Therapeutic and stabilization exercises after manual therapy in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: A randomised clinical trial

Objective

This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of therapeutic and stabilization exercises prescribed to patients after manual therapy sessions on pain, neck range of motion and disability.

Methods

Thirty patients with non-specific chronic neck pain were recruited. After the initial examination, one session of manual therapy was conducted. The examinations were repeated to assess the effect of manual therapy on pain intensity and neck range of motion. After manual therapy, patients were randomly allocated into two groups: stabilization exercise group (SEG) and therapeutic exercise group (2 days/week/6 week). Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale. Joint movements assessed using goniometer and the lateral scapular shift test for scapular dyskinesia. In addition, disability status was assessed using a neck disability index.

Results

In all patients, manual therapy decreased pain intensity and increased joint movements (p < 0.05). After 6 weeks of exercise therapy, pain intensity, neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion movement and disability improved in SEG (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that stabilization exercises combined with manual therapy had more positive effects among patients with non-specific chronic neck pain.

Implications for practice

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  The treatment for non-specific chronic neck pain should be supported with exercises after manual therapy sessions for reducing neck pain.

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  Instead of therapeutic isometric exercises, which are often clinically prescribed as home exercises, stabilization exercises may be preferred as they are performed by maintaining the neutral position of the neck and include stretching.