Comparative effect of upper thoracic spine mobilization with mobility exercises and upper cervical spine mobilization with stabilization exercises in mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background & Objective: Neck pain is a very prevalent health condition. Physiotherapists use multiple treatment options for treating mechanical neck pain. We evaluated the effects of upper thoracic spine mobilization and mobility exercise and upper cervical spine mobilization and stabilization exercises in treating patients with mechanical neck pain. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted comprising of 36 patients recruited from different clinics of Faisalabad, both genders, ages from 20-40 y, and randomly divided into two groups. Group A underwent upper thoracic mobilization and mobility exercise while Group B underwent upper cervical mobilization with stabilization exercises for 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain scores on Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and cervical range of movements (ROM) scores were measured before treatment and then weekly for 4 weeks, while Neck Disability Index (NDI) was assessed at baseline and at the end of 4th week. SPSS version. 22 was used to analyze the data. Independent sample t-test was used for between group compression and P ≤ 0.05 (95%) was considered as significant. Results: There was significant improvement in mean NPRS scores at 1st week, 2nd week, 3rd week and 4th week post-treatment (P < 0.05). There was significant improvement in mean cervical ROM at 2nd week, 3rd week and 4th week post-treatment readings (P < 0.05) and mean NDI score at 4th week (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both groups were found effective in improving pain, range of motion and neck function, but significant improvement in outcomes was observed in upper cervical mobilization and stabilization exercises group.