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Pain pressure threshold values in ankylosing spondylitis.
Nurgül Arinci Incel1, H Rana Erdem, Salih Ozgocmen
1Ankara State Education and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey. nincel@hotmail.com
Rheumatology International
|August 13, 2002
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibit lower pain pressure thresholds (PPT) than healthy individuals, unlike ankylosing spondylitis patients. This suggests rheumatoid arthritis has a more widespread pain nature than ankylosing spondylitis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pain Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are characterized by persistent and disabling pain.
- Understanding the nature and distribution of pain in these conditions is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pain pressure threshold (PPT) values in patients with AS and RA against healthy subjects.
- To explore correlations between specific physical measurements and pain scores in AS patients.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 17 AS patients, 20 RA patients, and 21 healthy volunteers.
- Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was assessed using Fischer's tissue compliance meter (algometer) on 18 tender points and 3 control points.
- Physical measurements including lumbar and thoracal Schober, chin-to-chest distance, occiput-to-wall distance, finger-to-floor distance, and chest expansion were evaluated in the AS group, alongside paravertebral myalgic scores.
Main Results:
- AS patients did not demonstrate significantly lower PPT compared to healthy individuals.
- RA patients exhibited significantly lower PPT values than healthy subjects.
- A significant correlation was found between finger-to-floor distance and paravertebral myalgic score in AS patients.
Conclusions:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) does not appear to have a widespread pain distribution similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a lower pain pressure threshold, indicating a more generalized pain experience compared to AS.