Evidence for a general stiffening motor control pattern in neck pain: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is associated with several alterations in neck motion and motor control. Previous studies have investigated single constructs of neck motor control, while few have applied a comprehensive set of tests to investigate cervical motor control. This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to investigate different motor control constructs in neck pain patients and healthy controls. Methods: A total of 166 subjects participated in the study, 91 healthy controls (HC) and 75 neck pain patients (NP) with long-lasting moderate to severe neck pain. Neck flexibility, proprioception, head steadiness, trajectory movement control, and postural sway were assessed using a 3D motion tracking system (Liberty). The different constructs of neck motion and motor control were based on tests used in previous studies.

Associations between brain morphology and motor performance in chronic neck pain: A whole‐brain surface‐based morphometry approach

“…Previous research shows that in chronic musculoskeletal pain this region undergoes functional and structural changes that were linked to pain (Flor, Braun, Elbert, & Birbaumer, 1997;Smallwood et al, 2013), and to alterations of paraspinal muscle activity (Hodges, Tsao, & T A B L E 3 Between-group differences in cortical morphology Despite finding an overall association, we were unable to identify groupspecific associations. Patients suffering from pain partially lose the ability to dissociate movements, which results in more rigid movement patterns (Falla, 2004;Hodges & Tucker, 2011;Meisingset et al, 2015). Patients suffering from pain partially lose the ability to dissociate movements, which results in more rigid movement patterns (Falla, 2004;Hodges & Tucker, 2011;Meisingset et al, 2015).…”

Frequency‐dependent deficits in head steadiness in patients with nonspecific neck pain

“…; Meisingset et al. ), suggesting increased stiffness of the system as a possible common denominator contributing to explain motor control difficulties. Patients showed a general pattern of keeping the head steadier relative to the trunk rather than in space when exposed to perturbations to the body in the horizontal plane.…”

“…This study was part of a larger study (Meisingset et al. ) and all patients who completed the presented protocol were included. Inclusion criteria were nonspecific neck pain without radiation below the elbow, pain duration >2 weeks, and pain intensity ≥3 on a numerical rating scale (NRS, no pain – worst pain, 0–10) on the day of testing.…”

“…; Meisingset et al. ). Several of the tests used are shown to measure different aspects of sensorimotor control (de Zoete et al.…”

“…), reduced freedom of movement (Woodhouse and Vasseljen ), increased general stiffness and rigidity of movement (Meisingset et al. ), and jerky and irregular cervical movements (Sjolander et al. ).…”