Effect of Yoga Therapy and Conventional Treatment in the Management of Common Neck Pain - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction Neck pain is one of the very common complaints across the globe, with a prevalence of nearly 13% [1,2] and a lifetime prevalence of nearly 50% and women are more prone than men with an incidence ratio of 1.67. This incidence ratio is correct according to the reference as it is mentioned as (Women are more likely than men to develop neck pain; incidence rate ratio=1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.08-2.60) [3-5]. Neck and shoulder pain has also become an increasingly common health complaint among adolescents, where the prevalence is found to be higher in girls than in boys [6]. It is one of the frequent causes for sickness absenteeism that could disrupt a nation's economy apart from disrupting the personal and professional life of a victim [7]. Though the exact cause is unknown, altered neck mechanics, advanced age-related changes, additional load on the neck, occupational hazards as in computer professionals or call center workers, faulty sleeping habits and sudden violent jerking injuries to the neck as in whiplash injury are some of the etiological factors [8]. " Common neck pain " (CNP) which is not due to any organic lesion accounts for more than 80% of neck pains [9]. Psychological stress that may be associated in any of these factors cannot be undermined [10]. Depression and anxiety are well-known undesirable side effects of chronic neck pain [11,12]. Since the underlying pathology of neck disorders remains unclear, the treatments are aimed at relief of pain and stiffness. The conventional conservative methods include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical measures such as heat, ultrasound, manipulation and exercises [13]. Moffett et al. [14] compared a brief physiotherapy intervention on 268 patients (for 7 days) with usual physiotherapy (for 14 days) for CNP and showed that latter may be only marginally better than the former [14]. Spray and stretch (vapo-coolant spray followed by passive stretching) was compared to laser therapy and a placebo, with no significant difference between the groups and no significant reduction in pain [15]. A study conducted to investigate the use of traction in two randomized controlled trials revealed the difference between the groups to be small and not significant [16,17]. Loy et al. [18] showed that symptomatic improvement was better with a combination of cervical traction, short wave diathermy and electro acupuncture, than a combination of TENS, collar, rest and education in moderate quality neck pain [18]. With growing dissatisfaction with these conventional therapies, there is a pressing need for complementary measures and yoga seems to hold promise through its multifaceted approach to healing. Studies have established Abstract Background: Neck pain is one of the very common complaints. Conventional treatment methods with drugs, physiotherapy & exercises are some of the options in treating neck pain. Yoga techniques have been found to be effective complimentary therapies in chronic low back pain and also for stress reduction in other diseases.