Effect of neck range of motion exercises on neck disability and pain among patients undergoing thyroidectomy

Objective: Thyroidectomy is a surgery in which head and neck became extended during operation to facilitate surgical performance. Patients experience neck pain and limitation to the range of motion following surgery. The study’s aim was to assess the effect of neck range of motion exercises on neck disability and pain among patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized, the research was carried out at the surgical department in Shebin Emergency Hospital, at Shebin El-Kom District, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sample; 90 adult subjects undergoing thyroidectomy and are welcoming to participate in the current research. Four Instruments for data collection: Instrument (1): Interview questionnaire sheet consists of two parts to assess subjects’ socio-demographic and medical data. Instrument (2): Visual analog pain scale to rate the patients’ level of pain intensity. Instrument (3): Neck disability index to assess neck pain and its effect on patients’ ability to perform daily activities. Instrument (4): Compliance assessment sheet to follow the patient’s adherence with neck range of motion exercise. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found between study and control group socio-demographic characteristics and medical history while there was a statistically significant difference between study and control group concerning neck disability and pain after one week and four weeks post-operative thyroidectomy. Conclusions: Patient compliance with a range of motion exercises significantly improves neck movement in order to be able to carry out daily life activities and reducing pain for the study group in comparison with the control group. Recommendation: Nurses who work in the general surgery department should include a neck range of motion exercises in providing the care and follow up protocol for the patients undergoing thyroidectomy.