Neck or shoulder pain (Meng, 2020)

STUDY TITLE: A genome-wide association study finds genetic variants associated with neck or shoulder pain in UK Biobank.

SUMMARY: Identification of 4 genetic regions associated with neck or shoulder pain.

OVERVIEW:  Pain in the neck and shoulder area is incredibly common, particularly among older adults. Because injury in the neck can lead to shoulder pain and vice versa, neck and shoulder pain are typically discussed together. This study aimed to discover the genetic basis of neck or shoulder pain. Using the genomes of ~200,000 individuals of European descent, the study identified 4 genetic regions significantly associated with neck or shoulder pain. Together, these variants explain ~11% of the heritability of neck or shoulder pain. Some of these genetic variants are linked to the FOXP2 gene, which is involved in speech and language development and the LINC01582 gene, which is involved in polycystic ovary syndrome. Moreover, neck or shoulder pain was found to be correlated with other traits, such as back pain, depression, and insomnia.

DID YOU KNOW? Working at a desk can cause neck or shoulder pain. This is because most individuals have difficulty maintaining good posture while sitting and working at a computer. Poor posture puts strain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Changing up your desk setup and regularly getting up to take a walk can help. [SOURCE]

SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.

Neck or shoulder pain sample results

NECK OR SHOULDER PAIN-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs12453010, rs34291892, rs2049604, rs62053992

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Musculoskeletal pain
Is your shoulder pain actually a neck problem?

WEEKLY UPDATE: April 14, 2020

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