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 < .001), decreased range of motion of cervical flexion (P < .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 individuals with NNP compared with asymptomatic individuals.
Author keywords: Neck Pain; Median Nerve; Neuralgia; Pain Threshold
Author affiliations: SY, ST: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Hacettepe University Beytepe Hospital, Ankara, Turkey; YT: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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