The Course of Nonspecific Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders and the Influence of Demographic Factors, Psychologic Factors, and Physical Fitness on Clinical Status and Disability

Sensory Hyperalgesia is Characteristic of Nonspecific Arm Pain

“…48 Therefore, perhaps the presence of thermal hyperalgesia, as well as the other evidence of sensitization could explain some of the chronicity that has previously been reported in NSAP. 49 Although such widespread findings of hyperalgesia points to sensitization of the central nervous system, it is important to note that mechanisms of sensitization involve a complex interplay of peripheral and central events. There is evidence that sensitization of primary sensory neurons to thermal or mechanical stimuli occurs secondary to inflammation, 50 which would lower the threshold of primary sensory neurons to these stimuli, allowing lower temperatures and lighter pressure to be registered as painful.…”

Divergent Sensory Phenotypes in Nonspecific Arm Pain: Comparisons With Cervical Radiculopathy

“…2 Nonspecific arm pain (NSAP) commonly affects computer users and is frequently associated with poor prognoses. 3 The absence of consistent information regarding the pathology and pathophysiology underlying NSAP has obvious implications for clinical decision making. Given the growing computerization of the global workforce as well as the intensification of work, improving our understanding of work-related nonspecific conditions is imperative for improving intervention selection and outcomes.…”

Predictive value of the DASH tool for predicting return to work of injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity

“…According to Bot et al ,15 both clinical characteristics and psychological factors help predict the outcome of neck and shoulder symptoms. However, according to others,14 the contribution of psychological factors to the course of disability of upper extremity disorders has not yet been clearly addressed, thus their influence remains unclear.…”

“…The results of previous prognostic studies for upper extremity disorders have been inconclusive, with no clear set of consistent predictive factors. The prognostic factors described in the literature depend on specific populations and outcomes of interest 11 13 14. Social and work-related psychological factors have been associated with sickness absence in patients with arm, neck and/or shoulder symptoms undergoing PT 11 12 15.…”

“…Previous prognostic studies for patients with upper extremity disorders have provided inconclusive results regarding predictive factors. Most of the prognostic factors for recovery from upper extremity disorders depend on specific populations and outcomes of interest 11 13 14. In addition, other studies have emphasised that social and psychological factors at work have been associated with greater lost time from work in patients with arm, neck and/or shoulder symptoms who seek physical therapy (PT) treatment 11 12 15…”