Frequency of neuropathic pain in patients with shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in general population. Although shoulder pain is completely resolved within one year after treatment in more patients, persistent pain is observed in remaining patients. Neuropathic pain may play a role in persistent shoulder pain in some patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the neuropathic pain component in patients with shoulder pain.

49 patients with shoulder pain were enrolled in this study. The Pain-Detect questionnaire was used to determine the presence of neuropathic pain. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate shoulder pain. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-Dash) was used to determine to measure physical function and symptoms.

The neuropathic pain component in patients with shoulder pain was 20% and possible neuropathic pain was 19% according to Pain-Detect questionnaire. The mean VAS score, Quick-Dash score and symptom duration were significantly higher in the neuropathic pain group.

The patients with shoulder pain have a neuropathic pain component. We suggest that neuropathic pain should be assessed when prescribing treatment programs in patients with shoulder pain.