Comparison of Median Nerve Mechanosensitivity and Pressure Pain Threshold in Patients With Nonspecific Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Individuals
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Date
2018
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of median nerve mechanosensitivity by
comparing median nerve neurodynamic test results of patients with nonspecific neck pain (NNP) and asymptomatic
individuals.
Methods: A total of 40 patients (30 women, 10 men) with NNP between the ages of 21 and 62 years (39.53 ± 10.18
years) and 38 asymptomatic individuals (23 women, 15 men) between the ages of 18 and 60 years (37.13 ± 9.64 years)
participated in the study. Pressure pain threshold was assessed with digital pressure algometer, cervical joint range of
motion was assessed with a universal goniometer, and median nerve mechanosensitivity was assessed with Upper
Limb Neurodynamic Test 1 (ULNT1). The test step where the first sensory response was given, the location and
character of the sensory response, and the final elbow extension angle were recorded during ULNT1.
Results: Patients with NNP had significantly decreased pressure pain threshold (P b .001), decreased range of motion
of cervical flexion (P b .001), and decreased cervical lateral flexion (P = .001) compared with asymptomatic
individuals, whereas no change was identified in range of motion of rotation (P = .100). In ULNT1, 45% of patients
with NNP reported pain and 40% of them reported stretch. A total of 65% of asymptomatic individuals reported
stretch, and 13% of them reported pain. It was identified in ULNT1 that final elbow extension angle was lower in the
NNP group compared with asymptomatic individuals (P = .008).
Conclusion: Median nerve mechanosensitivity increased, pressure pain threshold decreased, and active neck motion
was limited in indivi
Description
Keywords
Neck Pain; Median Nerve; Pain Threshold; Neuralgia
Citation
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