Clinical characteristics and functional determinants of central sensitization in chronic neck myofascial pain syndrome
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/10538127261485420
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: central sensitization, levator scapulae, myofascial pain syndrome, neck disability index, nocturnal pain, pressure pain threshold
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Central sensitization (CS) is a key mechanism in chronic pain, but its relationship with cervical muscle pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and disability in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and functional determinants of CS in patients with chronic neck MPS. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 98 patients with chronic neck MPS. Participants were categorized into High CSI (n=58) and Low CSI (n=40) groups using a Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) cutoff score of 40. Disability (NDI), neuropathic pain (painDETECT), quality of life (SF-12), and PPTs of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae (LSP), and splenius cervicis (SC) were assessed. Multivariate linear regression was performed. Results: A high CSI score (≥40)[jls-end-space/], reflecting prominent symptoms associated with central sensitivity, was identified in 59.2% of the participants. The High CSI group was significantly older and had higher BMI, NDI, and painDETECT scores (p < 0.05). Mean LSP PPT was significantly lower in the High CSI group (p = 0.003, rank-biserial correlation = 0.350), while splenius cervicis (SC) showed high sensitivity in both groups. The regression model explained 40% of the variance in CSI scores (R2 = 0.40). NDI score (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) and age (β = 0.23, p = 0.01) were the only independent predictors. Conclusions: Clinicians evaluating chronic neck MPS should routinely screen for CS using the CSI. Identifying a High CSI phenotype early enables the integration of multimodal, centrally-targeted therapies to mitigate severe functional disability, rather than relying solely on peripheral structural interventions.