Characteristics of neck and shoulder pain in the Japanese general population

Neck and shoulder pain (NSP) is very common in the general population. However, little is known about the epidemiology of this condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the factors associated with NSP and to reveal its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Medical checkups were conducted among the residents of a mountain village where agroforestry and tourism are the main industries. The participants comprised 863 residents, including 308 males and 555 females. NSP was defined as the symptoms of muscle tension, stiffness, pressure or dull pain extending from the neck to the scapular arch. The participants completed a questionnaire including information on the presence of NSP, age, gender, musculoskeletal pain at other anatomical sites and medical complications. The NSP-associated factors obtained by the questionnaire were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The EuroQol (i.e., EQ-5D and EQ-VAS) was also assessed.

The prevalence of NSP was 48.3 %, and NSP was more common in females than males. The prevalence was higher in the generation from 20 to 50 years of age and decreased with age. NSP was associated with pain in the upper extremities and lower EuroQol scores, but not with pain in the lower extremities or medical complications. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender and pain in the upper extremities were independently associated with NSP.

We used a general concept of NSP, which allowed us to collect the unified data about this condition among the participants. NSP was a prevalent health problem that led to deterioration of the HRQOL in the general population. Female gender and pain in the upper extremities were the factors associated with NSP. The characteristics of NSP clarified in this study may provide a basis for the prevention and/or effective management of NSP.