Translational Health Reports

Abstract Introduction: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common and debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life, productivity, and overall well-being. Muscle morphology, particularly in the deep cervical muscles, plays a critical role in the onset, development, and persistence of chronic neck pain. This review investigates the relationship between muscle changes, including atrophy, fat infiltration, and alterations in muscle fiber composition, and their contribution to cervical instability, pain, and functional limitations.

Methods: The review examines existing literature on muscle morphology in CNP, focusing on the role of deep cervical muscles in the pathophysiology of neck pain. It also highlights how factors such as disuse, changes in neural activation, and chronic inflammation exacerbate these muscle alterations. The role of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI, in identifying these changes is also discussed.

Results: Alterations in muscle morphology, including atrophy and fat infiltration, contribute to weakness and reduced spinal stability, which are key factors in the development and persistence of chronic neck pain. Neural activation changes and chronic inflammation further exacerbate muscle degeneration. Advanced imaging techniques, particularly MRI, play a crucial role in assessing these morphological changes and enabling personalized treatment strategies.

Conclusion: Muscle degeneration, including atrophy and fat infiltration in the cervical spine, is a significant factor in chronic neck pain. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach, including rehabilitation programs focused on muscle strengthening, postural correction, and ergonomic adjustments. Fat infiltration in cervical muscles is a significant marker of structural and functional impairment in cervical spine disorders. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind muscle changes in CNP and to develop more targeted and effective interventions.

Abstract Background: Spinal injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Trauma-related spinal fractures contribute to the burden on healthcare systems and significantly affect the quality of life. Although substantial progress has been made in trauma care, spinal fractures, particularly those associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI), remain a leading cause of long-term disability. The epidemiology of spinal fractures varies regionally due to demographic, trauma mechanisms, and healthcare factors. In Iran, motor vehicle accidents and falls from heights are prominent causes of spinal injuries, but regional data on the epidemiology of these injuries, particularly from smaller cities, is scarce.


Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, Mazandaran province, Iran, reviewing the records of 288 patients with spinal fractures treated between March 2014 and March 2018. Data collected included demographic characteristics (age and gender), injury mechanisms, fracture locations, fracture types, presence of spinal cord injuries, and clinical outcomes. The analysis also included the association between injury mechanisms and fracture types using statistical tests.


Results: The study included 288 patients, with 75% being male and a mean age of 39.21 years. The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle accidents (47.2%) and falls from height (35.4%). Cervical spine fractures were the most common, accounting for 49% of cases. Burst fractures were the most prevalent type of fracture (40.5%). Spinal cord injuries were present in 21.2% of the patients, with a higher incidence in those injured by vehicle accidents. The mortality rate was 3.1%, and 42.4% of patients underwent surgical intervention. The average hospital stay was 7.53 days.


Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive epidemiological profile of spinal fractures in a regional Iranian hospital. It highlights the high incidence of spinal fractures due to motor vehicle accidents and falls from height, with cervical spine fractures and burst fractures being the most common. The presence of spinal cord injury is significant and underscores the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment. . Further studies, particularly prospective ones, are needed to better understand the long-term outcomes of spinal injuries and SCI in Iran.