que a TMO proporciona alívio imediato da dor. Quanto a dor lombar crônica, cinco ensaios clínicos mostraram que a TMO associada a exercícios são eficazes a curto e longo prazo; dois trabalhos mostraram que a TMO é mais eficaz do que analgésicos e anti-inflamatórios. Três estudos mostram que a TMO como único tratamento é eficaz, um estudo mostra que a manipulação não é mais eficaz que exercícios de extensão. Conclusão: As técnicas de TMO (exceto osteopatia) são recursos eficazes nos casos de dores crônicas da coluna. Entretanto, seus efeitos de redução da dor ocorrem somente a curto prazo, sendo necessário a associação de exercícios terapêuticos para um resultado eficaz a longo prazo. Mais estudos devem ser feitos para comparar diferentes técnicas de TMO e diferentes técnicas de exercícios entre si nos casos de dores crônicas da coluna.

To examine the effectiveness of Manipulative Orthopedic Therapy (MOT) in cases of Chronic Vertebral Pain. Methods: a systematic search was performed in PEDro, Medline, and Science Direct databases in June 2010, retrieving recent randomized clinical trials that documented the effects of MOT in Chronic Vertebral Pain. All of the studies had their methodological quality assessed by the PEDro scale and only those studies with scores higher than five were reviewed. Data were extracted in a standardized manner for each study. Results: Eight articles about chronic cervical pain and eleven articles about chronic low back pain were reviewed. On chronic cervical pain, six papers showed that MOT associated with exercises was effective, maintaining the improvement of symptoms for up to 24 months. One study showed that MOT (with no exercises) was better than massage and another study showed that MOT provided immediate pain relief. In chronic low back pain, five clinical trials showed that MOT associated with exercises was effective in the short and long term; two papers showed that MOT was more effective than analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Three studies showed that MOT is effective as a single treatment and one study showed that MOT is no more effective than stretching exercises. Conclusion: The MOT techniques (except osteopathy) are effective remedies in cases of chronic spinal pain. However, its effects in reduction of pain occur only in the short term and the combination of therapeutic exercises is needed for an effective long term result. More studies should be made to compare different MOT techniques and different exercise techniques with each other in cases of chronic spinal pain.

Activación neuromuscular normal y disfuncional de la musculatura flexora cervical en desórdenes dolorosos cervicales / Normal and dysfunctional neuromuscular activation of cervical flexor muscles in cervical pain

Los desordenes dolorosos cervicales han aumentado su prevalencia en la sociedad y representan un elevado costo socioeconómico. Estudios randomizados han reportado que los desordenes dolorosos cervicales, independiente de su causa, estén asociados a una inhibición de la musculatura flexora cervical profunda y a sobre actividad de los músculos flexores cervicales superficiales y axioescapulares. El desarrollo de test clínicos que evalúan la capacidad contráctil de la musculatura flexora cervical han contribuido en poder comprender de mejor forma los procesos neuromecánicos y neurofisiológicos desarrollados a nivel del sistema neuro artro músculo esquelético cervical y su implicancia en el control motor espinal de columna cervical, donde la estabilidad vertebral es dependiente de la integridad del sistema sensorio motriz. Evidencia irrefutable de la literatura señalan que los sujetos con desordenes dolorosos cervicales presentan un deterioro en la activación de la musculatura flexora cervical, tanto espacial como temporal. Estudios de electrofisiología neuromuscular han reportado que los sujetos asintomáticos de dolor cervical presentan un patrón de activación de los músculos flexores cervicales profundos independientes del sentido del movimiento, Sin embargo, los sujetos con desordenes dolorosos cervicales desarrollan un patrón de activación dirección dependiente asociado a un retardo en el timig de activación y de fatigabilidad precoz en tareas de baja carga. La sobre actividad muscular a nivel de los flexores cervicales superficiales y a nivel de la musculatura axioescapular, ha sido interpretada como nuevo patrón de reorganización neuromuscular, programado, planificado y desarrollado por el SNC para intentar compensar el déficit en el control motor generado por la inhibición de los flexores cervicales profundos.

Cervical painful disorders have increased their prevalence in the society and represent a high socio-economic cost. Randomized studies have reported that cervical painful disorders, regardless of their origin, are associated to a superficial flexor-cervical musculature and axioscapular over activity. The development of clinical tests that evaluate the contractile capacity of the cervical flexor musculature have contributed to enabling us to understand in a better way the neuromechanic and neuro-physiologic processes developed at the level of cervical scheletic neuro-arthro-muscle and its implication of the spine motor control of the cervical column, where the vertebrae stability depends of the integrity of the motor sensorial system. Irrefutable evidence of the literature stated that cervical painful disorders present deterioration in the cervical flexor musculature activation, both spatial as well as temporal. Neuromuscular electro-physiology studies have I reported that the asymptomatic individuals of cervical pain present a pattern of cervical flexor muscles activation independent of the movement direction. Nevertheless, individuals with cervical painful disorders develop a dependent activation pattern associated to delay in the activation timing and of early fatigability in low load tasks. The muscular over-activity at the level of superficial cervical flexor and at the level or the axioscapular musculature has been interpreted as the new pattern of neuromuscular reorganization, programmed, planned and developed by the SNC to attempt compensating the deficit in the motor control generated by the inhibition of the deep cervical flexors.

Analysis of the postural stability in individuals with or without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability and the distribution of weight of individuals with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) when placed in an orthostatic position. Forty female volunteers, participating in this study, were distributed into a control and a TMD group. Clinical examinations of the craniomandibular system and of the neck were performed. Postural stability was evaluated using a stabilographic platform. Through this system, the sway index (SI), the maximum medial-lateral distance (MMLD), the maximum anterior-posterior distance (MAPD) and the medial-lateral symmetry (MLS) could be determined. Tests were performed in the mandibular rest position and during isometric and isotonic contraction. The variables were analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA. The level of significance was p < 0.05. The results of this study indicate that individuals with TMD present more pain in the cervical region (p < 0.05). The group with TMD showed a significant reduction in SI (p < 0.05), MMLD (p < 0.05) and MLS (p < 0.01). Individuals with TMD presented greater postural asymmetry, and cervical pain demonstrated a potential link with an increase in postural stability.

Comparison of electromyographic responses of superficial neck muscles in patients with chronic neck pain and healthy subjects during posterior - anterior perturbation

Several studies have reported significant disturbances in vertical posture during various standing and walking conditions, but there is little evidence about the behavior of related muscles in dynamic conditions such as external perturbation, so this study was done to investigate and to compare the delay in response of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles as two superficial muscles in the neck area, in posterior-anterior perturbation among patients with chronic neck pain and healthy subjects. This study was a case-control study with simple nonprobable sampling. 32 subjects [16 healthy subjects and 16 patients with chronic neck pain] participated the study. Data collection was done using questionnaire and test performance. The equipments included dynamometer, chronometer and surface kinesiology electromyography. Dropping the weight equal to 10% of total body weight, performed using electrical magnet, followed by pulling of the trunk inducing perturbation was performed. There were significant statistical differences in response onset of upper trapezius [p=0.032] and sternocleidomastoid [p=0.012] muscles between two groups. This meant the response onset in patients was longer than healthy subjects. Pain can change the onset of response of trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles and possibly decrease muscle activity in deep muscles and change the pattern of muscle activation and possibly it can increase the risk of injury in patients with chronic neck pain

Cervicobraquialgia / Neck pain

A dor em região cervical e braços é uma queixa comum. A dor pode ser fruto de alteração em diversas estruturas, por isso, seu diagnóstico diferencial é extenso. Os autores apresentam uma revisão sobre cervicobraquialgia, seu impacto socioeconômico, fatores etiológicos e aspectos importantes a serem observados durante anamnese e exame fisico. O diagnóstico, exames complementares e modalidades terapêuticas também são analisados. Por fim, apresentamos os recentes progressos na área terapêutica e profilática