Assessment of neck pain in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Introduction/Background: Supplementary respiratory muscles such as upper part of the trapezium and scalenes are used extensively in order to facilitate ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These situations cause pain restricting by the upper body mobility and neck movements. This study was planned to investigate the presence of neck pain in individuals with COPD. Material and method: In this study, 30 patients (W: 5/M: 25) were evaluated with COPD. The severity of pain was determined according to Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Spirometric measurements were used to determine the respiratory parameters. Neck Disability Index was used to for severity of neck disability level. Results: Mean age of patients was 69.93 ± 9.46 years. Mean of pain intensity was 2.35 ± 2.77 and pain duration 46.47 ± 123.64 weeks. The mean FEV1% of all patients was 58.96 ± 19.15, FVC% was 72.73 ± 25.78 and FEV1/FVC ratio was 64.43 ± 21.18. There was a positive correlation between pain intensity and FEV1 and FVC (r = 0.368, P = 0.046), (r = 0.382, P = 0.037). There was a positive mean moderate correlation between duration of pain and smoking and alcohol use (r = 0.652, P = 0.005/r = 0.655, P = 0.004). The mean of Neck Disability Index was 26.65 ± 19.70. All patients have a mild disability level. We did not find a significant correlation between Neck Disability Index and spirometric parameters. Conclusion: Individuals with COPD have neck pain. When these patients rehabilitate, musculoskeletal problems, such as neck pain should be considered.