International journal of environmental research and public health
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Sep 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialDoes the Addition of Manual Therapy Approach to a Cervical Exercise Program Improve Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain in Short- and Mid-Term? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Chronic neck pain is one of today's most prevalent pathologies. The International Classification of Diseases categorizes four subgroups based on patients' associated symptoms. However, this classification does not encompass upper cervical spine dysfunction. ⋯ Upper flexion and flexion-rotation test range of motion, neck disability index, craniocervical flexion test, visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold, global rating of change scale, and adherence to self-treatment were assessed at the beginning, end of the intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The Manual therapy + Exercise group statistically improved short- and medium-term in all variables compared to the Exercise group. Four 20-min sessions of Manual therapy + Exercise along with a home-exercise program is more effective in the short- to mid-term than an exercise protocol and a home-exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical dysfunction.