英文摘要 |
Background:Neck and shoulder pain(NSP) is a common complaint in the general population,and it often causes remarkable personal suffering due to pain, disability:and impaired quality of life. The natural course of NSP is not well documented,but the onset of symptoms often takes place at a young age. Objective:This study was to evaluate risk factors of NSP populations under 40 year-old and which might be possibly associated with structural changes of the cervical spine detected by cervical curvature measurements, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) ,A 12-month follow-up survey of the same sample after cervical epidurals in the initial management of their chronic neck pain. Materials and Methods:This study comprised three parts: a cross-sectional survey of young patients(n = 39) with NSP under cervical epidural treatment,an one- year follow-up survey of the same sample, cervical curvature measurements and a MRI study of a subgroup(n-31) of the follow-up population. Results:In the MRI study, frequency of pathological changes of the cervical spine was equally common as that of the normal images in cervical MRI of symptomatic young subjects. Kyphotic cervical curve is measured in young adults with NSP. Female affected subjects with NSP are prone to be cervically kyphotic in this present study. Our retrospective study of cervical epidural treatment does demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in VAS pain scores and functional status in this group of patients. Conclusion: The results have been congruent in that demographic factors have a significant role in the development of NSP even in young populations. Based on our results, some recommendations can be given to clinicians, a radiologic evaluation might be useful addition to the physical examination. Instead, MRI is rarely helpful on diagnosing and making decisions on the treatment ofyoung adults with NSP. |