Effect of deep cervical flexor exercises on pain, range of motion and neck strength in patients with chronic neck pain

Abstract

Background

Neck pain is an unpleasant sensory experience in the neck which may be manifested as fatigue, tension or pain that radiates to the shoulders, upper extremities or head.It is becoming increasingly common throughout the world with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives. Hence, we examined the effect of deep cervical flexor exercises (DCF) on pain, range of motion and neck strength in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methodology

30 subjects with non specific chronic neck pain were recruited in this study. 15 subjects were given conventional treatment whereas 15 subjects received DCF exercises along with conventional treatment. Treatment was given for a period of 4 week (3 times per week). Subjects were evaluated for pain with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), cervical ranges using a measuring tape method and deep cervical muscle strength using blood pressure cuff with dial ( for biofeedback ) at the beginning and end of 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

On intra-group comparison in the conventional group and DCF group, all the outcome measures namely; Numerical pain rating scale (NRS) (at rest and on activity) , range of motion and deep cervical muscle strength showed significant improvement post treatment (p ? 0.05). However, the mean values of DCF were more significant than conventional. Whereas inter group comparison revealed statistical significance only in neck strength.

Conclusion

Both conventional and DCF exercises improved pain, range of motion and neck strength post treatment.