The prevalence of cervical contribution in patients reporting shoulder pain. An observational study

Background

Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal disorder yet diagnosis remains challenging. In some cases, shoulder symptoms can be partially attributed to a cervical origin.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of cervical contribution in patients presenting with shoulder pain. To determine symptom reproduction and symptom modification (i.e., pain intensity and pain location) after cervical spine screening (CSS) and compare these changes between patients with and without cervical contribution.

Design

Observational study.

Method

Sixty patients were included. Cervical contribution was present if a ≥30.0% change in shoulder pain intensity on active movement was recorded after CSS. The CSS consisted of several tests and shoulder symptom modification or reproduction was noted. The presence of a centralization phenomenon was also noted and was considered to be present if the location of pain diminished from more distal areas after the CSS.

Results

A 50.0% prevalence of cervical contribution (CI95% 37,35–62,65) was found. Cervical contribution was more likely in those that demonstrated centralization of their pain after the CSS (p = 0.002) and those that had a history of previous neck pain (p = 0.007). Symptom reproduction occurred for 23 out of the 60 participants (38.3%), being present in 18 of those with cervical contribution (60.0%). After the CSS, a statistically significant decrease of shoulder pain intensity was found for those classified as having cervical contribution (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cervical contribution is prevalent in 50% of patients presenting with shoulder pain; this was evidenced as shoulder symptom modification and, to a lesser extent, symptom reproduction following a CSS.