EFFECTIVENESS OF CERVICAL MANUAL MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES VERSUS STRETCHING EXERCISES FOR PAIN RELIEF IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NECK PAIN

Abstract

Introduction. A huge literature is available regarding the efficacy of various physiotherapy techniques for neck pain (NP), however, comparative study is still in scarcity. Therefore, this study aimed to compare effectiveness of stretching exercises versus manual mobilization techniques in the management of NP. Material and method. A randomized controlled trial parallel-group design study was conducted on the patients suffering from NP. Participants with the history of NP, aged between 19 to 60 years, NP without radiculopathy, and no history of trauma were included in the study. Two outcome measures were used i.e., Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and neck pain disability index (NDI) questionnaire. Two groups were equally divided had twenty-five patients each. Group A received cervical stretching with strengthening exercises as home-treatment program and group B received manual mobilization with strengthening exercises as home-treatment program. Six sessions were given on alternate basis and assessed pre- and post-treatment information of all patients. Results and discussions. Independent sample t-test was run to compare the post difference between stretching exercises and manual mobilization at 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). The Post NPRS difference between the groups shows no significant improvement (p=0.32). Similarly no significant difference was found in post NDI Disability (p=0.57). Therefore, both the treatment strategies are equally effective in improving NP and disability. Conclusions. This clinical trial concluded that stretching or manual mobilization is equally effective to reduce pain and disability. Hence, improve the quality of life in neck pain survivors.

Keywords

• manual mobilization technique
• neck pain
• neck pain disability index questionnaire
• numeric pain rating scale
• range of motion
• stretching exercises