Musculoskeletal pain in Parkinson's disease: a narrative review

Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2021 Oct;11(5):373-385. doi: 10.2217/nmt-2021-0011. Epub 2021 Aug 19.

Abstract

The prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is higher than that of age-matched controls. In this review, we outline what is known about MSK pain in PD, focusing on the neck, shoulder, knee, hip and low back. We also compare what is known about MSK pain in PD to what is known in older adults without PD. Finally, we outline areas of for future research related to MSK pain in people with PD.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; geriatric; musculoskeletal; older adult; orthopedic; pain; rehabilitation.

Plain language summary

Lay abstract Joint pain in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is more common than other healthy older adults. In this paper, we describe what is known about joint pain in PD, focusing on the neck, shoulder, knee, hip and low back. We also compare how much is known about pain in PD versus how much is known about pain in older adults without PD. Finally, we suggest ways future researchers can help the world better understand pain in PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Musculoskeletal Pain* / epidemiology
  • Musculoskeletal Pain* / etiology
  • Parkinson Disease* / complications
  • Parkinson Disease* / epidemiology
  • Prevalence