Fear of Falling in Patients with Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Objective

To detect whether cervical myofascial pain syndrome [MPS] leads to fear of falling (FOF) and to determine factors associated with FOF in patients with chronic cervical myofascial pain.

Methods

Ninety-eight women with chronic cervical MPS and 50 age-matched healthy women were included in this study. FOF was evaluated using Falls Efficacy Scale [FES]. Main outcome measures included number of trigger points [NTrP], visual analog scale [VAS], functional reach [FR], Berg Balance Test [BBT], Beck Depression Inventory, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI].

Results

Ninety eight patients with cervical MPS and 50 demographically-matched healthy women were included in this study The FES scores of the patient group were significantly higher [P < 0.001], and functional reach and BBT values were significantly lower than the control group [P < 0.001]. The mean Beck Depression Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores of patients were significantly higher than controls [P < 0.001]. Regression analysis showed that increased NTrP [R² = 0.60], increased visual analog scale [R² = 0.06], and decreased BBT scores [R² = 0.01] were associated with higher FES scores.

Conclusion

Patients with cervical MPS suffer from FOF probably due to balance problems and dizziness.

Keywords:

• Cervical myofascial pain
• fear of falling
• balance
• dizziness