Neck mobility and dysfunction
Manual therapy, hands on techniques performed by a skilled physical therapist, provide pain relief and improvement in neck flexibility with treatment. While a reduction in pain is experienced, it may not directly transfer over the improving disability scores. Mechanical neck pain of the upper cervical spine is often associated with loss of range of motion and poor function with daily activities. Self care often includes use of heat or ice, stretching and strength training exercises. Therapist provided mobility exercises may provide additional benefits, including pain reduction, improvement in neck flexibility and dysfunction.
This study included 78 participants with an average age of 60, diagnosed with chronic neck pain and limited neck flexibility. Measurements included neck disability score and neck flexibility. These were taken at baseline (before treatment), immediately after treatment and 3 months after the last treatment. Participants were placed into 3 groups. All groups received heat therapy, neck stretching, thoracic mobility and pain education. Groups 2 and 3 received additional hands-on treatment by a skilled therapist. Group 2 received a specific “hands-on” neck joint mobility intervention. Group 3 received a “hands-on” upper neck muscle release.
The findings demonstrate that the “hands-on” group experienced significant improvement in neck flexibility. Immediately after the treatment, 70% of the joint mobility group (Group 2) showed improvement, compared to 39% of those in the muscle release group (Group 3) and 20% in the “no-hands” group. At the 3 month follow-up, 80% of the joint mobility group, 46% of the muscle release group and 27% of the “no-hands” group demonstrated improvements. Not a single participant reported any negative side-effects with treatment.
Conclusion: Therapy can provide a safe and effective treatment for neck pain and limited flexibility.