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Cervical muscle parameters and allodynia in migraine and cervical pain-A controlled study

Rodrigues A, Bigal LM, Bragatto MM, Dach F, Bevilaqua-Grossi D, Bigal ME, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Florencio LL

European journal of pain (London, England), 2024

25 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is common among individuals with migraine, but there is a lack of information of how this comorbidity can be associated with cervical muscle function. This controlled cross-sectional study aimed to compare cervical muscle function, activity, and sensitization in women with migraine, neck pain, both, and neither.

METHODS: This study included women, between 18 and 55 years old, with either episodic migraine with or without aura, without any concomitant headache diagnosis; chronic neck pain, with at least moderate intensity and mild disability; or neither headache nor neck pain. Pain pressure threshold, allodynia, muscle strength, and endurance and cervical muscles activity were evaluated.

RESULTS: One hundred subjects, with mean age of 30.4 years old, were stratified by diagnosis (n = 25 per group) and by self-reported pain during tests. Lower endurance during flexion was observed for migraine and neck pain (34s) relative to neck pain alone (45s), migraine (40s), and controls (58s) (p = 0.04). For extensor endurance, means were 142s, 166s, 215s, and 270s, respectively (p 0.05), but all pain groups presented significantly higher proportion of test-induced pain, lower muscle activity during the maximal isometric voluntary contractions, and lower pressure pain thresholds.

CONCLUSION: Patients with migraine, chronic neck pain, and the association of both present altered cervical muscle function and activity. Also, test-induced pain impacts significantly on…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 25 participants or records.

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