An Ultrasonographic Investigation of Craniocervical Extensor Muscles in Patients with Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

The purpose of the present study was to measure the thickness and the strength of craniocervical extensor muscles in men with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy controls.

Fifteen men with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP) and 15 healthy controls were participated in this study. The thicknesses of the craniocervical extensor muscles (rectus capitis posterior major(RCPM)) and oblique capitis superior (OCS) in addition to the strength of upper cervical extensor muscles were measured at resting position and during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of craniocervical extensor muscles using ultrasonography device and a dynamometer which was designed for the purpose of study.

The thicknesses of RCPM and OCS muscles were significantly smaller in the patients group than the healthy controls at resting position and during maximal isometric contraction (P<0.001). There was a significant reduced MVIC in patients with CNNP when compared to controls (P=0.008).

The reduced craniocervical extensor muscles strength and thickness in patients with CNNP may be due to pain and reflex inhibition which is originating from cervical neuromusculoskeletal structures. Craniocervical muscles assessments may be needed while evaluating patients with CNNP.