[The influence of somatic dysfunction on chronic muscular skeletal pain syndromes]

Chronic muscular skeletal pain syndromes (CMSPS) are one of the major health issues. Despite progress in research, treatment and diagnosis remain difficult. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of somatic dysfunction on CMSPS. A total of 216 patients were examined in a standardized way to assess the influence of morphological and psychosocial factors as well as of somatic dysfunction on CMSPS. Measurements were taken at admission. The results showed a statistically significant link between somatic dysfunction, pain chronicity, pain distribution, and pain-related disability. Since there was no or only a minor correlation between somatic dysfunction and the results of the psychometric testing and the morphological findings, somatic dysfunction should be regarded as an independent factor influencing CMSPS and be further scientifically evaluated.