Differences in Cervical Multifidus Muscle Thickness During Isometric Contraction of Shoulder Muscles: A Comparison Between Patients With Chronic Neck Pain and Healthy Controls

Differential Activation of the Dorsal Neck Muscles During a Light Arm‐Elevation Task in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Controls: An Ultrasonographic Study

“…Therefore, the cervical muscles become active to stabilize the cervical spine against the imposed perturbation due to vertebral rotation. This finding is in agreement with the results of previous studies [16‐18]. Karimi et al [16] found deep dorsal neck muscles thickness changes during a maximal voluntary isometric task of the upper extremity, which showed the major role of the deep cervical muscles in providing the spine stability.…”

“…The weakness of the dorsal neck muscles observed in patients with CNNP may adversely affect cervical stability when coping with the imposed perturbations of daily activities. Several studies have reported such deterioration in dorsal neck muscles function after chronic neck pain [16‐18].…”

Systematic review of quantitative imaging biomarkers for neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders

“…Within cases mean difference in the bilateral semispinalis capitis thickness: painful side < asymptomatic side, p < 0.05. Yes ↑ mean difference in the bilateral semispinalis capitis thickness in cases ↓ mean difference in the bilateral semispinalis capitis thickness in painful side Neck pain Rahnama (2015) [ 52 ] Multifidus muscle thickness change w. shoulder MVC in 6 directions Multifidus muscle thickness: baseline: NS, cases vs. controls; During MVC: significant interaction of group x force, controls > cases ( p = 0.03). NS, cases vs. controls group x direction; 3- & 4-way interactions involving group.…”

“…Decreased muscle dimensions were observed in cases in the cervical multifidus during rest [ 47 ]. In Rahnama et al [ 52 ], no difference in multifidus muscle thickness was observed during baseline, but there was a smaller increase in cases than in controls in muscle thickness from baseline values during isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). An increased muscle shape ratio (ratio between lateral and anterior-posterior dimensions) was seen in the multifidus of cases [ 47 ].…”

“…Evidence was found for the following quantitative imaging biomarkers: With respect to referents, decreased neck muscle size was observed in cases with neck pain [ 47 – 50 , 52 ]. Reduced trapezius blood flow and relative blood volume [ 73 , 74 , 80 , 81 ] and oxygen saturation at rest and in response to upper extremity tasks [ 75 , 77 , 81 ] occurred with trapezius myalgia and neck/shoulder pain.…”