A Simple Test for the Most Common Cause or Aggravating Factor of the Neck, Shoulder, or Upper Extremity Pain

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain and neck pain affect respectively 25% and 43% of the population. The aim of this clinical study is to assess the proportion, correct diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension (HTN) in patients with pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper extremity.

Methods: 300 patients with complaints of neck, shoulder, or upper extremity pain without trauma or infection were studied from January 2015 to December 2017. After taking the history and examination, the blood pressure of these patients was recorded. Laboratory tests, x-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck and affected shoulder joint were requested. Antihypertensive and symptomatic treatments were prescribed for patients with HTN. In the next visits, new history and examination, including the range of motion (ROM) of neck, shoulder, and upper extremity, blood pressure, and the results of laboratory tests, and images were checked. The final data were analyzed using chi-square test in SPSS software.

Results: The Prevalence of HTN in patients in the age groups of 20-30, 31-60, and above 60 years were 21%, 44%, and 56 %, respectively. Neck, shoulder, and upper extremity pain and motion improved significantly after antihypertensive and symptomatic treatment in patients with HTN.

Conclusion: HTN is the most common cause of neck, shoulder, and upper extremity pain in the adults and older patients referring to a physician. Thus, checking blood pressure by a physician or specialist is recommended for adults or older patients with neck, shoulder, or upper extremity pain. Antihypertensive and symptomatic treatments must be prescribed for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen-codeine and corticosteroids should be prohibited for the patients with HTN.