Abstract Objectives The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the available literature on structural and functional brain abnormalities in chronic low back pain (CLBP) using several brain ...magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Methods PubMed and Web of Science were systematically screened for relevant literature using different combinations of keywords regarding structural and functional brain imaging techniques in patients with CLBP. Reference lists of included articles were hand-searched for additional literature. Eligible articles were assessed on risk of bias and reviewed by two independent researchers. Results The search query returned 27 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality varied from poor to good. A total of 10 studies evaluated structural gray matter changes. There is conflicting evidence in global gray matter changes, with both increases and decreases shown in different studies. Gray matter changes were demonstrated in specific brain regions. Structural white matter changes were reported in five studies. There is conflicting evidence in total white matter volume due to both increases and unchanged white matter. Several regional differences were identified in which white matter changes were shown. Functional organization during rest was evaluated in 10 studies. CLBP patients showed increased activation in specific regions, together with a disrupted default mode network. A total of six studies evaluated brain activity in response to a nociceptive stimulus. Findings suggest that patients demonstrated increased activity in pain-related regions, and decreased activity in analgesic regions. Conclusions Overall, there is moderate evidence for regional changes in gray and white matter, together with an altered functional connectivity during rest and increased activity in pain-related areas following painful stimulation, evidencing an upregulated pain matrix. More longitudinal research is needed to clarify the temporal relationship regarding pain and neuroplastic changes, and integration of different brain imaging techniques is warranted.
Abstract Objectives The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature addressing pain-induced changes in the brain related to central sensitization in patients with ...fibromyalgia (FM) using specific functional (rs-fMRI and fMRI) and structural (voxel-based morphometry—VBM) brain MRI techniques. Methods PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature using different key word combinations related to FM, brain MRI, and central sensitization. Full-text reports fulfilling the inclusion criteria were assessed on risk of bias and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Results From the 61 articles that were identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria and achieved sufficient methodological quality. Overall, eight articles examined structural brain (VBM) changes in patients with FM, showing moderate evidence that central sensitization is correlated with gray matter volume decrease in specific brain regions (mainly anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex). However, global gray matter volume remains unchanged. A total of 13 articles evaluated brain activity (fMRI) in response to a nociceptive stimulus. Findings suggest a higher but similar pattern of activation of the pain matrix in FM patients compared to controls. There is also evidence of decreased functional connectivity in the descending pain-modulating system in FM patients. Overall, two articles examined intrinsic brain connectivity in FM patients with rs-fMRI. In conclusion, there is moderate evidence for a significant imbalance of the connectivity within the pain network during rest in patients with FM. Conclusions The included studies showed a moderate evidence for region-specific changes in gray matter volume, a decreased functional connectivity in the descending pain-modulating system, and an increased activity in the pain matrix related to central sensitization. More research is needed to evaluate the cause–effect relationship.
Abstract Background Context Heterogeneity exists within the low back pain population. Some patients recover after every pain episode, whereas others suffer daily from LBP complaints. Until now, ...studies rarely make a distinction between recurrent low back pain (RLBP) and chronic low back pain (CLBP), although both are characterized by a different clinical picture. Clinical experiences also indicate that heterogeneity exists within the CLBP population. Muscle degeneration, like atrophy, fat infiltration, alterations in muscle fiber type and altered muscle activity, compromises proper biomechanics and motion of the spinal units in low back pain (LBP) patients. The amount of alterations in muscle structure and muscle function of the paraspinal muscles, might be related to the recurrence or chronicity of LBP. Purpose The aim of this experimental study is to evaluate differences in muscle structure (cross-sectional area and lean muscle fat index) and muscle activity of the multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES) during trunk extension, in patients with RLBP, non-continuous CLBP and continuous CLBP. Study Design and Setting This cross-sectional study took place in the University hospital of Ghent, Belgium. Muscle structure characteristics and muscle activity were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patient Sample Fifty five adults with non-specific low back pain (24 RLBP in remission, 15 non-continuous CLBP, 16 continuous CLBP) participated in this study. Outcome Measures Total cross-sectional area, muscle cross-sectional area, fat cross-sectional area, lean muscle fat index, T2-rest and T2-shift were assessed. Methods A T1-weighted Dixon MRI scan was used to evaluate spinal muscle cross-sectional area and fat infiltration in the lumbar MF and ES. Muscle functional MRI was used to evaluate the muscle activity of the lumbar MF and ES during a lumbar extension exercise. Before and after the exercise, a pain assessment was performed. This study was supported by grants from the Special Research Fund of Ghent University (DEF12/AOP/022) without potential conflict of interest-associated biases in the text of the paper. Results Fat cross-sectional area and lean muscle fat index was significantly higher in MF and ES in continuous CLBP compared to non-continuous CLBP and RLBP (p<0.05). No differences between groups were found for total cross-sectional area and muscle cross-sectional area in MF or ES (p>0.05). Also no significant differences between groups for T2-rest were established. T2-shift, however, was significantly lower in MF and ES in RLBP compared to respectively non-continuous CLBP and continuous CLBP (p<0.05). Conclusion These results indicate a higher amount of fat infiltration in the lumbar muscles, in the absence of clear atrophy, in continuous CLBP compared to RLBP. A lower metabolic activity of the lumbar muscles was seen in RLBP replicating a relative lower intensity in contractions performed by the lumbar muscles in RLBP compared to non-continuous and continuous CLBP. In conclusion, RLBP differ from continuous CLBP for both muscle structure and muscle function, whereas non-continuous CLBP seem comparable with RLBP for lumbar muscle structure and with continuous CLBP for lumbar muscle function. These results underline the differences in muscle structure and muscle function between different LBP populations.
To review and update the evidence for different forms of manual therapy (MT) and exercise for patients with different stages of non-specific neck pain (NP).
MEDLINE, ...Cochrane-Register-of-Controlled-Trials, PEDro, EMBASE.
A qualitative systematic review covering a period from January 2000 to December 2015 was conducted according to updated-guidelines. Specific inclusion criteria only on RCTs were used; including differentiation according to stages of NP (acute - subacute ASNP or chronic CNP), as well as sub-classification based on type of MT interventions: MT1 (HVLA manipulation); MT2 (mobilization and/or soft-tissue-techniques); MT3 (MT1 + MT2); and MT4 (Mobilization-with-Movement). In each sub-category, MT could be combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care.
Initially 121 studies were identified for potential inclusion. Based on qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria, 23 RCTs were identified for review. Evidence for ASNP: MODERATE-evidence: In favour of (i) MT1 to the cervical spine (Cx) combined with exercises when compared to MT1 to the thoracic spine (Tx) combined with exercises; (ii) MT3 to the Cx and Tx combined with exercise compared to MT2 to the Cx with exercise or compared to usual medical care for pain and satisfaction with care from short to long-term. Evidence for CNP: STRONG-evidence: Of no difference of efficacy between MT2 at the symptomatic Cx level(s) in comparison to MT2 on asymptomatic Cx level(s) for pain and function. MODERATE to STRONG-evidence: In favour of MT1 and MT3 on Cx and Tx with exercise in comparison to exercise or MT alone for pain, function, satisfaction with care and general-health from short to moderate-terms. MODERATE-evidence: In favour (i) of MT1 as compared to MT2 and MT4, all applied to the Cx, for neck mobility, and pain in the very short term; (ii) of MT2 using sof-tissue-techniques to the Cx and Tx or MT3 to the Cx and Tx in comparison to no-treatment in the short-term for pain and disability.
This systematic review updates the evidence for MT combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for different stages of NP and provides recommendations for future studies. Two majors points could be highlighted, the first one is that combining different forms of MT with exercise is better than MT or exercise alone, and the second one is that mobilization need not be applied at the symptomatic level(s) for improvements of NP patients. These both points may have clinical implications for reducing the risk involved with some MT techniques applied to the cervical spine.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Chronic subjective tinnitus is a prevalent symptom, which has many similarities with chronic pain. Central sensitization is considered as a possible underlying mechanism of both symptoms. Central ...sensitization has already been investigated in chronic pain populations but not in patients with chronic subjective tinnitus. Therefore, the main objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare signs and symptoms, indicative for central sensitization, in tinnitus patients with and without chronic idiopathic neck pain, patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain only, and healthy controls. Also, differences in psychological and lifestyle factors, possibly influencing the association between central sensitization and tinnitus, were examined as well as correlations between signs and symptoms of central sensitization, and tinnitus, pain, psychological and lifestyle factors. Differences in signs and symptoms of central sensitization were examined using the self-report Central Sensitization Inventory and QST protocol (local and distant mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, conditioned pain modulation). Tinnitus, pain, psychological and lifestyle factors were evaluated using self-report questionnaires. Symptoms of central sensitization and local mechanical hyperalgesia were significantly more present in both tinnitus groups, compared to healthy controls, but were most extensive in the group with chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. Distant mechanical hyperalgesia, indicative for central sensitization, was only observed in the group with both chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. This group also displayed a significantly higher psychological burden and poorer sleep than patients with chronic tinnitus only and healthy controls. Signs and symptoms of central sensitization were also shown to be associated with tinnitus impact, pain-related disability, psychological burden and sleep disturbances. This study shows preliminary evidence for the presence of central sensitization in patients with chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. This could be explained by the higher perceived tinnitus impact, psychological burden and sleep problems in this group. Trial registration: This study is registered as NCT05186259 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Compelling evidence has shown chronic widespread and exaggerated pain experience in chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) conditions. In addition, neuroimaging research has revealed morphological and ...functional brain alterations in these patients. It is hypothesized that brain alterations play a role in the persistent pain complaints of patients with chronic MSKP. Nevertheless, lack of overview exists regarding the relations between brain alterations and clinical measures of pain. The present systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, to investigate the relations between structural or functional brain alterations, using magnetic resonance imaging scans, and clinical pain measures in patients with chronic MSKP. PubMed, Web of Science, Cinahl, and Cochrane databases were searched. First, the obtained articles were screened according to title and abstract. Second, the screening was on the basis of full-text. Risk of bias in included studies was investigated according to the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Moderate evidence shows that higher pain intensity and pressure pain sensitivity are related to decreased regional gray matter (GM) volume in brain regions encompassing the cingulate cortex, the insula, and the superior frontal and temporal gyrus. Further, some evidence exists that longer disease duration in fibromyalgia is correlated with decreased total GM volume. Yet, inconclusive evidence exists regarding the association of longer disease duration with decreased or increased regional GM volume in other chronic MSKP conditions. Inconclusive evidence was found regarding the direction of the relation of pain intensity and pressure pain sensitivity with microstructural white matter and functional connectivity alterations. In conclusion, preliminary to moderate evidence demonstrates relations between clinical pain measures, and structural and functional connectivity alterations within brain regions involved in somatosensory, affective, and cognitive processing of pain in chronic MSKP. Nevertheless, inconclusive results exist regarding the direction of these relations. Further research is warranted to unravel whether these brain alterations are positively or negatively correlated to clinical pain measures.
Structural and functional brain alterations within regions involved in somatosensory, affective, and cognitive pain processing play a crucial role in the persistent pain of chronic MSKP patients. Accordingly, these brain alterations have to be taken into account when assessing and treating patients with chronic MSKP.
The scapula functions as a bridge between the shoulder complex and the cervical spine and plays a very important role in providing both mobility and stability of the neck/shoulder region. The ...association between abnormal scapular positions and motions and glenohumeral joint pathology has been well established in the literature, whereas studies investigating the relationship between neck pain and scapular dysfunction have only recently begun to emerge. Although several authors have emphasised the relevance of restoring normal scapular kinematics through exercise and manual therapy techniques, overall scapular rehabilitation guidelines decent for both patients with shoulder pain as well as patients with neck problems are lacking. The purpose of this paper is to provide a science-based clinical reasoning algorithm with practical guidelines for the rehabilitation of scapular dyskinesis in patients with chronic complaints in the upper quadrant.
Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate short-term and long-term treatment effects of dry needling (DN) and manual pressure (MP) technique with the primary goal of determining if ...DN has better effects on disability, pain, and muscle characteristics in treating myofascial neck/shoulder pain in women. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 42 female office workers with myofascial neck/shoulder pain were randomly allocated to either a DN or MP group and received 4 treatments. They were evaluated with the Neck Disability Index, general numeric rating scale, pressure pain threshold, and muscle characteristics before and after treatment. For each outcome parameter, a linear mixed-model analysis was applied to reveal group-by-time interaction effects or main effects for the factor “time.” Results No significant differences were found between DN and MP. In both groups, significant improvement in the Neck Disability Index was observed after 4 treatments and 3 months ( P < .001); the general numerical rating scale also significantly decreased after 3 months. After the 4-week treatment program, there was a significant improvement in pain pressure threshold, muscle elasticity, and stiffness. Conclusion Both treatment techniques lead to short-term and long-term treatment effects. Dry needling was found to be no more effective than MP in the treatment of myofascial neck/shoulder pain.
This study aimed to develop culturally sensitive pain neuroscience education (PNE) materials for Hausa speaking patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). PNE is a program of teaching patients about ...pain that has gained considerable attention in research and is increasingly used during physical therapy for patients with chronic pain. It helps in decreasing pain, disability, fear-avoidance, pain catastrophization, movement restriction, and health care utilization among patients with chronic pain. However, existing PNE materials and their application are limited to few languages and cultural inclinations. Due to the variations in pain perceptions, beliefs, and related outcomes among different population groups, culture-sensitive PNE materials addressing these outcomes are warranted. A focus-group discussion comprising 4 experts was used to adapt and develop preliminary PNE materials. Thereafter, an internet-based 3-round modified Delphi-study involving 22 experts ensued. Experts’ consensus/recommendations concerning the content were used in modifying the PNE materials. Consensus was predefined as ≥75% level of (dis)agreement. Eighteen experts completed the Delphi rounds. Nineteen, 18 and 18 experts participated in rounds 1, 2 and 3 respectively, representing 86%, 94% and 100% participation rate respectively. Consensus agreement was reached in every round and content of the materials, including drawings, examples, figures and metaphors were adapted following the experts’ suggestions. We therefore concluded that, culture-sensitive PNE materials for Hausa speaking patients with CSP were successfully produced. The present study also provides a direction for further research whereby the effects of culturally-sensitive PNE materials can be piloted among Hausa speaking patients with CSP.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Controlled laboratory study.
In scapular rehabilitation training, exercises that include a humeral elevation component in the scapular plane are commonly implemented. While performing humeral ...elevation, the scapula plays an important role, as it has to create a stable basis for the glenohumeral joint. However, a comparison of both deep and superficial muscle activity of the scapula between different types of elevation exercises is lacking and would be helpful for the clinician in choosing exercises.
To evaluate scapulothoracic muscle activity during different types of elevation exercises in the scapular plane.
Scapulothoracic muscle activity was measured in 21 healthy subjects, using fine-wire electromyography in the levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major muscles and surface electromyography in the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. Measurements were conducted while the participants performed the following elevation tasks in the scapular plane: scaption (elevation in the scapular plane), towel wall slide, and elevation with external rotation (Thera-Band). The exercises were performed without and with additional load. Possible differences between the exercises and the load were studied with a linear mixed model.
Performing elevation in the scapular plane with an external-rotation component resulted in higher middle trapezius and lower trapezius activity compared to the scaption and wall slide exercises. The upper trapezius was maximally activated during scaption. The pectoralis minor and serratus anterior showed the highest activity during the towel wall slide. The towel wall slide activated the retractors to a lesser degree (middle trapezius, lower trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboid major). Adding load resulted in higher muscle activity in all muscles, with some muscles showing a different activation pattern between the elevation exercises, depending on the load condition.
Scaption maximally activated the upper trapezius. The addition of an extra external-rotation component may be used when the goal is to activate the lower trapezius and middle trapezius. The towel wall slide exercise was found to increase pectoralis minor activity. Adding load resulted in higher muscle activity. Some muscles showed a different activation pattern between the elevation exercises, depending on the loading condition. The findings of this study give information about which elevation exercises a clinician can choose when the aim is to facilitate specific muscle scapulothoracic activity.
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