Pain-induced Changes in the Activity of the Cervical Extensor Muscles Evaluated by Muscle Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Objectives 

To investigate the effect of experimental neck muscle pain on the activation of the cervical extensor muscles during the performance of a cervical extension exercise by the use of muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods 

The activity of the multifidus, semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis, and splenius capitis muscles was investigated bilaterally at 2 cervical levels (C2 to C3 and C7 to T1) in 15 healthy individuals. Measurements were taken at rest and after the performance of a cervical extension exercise without and with induced pain of the right upper trapezius (intramuscular injection of hypertonic saline).

Results 

In the pain condition, the activity of the multifidus/semispinalis cervicis was reduced bilaterally at the C7 to T1 level (P=0.045). For the semispinalis capitis, there were no significant differences between both conditions. The splenius capitis showed a significantly higher T2 shift at the left side at the C2 to C3 level (P=0.008) and a lower T2 shift at the right side at the C7 to T1 level (P=0.023).

Discussion 

This is the first study that has shown pain to immediately affect the activity of both deep and superficial cervical extensor muscle layers during a cervical extension exercise. The findings support recommendations for evaluation of cervical extensor muscle function early in the management of painful cervical spine injuries.