Computerized mobilization of the cervical spine for the treatment of chronic neck pain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Manual therapies for chronic neck pain (NP) are imprecise, inconsistent, and brief because of therapist fatigue.

OBJECTIVE:

Investigate the safety and efficacy of computerized mobilization of the cervical spine in the sagittal plane for the treatment of chronic NP.

DESIGN:

Pilot open trial.

SETTING:

: Physical therapy outpatient department.

PARTICIPANTS:

Ten patients with chronic NP.

INTERVENTIONS:

A computerized cradle capable of 3-dimensional neck mobilization was utilized. However, in the present trial the cradle was only utilized in the sagittal plane. Treatment sessions lasted 20 minutes, biweekly, for 6 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

: Numerical rating scale for pain, Neck Disability Index questionnaire, muscle algometry, cervical range of motion (CROM), surface electromyography, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Treatment was not associated with any significant adverse effects. Pain scores reduced by 2 ± 0.5 numerical rating scale points. CROM showed significant improvement at the end of the study (P<0.05). Neck Disability Index showed marked improvement by the fourth week, end of study, and 2 weeks after treatment (P<0.05); headache subscale showed marked reduction.

CONCLUSIONS:

These preliminary results demonstrate the safety of a novel computerized mobilization of the cervical spine. In addition, the data suggest that this method is effective in increasing CROM and in alleviating NP and associated headache.

• Authors: Yaron River, Tamir Levital, Miles Belgrade
• Journal: The Clinical journal of pain (Clin J Pain) 2012 Nov-Dec Vol. 28 Issue 9 Pg. 790-6 ISSN: 1536-5409 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22751024 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Algorithms
• Cervical Vertebrae (physiology)
• Chronic Pain (rehabilitation)
• Disability Evaluation
• Electromyography
• Female
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Manipulation, Spinal (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Neck Pain (rehabilitation)
• Pain Measurement
• Pain Threshold (physiology)
• Pilot Projects
• Pressure (adverse effects)
• Range of Motion, Articular (physiology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Therapy, Computer-Assisted (methods)
• Treatment Outcome