Generalized joint hypermobility and neck pain: Prevalence and functional correlates from a community-based sample

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is common but its impact on neck pain and function is not well understood.
• Understanding GJH's role is crucial for diagnosing and managing neck pain disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between GJH, neck pain burden (pain and disability), and neck function (range of motion and strength).
• To explore potential interactions between GJH and neck pain burden on neck function.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 555 adults at a state fair, assessing GJH using Beighton Score and Five-Part Questionnaire.
• Neck pain, disability (Neck Disability Index), and function (range of motion, strength) were assessed.
• Multivariable regression analyses examined associations and interactions, primarily in females due to limited male GJH cases.

Main Results:

• GJH prevalence was higher in females (23.5%) than males (6.8%).
• Females with GJH reported higher neck pain prevalence (24.1% vs 16.0%).
• Among females, GJH was associated with greater multi-directional range of motion and strength, with significant interactions affecting disability-function relationships.

Conclusions:

• Females with GJH exhibit higher neck pain prevalence and enhanced neck range of motion and strength.
• GJH appears to modify the interplay between neck disability and function, suggesting a distinct hypermobility-related neck pain phenotype.
• Findings are from a community-based cohort and should be interpreted accordingly.