Correlation Between Central Sensitization and Remote Muscle Performance in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Neurology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition often associated with complex pain mechanisms.
• Central sensitization (CS) is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in chronic pain conditions, potentially affecting widespread physiological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the degree of central sensitization (CS) and the performance of remote muscles in individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Main Methods:

• The 2011 fibromyalgia (FM) survey criteria were employed as a surrogate measure for CS to categorize 60 CLBP participants into FM-positive and FM-negative groups.
• Muscle performance was assessed through neck flexor muscle strength and endurance, and plantar flexor muscle strength. Pressure pain threshold of the thumbnail was also measured as an indicator of CS.

Main Results:

• The FM-positive CLBP group exhibited significantly poorer neck flexor muscle endurance and plantar flexor muscle strength compared to the FM-negative group.
• Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between FM scores and pressure pain thresholds with neck flexor muscle strength and endurance, as well as plantar flexor muscle strength.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a significant association between the level of central sensitization and the strength and endurance of remote muscles in individuals with CLBP.
• Poor remote muscle performance may serve as a clinical indicator of central sensitization in the CLBP population.