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Related Experiment Videos

Investigating neck pain in wheelchair users.

Michael L Boninger1, Rory A Cooper, Shirley G Fitzgerald

  • 1Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206, USA.

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|February 22, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Neck and upper back pain (NP) is common in wheelchair users, with over half experiencing it. A significant portion of this pain may stem from myofascial trigger points, suggesting a need for targeted clinical assessment.

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Area of Science:

  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Pain Management
  • Physical Therapy

Background:

  • Wheelchair users face risks for neck and upper back pain (NP).
  • The impact and potential diagnoses of NP in this population are not well understood.
  • Myofascial pain is a potential, yet under-explored, cause of NP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and significance of NP in wheelchair users.
  • To explore the possibility of myofascial pain as a contributing factor to NP in this group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted.
  • Questionnaires and physical examinations were used to assess NP.
  • Key measures included reported pain, pain scales, disability indices, and trigger point identification.

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Main Results:

  • 66% of wheelchair users reported experiencing NP since using a wheelchair.
  • 60% reported pain in the past month, with 54% showing positive trigger point findings.
  • Pain led to doctor visits for 60% and activity limitations for 40% of affected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • This study establishes a baseline for understanding NP prevalence and impact in wheelchair users.
  • Clinicians should proactively inquire about NP symptoms in this population.
  • Considering a myofascial origin is crucial for effective NP treatment in wheelchair users.