Quantitative Ultrasound Biomarkers to Assess Upper Trapezius Muscles in Patients With Chronic Pain

The goal of this study is to identify and develop multiparametric quantitative ultrasound imaging (QUI) biomarkers for assessing upper trapezius muscle with and without chronic neck pain and their response to treatment. This goal will be achieved by testing the underlying hypothesis that abnormal muscle tissue can be identified based on its physio-mechanical properties, and that changes in these properties can be used to guide and monitor treatment progress. Preliminary results have shown that biomarkers including muscle B-mode ultrasound echo-intensity, shear wave velocity, and longitudinal strain ratios associated with muscle tissue structure, mechanics, and function significantly differ between muscles in low back pain and neuromuscular disorders and normal muscles. This study will determine which biomarkers are best suited to differentiate abnormal muscle in chronic neck pain from healthy muscles and develop a quantitative objective program for chronic neck pain management.