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New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (14 February 2022) | Viewed by 24128

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo

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Guest Editor

Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: biopsychosocial model; central sensitization; chronic pain; manual therapy; pain sensitivity; physical activity; physical therapy; prevention; therapeutic exercise

Prof. Dr. Ángel Oliva Pascual-Vaca

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: chronic pain; manual therapy; physical activity; spinal pain; visceral referred pain

Prof. Dr. Inmaculada Riquelme

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Spain
Interests: chronic pain in developmental disabilities; somatosensory brain processing; physical therapy; quality of life

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are organizing a Special Issue entitled: “New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain”.

Persistent pain of musculoskeletal origin has been defined as a societal epidemic. These are highly prevalent conditions, representing one of the main contributors to disability-adjusted life-years worldwide, and posing a serious socioeconomic burden due to reduced productivity and overuse of public healthcare resources. In the clinical setting, pain with a non-musculoskeletal cause may be misdiagnosed as musculoskeletal pain. Similarly, predicting which patients are at higher risk for suffering persistent symptoms remains a challenge. Proper physical activity has shown good results for prevention and treatment. Despite this, adherence to active interventions and self-management strategies is often low, which detracts for the success of such approaches. New trends in the management of these disorders recommend a multidisciplinary approach with an adequate diagnostic evaluation.

This Special Issue seeks high-quality research (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) investigating new evidence in the prevention, evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with recurrent musculoskeletal pain and their related disorders. Studies on the biological, physical, psychological, and social risk factors for the development and persistence of pain and research focused on diagnostics are welcome.

Dr. Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo
Prof. Dr. Ángel Oliva-Pascual-Vaca
Prof. Dr. Inmaculada Riquelme-Agulló
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Chronic pain
Diagnostics
Health
Manual therapy
Physical activity
Physical therapy
Prevention
Quality of life
Therapeutic exercise

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chronic Pain and Work Conditions of Hotel Housekeepers: A Descriptive Study

by Cristian Sánchez-Rodríguez, Oana Bulilete, Xenia Chela-Alvarez, Olga Velasco-Roldán and Joan Llobera-Canaves

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063383 - 13 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2722

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain of hotel housekeepers (HHs) and to describe the work conditions and perception of health in this occupational group in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with HHs of the Balearic Islands, performed in primary care. Random sample of HHs who worked during the 2018 season. We collected information on sociodemographic variables, job characteristics, workload, pain, perceived health, and physical activity. After participants signed the informed consent form, we conducted a face-to-face interview in the primary care centre and accessed the participants’ electronic health records. Results: 1043 HHs aged 43.3 ± 10 years and with 10.7 ± 9.1 years worked as HHs were included. 51% (95% CI: 48–54%) reported chronic pain, mainly in the lower back 28.7% (95% CI: 25.9–31.5%), hands/wrists 23.7% (95% CI: 21.1–26.4%), neck 21.6% (95% CI: 19.1–24.3%), shoulders 19.9% (95% CI: 17.4–22.4%), and back 17.8% (95% CI: 15.4–20.2%). Pain was associated with older age, more years worked, more beds made/day and difficulty in pushing the housekeeping cart. More than half HHs reported that they did not incorporate occupational risk prevention measures (ORPMs) into their routine; 17.3% (95% CI: 15.1–19.7%) HHs considered their health as poor or very poor. Perception of health was worse in HHs with chronic pain. Conclusions: A high percentage of HHs of the Balearic Islands reported chronic pain, a low compliance with ORPMs and compared to women of the same sociodemographic profile they perceive a worse health status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain)

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9 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Sagittal Cervical Spine Alignment: A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Chahyun Oh, Chan Noh, Jieun Lee, Sangmin Lee, Boohwi Hong, Youngkwon Ko, Chaeseong Lim, Sun Yeul Lee and Yoon-Hee Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413033 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5105

Abstract

(1) Background: Although radiography performed on the subject in an upright position is considered the standard method for assessing sagittal cervical alignment, it is frequently determined, or reported, based on MRI performed on the subject in a supine position. (2) Methods: Cervical alignment observed in both imaging modalities was assessed using four methods: the C2-7 Cobb angle, the absolute rotation angle (ARA), Borden’s method, and the sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Cervical alignment was determined (lordosis, kyphosis, and straight) based on radiography. Then, the diagnostic cut-off values for the MRI images and their corresponding diagnostic accuracies were assessed. (3) Results: The analysis included 142 outpatients. The determined diagnostic cut-off values for lordosis, using three measurements (Cobb angle, ARA, and Borden’s method), were −8.5°, −12.5°, and 3.5 mm, respectively, and the cut-off values for kyphosis were −4.5°, 0.5°, and −1.5 mm, respectively. The cut-off value for SVA > 40 mm was 19.5 mm. The Cobb angle, ARA, and Borden’s method, on MRI, showed high negative predictive values for determining kyphosis. The SVA on MRI measurements also showed high negative predictive values for determining >40 mm. (4) Conclusions: MRI measurements may be predictive of cervical alignment, especially for the exclusion of kyphosis and SVA > 40 mm. However, caution is needed in the other determinations using MRI, as their accuracies are limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain)

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15 pages, 378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pain Rehabilitation’s Effect on People in Chronic Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study

by Hafdís Skúladóttir, Amalia Björnsdottir, Janean E. Holden, Thóra Jenný Gunnarsdóttir, Sigridur Halldorsdottir and Herdis Sveinsdottir

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910306 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2382

Abstract

Multidisciplinary long-term pain rehabilitation programs with a team of healthcare professionals are an integrated approach to treat patients with chronic non-malignant pain. In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, we investigated the long-term effects of multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation on the self-reported causes of pain, pain self-management strategies, sleep, pain severity, and pain’s interference with life, pre- and post-treatment. Eighty-one patients, aged 20–69 years, with chronic pain responded. The two most frequently reported perceived causes of pain were fibromyalgia and accidents. The difference in average self-reported pain severity decreased significantly at one-year follow-up (p < 0.001), as did pain’s interference with general activities, mood, walking ability, sleep, and enjoyment of life. At one-year follow-up, participants (21%) rated their health as good/very good and were more likely to state that it was better than a year before (20%). No change was found in the use of pain self-management strategies such as physical training at one-year follow-up. The intervention was effective for the participants, as reflected in the decreased pain severity and pain interference with life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain)

14 pages, 1041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Instrumental, Manipulative and Soft Tissue Approaches for the Suboccipital Region in Subjects with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain. A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Juan José Arjona Retamal, Alejandro Fernández Seijo, José David Torres Cintas, Ana I. de-la-Llave-Rincón and Andrea Caballero Bragado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168636 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3466

Abstract

The INYBI is an instrument used to release the suboccipital myofascial area. There is scarce evidence of its efficacy. A randomized controlled, double-blinded, longitudinal and prospective trial was performed. Ninety-six subjects (aged 29.47 ± 5.16 years) (70 women) with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to the manual suboccipital inhibition technique (MSIT), instrumental suboccipital inhibition (INYBI) or the INYBI plus upper cervical manipulation technique (INYBI + UCMT) groups and received two sessions with a week interval between them. The Neck Disability Index was used before the first intervention and two weeks after the second intervention. Pre- and post-measurements were taken on both intervention days for pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles, self-perceived pain and cervical range of motion. In spite of a significant general improvement in time that was found for the three groups for all of the outcome measurements (p < 0.05 in all cases), no between-groups differences were found (p > 0.05 in all cases), with the exception of self-perceived pain for left rotation (p = 0.024), with the MSIT group showing the lower improvement. However, the higher degree of within-group improvements was found for the INYBI + UCMT group. It was concluded that the myofascial release therapy in the suboccipital area is effective in patients with chronic neck pain, either through a manual application or by means of the INYBI tool. Moreover, the addition of craniocervical manipulation achieved the higher within-group improvements, but with no statistical significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain)

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14 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

by José Antonio Mingorance, Pedro Montoya, José García Vivas Miranda and Inmaculada Riquelme

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063007 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3179

Abstract

Whole body vibration has been proven to improve the health status of patients with fibromyalgia, providing an activation of the neuromuscular spindles, which are responsible for muscle contraction. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of whole body vibrating platforms (vertical and rotational) during a 12-week training program. Sixty fibromyalgia patients (90% were women) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (n = 20), who performed the vibration training with a vertical platform; group B (n = 20), who did rotational platform training; or a control group C (n = 20), who did not do any training. Sensitivity measures (pressure pain and vibration thresholds), quality of life (Quality of Life Index), motor function tasks (Berg Scale, six-minute walking test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance (Romberg test and gait analysis) were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the therapy program. Although both types of vibration appeared to have beneficial effects with respect to the control group, the training was more effective with the rotational than with vertical platform in some parameters, such as vibration thresholds (p < 0.001), motor function tasks (p < 0.001), mediolateral sway (p < 0.001), and gait speed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, improvements disappeared in the follow-up in both types of vibration. Our study points out greater benefits with the use of rotational rather than vertical whole body vibration. The use of the rotational modality is recommended in the standard therapy program for patients with fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the positive effects of both types of vibration disappeared during the follow-up, continuous or intermittent use is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain)

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Other

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24 pages, 7067 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Effects of Global Postural Reeducation versus Specific Therapeutic Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Postural Control, and Neuromuscular Efficiency in Women with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Parallel, Clinical Trial

by Tânia Mendes-Fernandes, Ana Silvia Puente-González, Manuel Antonio Márquez-Vera, Carolina Vila-Chã and Roberto Méndez-Sánchez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010704 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6006

Abstract

Background: Chronic nonspecific neck pain is the most frequent form of neck pain. It is more prevalent in women, and a costly public health issue. It is commonly associated with biomechanical, functional, proprioceptive, and postural impairments. The aim of this trial is to compare the effects of global postural exercises versus specific therapeutic exercises on neck pain, disability, mobility, pressure pain threshold, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, postural control, and neuromuscular efficiency in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Methods and analysis: This study is a randomized, parallel-group and single blinded clinical trial. Sixty-two women with nonspecific chronic neck pain were recruited from the community of Guarda, Portugal, and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: (1) global postural reeducation (GPR group), (2) specific therapeutic exercises (STE group). The intervention was carried out over 4 weeks, with two sessions per week (eight sessions), and applied by a physiotherapist and paired with a daily individual at-home-exercise program. Primary outcomes are neck pain intensity and disability (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index). Secondary outcomes are cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold (CROM, algometry), attitude to pain (kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing), standing postural control (Center of Pressure (COP) displacements), and neuromuscular efficiency (electromyography). There are four points of evaluation where the outcomes were assessed twice before the intervention, 1 week apart, and the two post-intervention assessments will be carried out after four and eight sessions. The objective was to increase scientific knowledge of different exercise modalities, such as global postural reeducation, in musculoskeletal disorders. Trial registration: ClínicalTrials.gov (NCT04402463), prospectively registered (data 22 May 2020). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Prevention, Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain)

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