Self-reported neck and shoulder pain in adolescents is associated with episodic and chronic migraine

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to verify the association between self-reported neck/shoulder pain and migraine and to compare findings of chronic and episodic migraine in adolescents. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 601 secondary-school students filled in questionnaires about headache appearance, type and frequency, neck and shoulder pain and lifestyle factors. Results The adjusted strength of the association between reported neck and shoulder pain and migraine (assessed in multinomial regression models) increased with the frequency of migraine: less than once a week (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = (0.85–2.30)), weekly (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = (1.42–3.24)), and at least 15 days/month (OR = 7.27; 95% CI = (3.42–15.44)). Conclusion In adolescents the association between self-reported neck and shoulder pain and migraine is most pronounced in migraine with a high attack frequency.