Work related neck–shoulder pain: a review on magnitude, risk factors, biochemical characteristics, clinical picture and preventive interventions

The purpose of this review is to scrutinize the physiology of neck–shoulder pain and trapezius myalgia based on the most recent scientific literature. Therefore, systematic literature searches have been conducted. Occurrence of neck–shoulder pain, risk factors for development of neck–shoulder pain, and its work-relatedness are addressed. Furthermore, the latest information on the biochemical milieu within healthy and painful neck–shoulder muscles is reviewed. Finally diagnosis of and intervention for neck and shoulder pain are discussed.

Key words: algesic, biopsy, human, intervention, metabolism, microdialysis, muscle, myalgia, pain, neck, review, risk factor, shoulder, trapezius, work-related