Correlation between Bilateral Muscle Loading Asymmetry and Neck Pain - A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Neck discomfort is a common musculoskeletal disorder which often manifests into scapular asymmetry, muscle imbalances, and restricted joint mobility. This study attempts to establish the correlation between asymmetries of the posterior chain muscles and individuals with neck pain. Method: 85 subjects, 36 male and 49 female, were required for this study. A biomechanical postural evaluation using a Postural bench and Neck Disability Index (NDI) score was taken for further analysis in this study. Result: The relationship between the NDI, scapular asymmetry and pelvis asymmetry was highly significant. A significant relationship was seen between lumbar asymmetry and NDI whereas no relationship was found between NDI and total body asymmetry. Conclusion: It is concluded that the neck disability was significantly related to scapular and pelvis load asymmetry, however, the total body asymmetry was not significantly related.