Fibromyalgia & musculoskeletal pain
Investigation of cervical extensor muscle volume in females with fibromyalgia
Authors' conclusion
This study has demonstrated a decrease in deep cervical extensor muscle volume in FM patients with chronic neck pain.
Study context
- Population
- Females with fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic neck pain, and asymptomatic controls
- Participants
- 30 vs 30
- Exposure
- FM patients with chronic neck pain vs asymptomatic controls
- FMn = 30
- Controln = 30reference
- Outcome
- Cervical extensor muscle volume (obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior, rectus capitis posterior major) on 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Cervical extensor muscle volume
- Average volume of all neck extensor muscles significantly reduced in FM vs control
- FM vs Control: P < 0.05
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Correlation of muscle volumes with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Neck Disability Index (NDI)
- Significant negative correlations between FIQ and NDI and volumes of obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior and rectus capitis posterior major (p<0.05)
Correlation of muscle volume with age, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and BMI
- No significant correlation between neck extensor muscle volume and age, VAS and BMI (p>0.05)
Original publication
Investigation of cervical extensor muscle volume in females with fibromyalgia. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 22 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →