• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.260-266
• /
• 2023

Background: Knowledge of the base rate of signal changes consistent with distal biceps tendinopathy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to influence strategies for diagnosis and treatment of people that present with elbow pain. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of distal biceps tendon signal changes on MRIs of the elbow by indication for imaging. Methods: MRI data for 1,306 elbows were retrospectively reviewed for mention of signal change in distal biceps tendon. The reports were sorted by indication. Results: Signal changes consistent with distal biceps tendinopathy were noted in 197 of 1,306 (15%) patients, including 34% of patients with biceps pain, 14% of patients with unspecified pain, and 8% of patients with a specific non-biceps indication. Distal biceps tendon changes noted on radiology reports were associated with older age, male sex, and radiologists with musculoskeletal fellowship training. Conclusions: The finding that distal biceps MRI signal changes consistent with tendinopathy are common even in asymptomatic elbows reduces the probability that symptoms correlate with pathology on imaging. The accumulation of signal changes with age, also independent of symptoms, suggests that tendon pathology persists after symptoms resolve, that some degree of distal biceps tendinopathy is common in a human lifetime, and that tendinopathy may often be accommodated without seeking care. Level of evidence: IV.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.107-114
• /
• 2001

Oral malodor is a problem that traverses history, culture, race and sex. But, up to the present the study on prevalence of oral malodor in normal popualtion is short, especially there is no study on oral malodor prevalence in Korean. In our study, we investigated self-evaluation of oral malodor, self-rating intensity of oral malodor, patients efforts for curing their oral malodor, and degree of satisfaction with their efforts. Investigation was carried out on 368 public Koreans resident in a big city(174 males, 194 females), by method of self-reporting to prepared questionnaire. There was no difference in self-reporting prevalence of oral malodor in sexes(57.5% in male, 58.8% in female), and the prevalence rate was increased with aging. Self-rating intensity of oral malodor in oral malodor patients group(by self-reporting) was ranked in order of slight, weak, middle, strong in both sexes, but the number of self-rating strong female group is significantly larger than that of self-rating strong male group(9.3% in male, 17.9% in female). In question on duration of oral malodor, most subjects answered that their oral malodor was developed in certain circumstances(61.3% in male, 76.3% in female), and oral malodor-developing circumstances was ranked in order of in the early morning, in hunger state, in fatigue, in stressful situations. Subjects effort for curing their oral malodor was ranked in order of more tooth brushing, gum chewing, use of commercial product for oral hygiene, visit dental clinic, and rates of no effort subjects were 15.3% in males and 10.7% in females. The degree of satisfaction with their efforts for curing their oral malodor was very low, only 5.6% of males and 6.6% of females were answered that there were satisfactory improvement in their oral malodor. Collectively, our result revealed that prevalence of oral malodor in public Koreans and their interest in oral malodor were much higher than our anticipation, and that patients satisfaction with improvement in oral malodor was short of their expectations. Considering the life quality of patients suffering from oral malodor, we conclude that developments of more improved diagnostic tools and treatment methods for oral malodor is indispensable in future.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.145-159
• /
• 1999

To find the association, between vinyl house work and the prevalence of low back pain, a questionnaire survey was made toward 215 vinyl house farmers and 228 general farmers without vinyl house who are cared by Jungjung Community health Practioners at Soobuk Myun, Damyang-gun, Chollanamdo. 1. Vinyl house farmers were significantly younger in age, higher in educational status higher survival rate of spouse, higher economic state and less cared by medical aid than general farmers. 2. Vinyl house farmers showed shorter career for agricultural work, used modern farming instrument more frequently and worked with sitting position. 3. During unbusy season in general agriculture, vinyl house farmers consumed significantly more time in agricultural work and general activity, but no significant difference of time of the above activity among busy season. 4. During the last spring season when most vinyl house work was performed, vinyl house farmers showed significantly higher prevalence of low back pain than general farmers, but no significant difference of prevalence among the two groups for the last one week. 5. By the simple analysis statistical significant related variables with low back pain was found to be sex(p<0.001), educational status(p<0.05), work posture(p<0.001) and use of modern agricultural machine(p<0.05). 6. By the multiple logistic regression the odds ratio for low back pain among vinyl house farmers were 2.08(95% confidence interval 1.31-3.00) compared to general farmers, the odds ratio among female was 2.35(95% confidence interval 1.24-4.47) to male, the odds ratio among illiterate persons were 2.60(95% confidence interval 1.24-4.47) to high school graduate, and the odds ration among primary school graduate was 2.19(95% confidence interval 1.04-4.47) to high school graduate. In conclusion because vinyl house farmers showed significantly higher rates of low back pain compared to farmers without vinyl house, continuous study to find the true cause of low back pain among vinyl-house farmers and active effort to prevent low back pain are necessary.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.71-82
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this study is to analyze the phases of back pain occurring on pregnant women, and to raise the necessity of the pain management on the basis of the former analysis. The objective group is 284 pregnant women who visited department of OBGY of hospital located both in Seoul and Andong. The results are as follows; 1. 204(71.8%) pregnant women were suffering from back pain. The ratio of pain occurrance in terms of the duration of pregnancy shows that 78.3% within 3 pregnant months, 68.4% between four and six months and 72.1% over seven month. Most common ares of pain was low back area rating 60.5%. 2. The most painful postural for the suffering women was lying on the back rating 35.9% and the next painful posture was standing rating 34.4%. And the most painful movement was to maintaining continues movement(57.8%). Twisting back rates the second(17.2%). These two variables were relevant each other(p<0.05). 3. 46.7% of pregnant women were experiencing nocturnal pain. Among women experienced the pain before pregnancy, 39.9% were suffering during the pregnancy. The occurrence of nocturnal pain was related to the pain before and after the pregnancy(p<0.05). 4. 58.8% of pregnant women who experience back pain take the pain for granted as a normal proceeding of pregnancy while 3.9% recognize the symptom as an abnormal. Pain recognition in accordance with the phases does not show much difference(p<0.05). 5. It is shown that the more one delivers the number of babies, the faster back pain occurs(p<0.01). 6. 32.3% of the pain-suffering women have family member(s) having back pain. Family member(s) of the women who does not experience the pain don't have the pain either. This case reports 46.1%. Statistically, these two variables are relevant(p<0.01). 7. 43.0% of back pain experiencing women does not have any particular management plan against the pain. 20.7% is exercising as for prevention. Women who recognize the necessity of some means of therapy for their pain marked 42.9%. The majority(65.8%) of women responded exercise gymnastic work-out are most appropriate pain management. The above results show that a great number of pregnant women is experiencing back pain, however, they properly managed. This span suggests that appropriate advocacy and education for pregnant women is necessary. It is recommended that positive contribution can be made to better health of pregnant women when pain management by physical therapist is given.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.475-487
• /
• 2022

Background: Use of opioids for chronic intractable pain is increasing globally, and their proper use can improve patients' quality of life. In contrast, opioid use disorders, such as abuse or addiction, caused by prescribing opioids, are a worldwide issue. This study aimed to understand current opioid prescribing patterns and pain physicians' experiences with opioid use in South Korea. Methods: Pain physicians in 42 university hospitals in South Korea were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires regarding opioid prescriptions. Results: A total of 69 surveys were completed. Most pain physicians started prescribing opioids at a pain score of 7/10 and aimed to reduce pain by 50%. Most physicians (73.1%) actively explained the prescribed medications and possible side effects, and 61.2% of physicians preferred the prescription interval of 4 weeks. Immediate-release opioids were the most popular treatment for breakthrough pain (92.6%). The most common side effect encountered by physicians was constipation (43.3%), followed by nausea/vomiting (34.3%). Of the physicians, 56.5% replied that addiction and misuse prevalences were less than 5%. However, the most concerning side effect was addiction (33.0%). Conclusions: The survey results showed that the prescribing patterns of pain physicians generally followed Korean guidelines. Physicians were most interested in the safety and effectiveness of opioid prescriptions. They were most concerned about respiratory depression and abuse or addiction. A significant number of physicians agreed that the NHIS regulations needed improvement for patient convenience and safe and effective treatment, though there were pros and cons of the NHIS restrictions on prescription conditions.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.304-310
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the work-related musculoskeletal pain and quality of life of hospital workers. Methods: Self-reported questionnaires were sent to 350 hospital workers at Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, of which 341 were returned. The questionnaire had four items that covered the demographic information, areas of musculoskeletal problems, pain rating scale, and quality of life. The analysis was completed using descriptive statistic, and the differences between pain and demographic variables were identified using a chi-square test. The differences between the type of occupation and quality of life were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and a Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The 12-month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain was 86.1% of physical therapists, 86.5% of occupational therapists, 77.1% of dental hygienists, and 75.8% of nurses. A significant difference in the general and work related variables was observed between the subject with a physical burden and type of occupation. The most affected pain sites of the physical therapist included low back, hand and wrist, shoulder, and neck. The occupational therapists included the hand and wrist, shoulder, neck, but the nurses and dental hygienists reported the shoulder, back, hand and wrist. A significant difference in the quality of life was noted between the subjects in physical therapists and dental hygienists and the subjects in the nurses and occupational therapists (p=0.00). Conclusion: These findings show that hospital workers appear to be high risk for work-related musculoskeletal pain, and the quality of life of physical therapists and nurses was higher than that of dental hygienists and occupational therapists.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.147-155
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Headache is a very common disease experienced at least once in daily life, and tension-type headaches have a high and increasing prevalence. Chronic headaches can cause functional damage and huge socioeconomic impacts. This study aimed to compare the effects of myofascial release technique with manual therapy and self-myofascial release technique using a foam roller on the pain threshold and body schema in patients with chronic tension-type headaches. Methods: The study was conducted on 20 patients living in Busan with chronic tension headaches. Myofascial release technique with manual therapy was performed on the suboccipital, sternocleidomastoid, scalene, and upper trapezius muscles. The self -myofascial release technique using a foam roller was applied to the cervical and thoracic muscles. A laterality test was performed using a recognized neck application developed to evaluate body schema ability. A pressure-pain threshold test was performed using an electronic pressure algometer to compare the results before and after the myofascial release technique. Results: After applying myofascial release with manual therapy and a foam roller, the pressure-pain threshold values showed significant changes in both groups (p<.05). As a result of the laterality test, myofascial release with manual therapy and a foam roller were applied to the painful area. The values showed significant changes in both groups (p<.05), but only the group using the foam roller showed a significant difference (p<.05) in painless areas. Conclusion: The myofascial release technique with manual therapy can be the primary treatment technique for pain control in painful areas. The self-muscle release technique using a foam roller can be an effective method when there is no pain or when maintenance is needed after pain control.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.278-283
• /
• 2024

Background: Limited research has delved into the effects of work characteristics on premenstrual symptoms (PMS) in women, which can influence work performance and overlook potential hazards for women in their work environments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of shift work and working in a clean room on premenstrual symptoms, menstrual status, and menstrual pain among employed females in an electronics manufacturer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on menstruating female employees between August and December 2014, aged 18e55, who received regular employee health checks. Questionnaires were designed to collect information on demographics, personal lifestyle, menstrual status, menstrual pain scores, and self-reported premenstrual symptoms. Results: Among 7,193 participants, 18.6% reported moderate to severe menstrual pain affecting their work. Female workers who reported shift work showed an increased prevalence of moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms, including fatigue (RR = 1.20), somatic discomforts (RR = 1.04), diarrhea (RR = 1.04), and tension (RR = 1.05). Additionally, shift work was associated with an elevated risk of experiencing a moderate or significant impact of menstrual pain on work (RR = 1.03), menstrual irregularity (RR = 1.30), and high menstrual pain (RR = 1.23). Working in a clean room was associated with an increased risk of high menstrual pain (RR = 1.13). Subjects working shifts in a clean room had the highest pain scores compared to the other groups. Conclusion: This study underscores the association of work-related factors on PMS in female employees. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of premenstrual symptoms in female workers with different work characteristics, emphasizing the potential hazards of work-related factors on female employees.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.136-143
• /
• 2006

The relationship between H. pylori(Hp) infection and recurrent abdominal pain(RAP) in children is not clear. Current data in the literature regarding a causal relationship between Hp infection and childhood RAP are conflicting. However, meta-analysis and most of the recently published studies have not supported an association between Hp infection and an increased prevalence of abdominal pain. Most published studies have some problems and have been criticized on methodological grounds. Most of the existing studies have not been designed to include double-blind placebo controls. And, because of the low incidence of Hp infection in children, they have a problem of obtaining sufficient numbers of the Hp infected children. There is also a concern about the heterogeneity of testing methodology in the studies and diagnostic accuracy problems of the non-invasive tests such as low sensitivity of the serology tests and false positive results of the UBT in children. And conflicting results may be explained, in part, by the poor definition of RAP or dyspepsia for the study subjects. To date, no consensus exists for the treatment of Hp-infected children with RAP. Some authors suggest the clinical efficacy of Hp. But others suggest that eradication of Hp is not associated with improvement of RAP. The problem of the most treatment studies is that they had usually no control groups and the number of the subjects was small. In order to make reasonable decisions about treatment of Hp infection in children with RAP, long-term, randomized, double blind, well controlled studies in large numbers of children will be required.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.61-70
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Women with gynecologic cancer often experience various physical and psychological symptoms relating to the cancer and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify symptom clusters. Method: A survey was conducted on 184 women with diagnoses of cervical, ovarian or endometrial cancer. Fifty symptoms were assessed for prevalence, severity and interference, and symptom clusters were identified. Cluster analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0. Results: Fatigue was identified as the most prevalent symptom (81.52%), lack of vaginal lubrication (2.26) as the most severe symptom, and lack of vaginal lubrication as the most interfering one (2.15). Identified six clusters were: Anorexia-pain cluster (loss of appetite, taste change, weight loss, appearance change, alopecia, weakness, pain), Fatigue cluster (lack of concentration, lack of memory, fatigue, dry mouth), Urinary-bowel distress cluster (urinary difficulty, constipation), Abdominal discomfort cluster (lower abdominal pain, abdominal pain, bloating), Emotional distress (sadness, anxiety-worry, nervousness, restlessness), and Menopausal cluster (sweating, hot flush, fever). Conclusion: The result of this study provides fundamental data to health care professionals in developing interventions for effective symptom management for women with gynecologic cancer by understanding identified 6 symptom clusters.