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Abstract
During a period of 1 1/2 years from May 1993 to December 1994, 300 consecutive patients with chronic neck pain were referred to our National Insurance Hospital in Tranås, Sweden, because their symptoms interfered with their ability to work. This study pertains to 21 of these patients [14 women and seven men] who were found to have few abnormal findings at physical examination but contributory psychosocial problems at psychological interview. Their mean age at the examination was 40 years; with an average 28 months duration of symptoms. Sixteen [10 women, six men] of the 21 patients had predominantly unilateral neck-shoulder complaints. The ten female patients in this group were selected for further study and compared with a normal control group of 20 women without neck problems who work at our hospital. In the patient group, the root mean square from electromyography [EMG] showed a non-significant trend toward lower values on the symptomatic side compared with the opposite side. The mean power frequency of the EMG for fatigue was significantly lower on the symptomatic side at low contraction intensities. The muscle blood flow was significantly lower in the patients compared with normal controls at low contraction intensities. No significant differences appeared when the two sides of the patients were compared. It was concluded that female patients with psychosocial problems, long-lasting work absence and chronic neck complaints exhibit minor objective abnormalities including low blood flow in the trapezius muscles.