OBJECTIVETo compare the temperature distribution of both sides of shoulder, provide objective reference for the application thermoview in the diagnosis of cervicodynia in teenagers.

METHODSForty-five adolescents with cervicodynias from March 2009 to December 2009 were collected. There were 23 males and 22 females, with an average age of 21 years (ranged from 19 to 22 years). The course of disease ranged from 2 to 20 weeks (averaged 13 weeks). C7 horizontal line were used to divide the back into the neck area and shoulders area, and the midline to subdivide the chosen area into left and right area. Thermal infrared imaging was used to observe the temperature both sides of neck and shoulders, the data was analyzed by the computer.

RESULTSThe temperature of shoulder was higher than neck. There were significant differences in the highest and average temperature both of the left and right side of neck and shoulder (P < 0.05), but no difference in the lowest temperature both of left and right side of neck.

CONCLUSIONThe thermal infrared imaging is important for diagnosing cervical imbalance syndrome, finding the sign of abnormal muscle metabolism of shoulder and providing the basis for prevention.