A Study to find the effectiveness of Scapular Strengthening Exercise in patients with Cervical Dysfunction

Background: Cervical spine dysfunction is a cause of neck pain. The cause for it is believed to be a disorder (most likely malalignment) of the pain-sensitive facet joints (which may also be due to disc disruption). Dysfunction can also cause secondary muscle spasm, which can may lead to more pain and stiffness. Objective: To find the effectiveness of SNAGs and scapular strengthening exercises in the patients with chronic cervical dysfunction. To find the Neck disability index (NDI) score difference between the functional activities of experimental group and conventional treatment group. Methodology: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria a prior to the study, the principal researcher explained the procedures to all the subjects and inform consent obtained, 30 subjects taken through Random block design and numbering was done for all the subjects. All the odd numbers in one group and all the even numbers in another group are allocated by random table where each group had 15 subjects. The collected data was tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. To all parameters mean and standard deviation (SD) were used. Paired t-test was used to analyze significant changes between pre-test and post-test measurements. Unpaired t-test was used to analyze significant changes between two groups. Result: rom statistical analysis made with the quantitative data revealed statistically significant difference between the Group A and Group B, and also within the group. The Posttest mean value of Neck Disability Index (NDI) in group A is 12.00 and in group B is 13.80. This shows that Neck Disability Index (NDI) in Group B disability value were comparatively more than Group A disability value, P<0.0001. Conclusion: This study shows better improvement in reducing cervical spine dysfunction (neck pain) by scapular strengthening exercise than resisted neck isometrics. Both the techniques can be used in clinical practice.

Seated cervical flexion-rotation test equivalent to supine for identifying cervical dysfunction in patients with dizziness/vertigo

BACKGROUND: The upper cervical spine should be assessed in patients with complaints of dizziness or vertigo [1–3]. The supine cervical flexion-rotation test (SupCFRT) reliably assesses for the presence of upper cervical spine dysfunction (UCSD) [4]. UCSD has been linked to symptoms often seen in those diagnosed with dizziness or vertigo. Patients diagnosed with dizziness/vertigo often do not tolerate the supine testing position necessary to perform the SupCFRT, but often tolerate sitting well. PURPOSE: To determine if UCSD can be assessed in sitting as reliably as in supine. METHODS: Forty-five college age students (23.7±3.3 years old) acted as controls while forty-six subjects (56.71±14.6 years old) who were referred for physical therapy services by their medical provider acted as the patient group. The SupCFRT was performed first, [4] the Seated Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (SeatCFRT) was performed next by positioning the subjects seated with their back against a high-backed chair, the head was flexed maximally, then rotated maximally left and right. The SupCFRT [4] and SeatCFRT were considered positive if range of motion limitations were found. Results for each test was compared using McNamar X2. RESULTS: There was no difference, p > 0.05, between SupCFRT and SeatCFRT for all conditions; all subjects (n = 91), control subjects n = 45, subjects referred to physical therapy for treatment of dizziness or vertigo, n = 46. DISCUSSION: The SeatCFRT reliably identifies the presence of UCSD, in controls and patients diagnosed by a referring medical provider for dizziness or vertigo. Patients, who do not tolerate the supine position, can be evaluated for UCSD in the seated position.

Does the Addition of Manual Therapy Approach to a Cervical Exercise Program Improve Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain in Short- and Mid-Term? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic neck pain is one of today’s most prevalent pathologies. The International Classification of Diseases categorizes four subgroups based on patients’ associated symptoms. However, this classification does not encompass upper cervical spine dysfunction. The aim is to compare the short- and mid-term effectiveness of adding a manual therapy approach to a cervical exercise protocol in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction. Fifty-eight subjects with chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction were recruited (29 = Manual therapy + Exercise; 29 = Exercise). Each group received four 20-min sessions, one per week during four consecutive weeks, and a home exercise regime. Upper flexion and flexion-rotation test range of motion, neck disability index, craniocervical flexion test, visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold, global rating of change scale, and adherence to self-treatment were assessed at the beginning, end of the intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The Manual therapy + Exercise group statistically improved short- and medium-term in all variables compared to the Exercise group. Four 20-min sessions of Manual therapy + Exercise along with a home-exercise program is more effective in the short- to mid-term than an exercise protocol and a home-exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical dysfunction.

Assessment of the occurrence of pain in the cervical spine and knowledge of physiotherapy and computer science students about Text Neck Syndrome

<b>Aim.</b> The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of cervical spine pain and students' knowledge about Text Neck Syndrome. <b>Material and research methodology.</b> The study covered 150 students of Physiotherapy and Computer Science, aged 18 - 26. The study used questionnaire consisting of 24 questions, as well as the NDI (Neck Disability Index) questionnaire. <b>Results.</b> The research have shown, that 69% of respondents have experienced cervical spine pain in their lives. Almost half of the students have heard about Text Neck Syndrome. A relationship between the frequency of neck pain and the age at which neck pain appeared for the first time, physical activity, the number of hours spent using the cell phone and the position taken while using the phone as well as the position taken at work were demonstrated . The relationship between the sum of points obtained in the NDI questionnaire and the number of hours allocated to using a mobile phone was also demonstrated. <b>Conclusions.</b> Most students have experienced cervical spine pain in their lives. Many factors affect the incidence of neck pain. Almost half of the respondents heard about Text Neck Syndrome. The use of cell phones affects the pain and level of cervical spine dysfunction.