Differences of Spinal Curvature, Thoracic Mobility, and Respiratory Strength Between Chronic Neck Pain Patients and People Without Cervical Pain

Abstract

Objective To investigate the differences of spinal curvature, thoracic sagittal mobility, and respiratory strength between patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) and people without cervical pain, and to determine the correlation between respiratory strength and thoracic mobility in CNP patients.Methods A total of 78 participants were finally included in this study, of whom 30 had no cervical pain and 48 had CNP. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical lordotic curvature, thoracic kyphotic curvature, thoracic sagittal range of motion (ROM), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured and analyzed.Results In males, thoracic sagittal ROM<sub>MEP-MIP</sub> and MEP showed a significant difference between the no cervical pain group and the CNP group. In females, thoracic kyphotic curvature, thoracic sagittal ROM<sub>MEP-MIP</sub>, MIP, and MEP were significantly different between the no cervical pain group and the CNP group. Thoracic kyphotic curvature was significantly correlated with MEP and MIP in all population groups, and significantly correlated with NDI in the female group. Thoracic sagittal ROM<sub>MEP-MIP</sub> had a significant linear relationship with NDI, MEP, and MIP in all population groups.Conclusion The thoracic mobility during forced respiration was reduced in patients with CNP and was correlated with respiratory strength. Changes in the biomechanics of the cervicothoracic spine and rib cage due to CNP may contribute to impairment of respiratory strength.

Immediate effects on cervical mobility and spiratory flow, after bilateral manipulation of first rib, in non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…On the other hand, anatomobiomechanical disposition of cervicothoracic complex could also be affected in cases of chronic neck pain due to movement limitation in different joint planes from this region, [42] where rst rib is a point of union and interconnection between cervical region and high thoracic wall. [42][43][44] That's why the input over rst rib and his neurophysiological effect could improve range of movement, pain perception and respiratory function present in subjects with chronic non-speci c neck pain. [45] We have designed a randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial, with the aim that our study could contribute to increase scienti c knowledge about this issue, and could initiate new lines of future research.…”

Immediate effects on cervical mobility and spiratory flow, after bilateral manipulation of first rib, in non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…On the other hand, anatomobiomechanical disposition of cervicothoracic complex could also be affected in cases of chronic neck pain due to movement limitation in different joint planes from this region, [42] where first rib is a point of union and interconnection between cervical region and high thoracic wall. [42][43][44] That's why the input over first rib and his neurophysiological effect could improve range of movement, pain perception and respiratory function present in subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain. [45] We have designed a randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial, with the aim that our study could contribute to increase scientific knowledge about this issue, and could initiate new lines of future research.…”

Effects of cervical stabilisation exercises on respiratory strength in chronic neck pain patients with forward head posture

“…It is the most common musculoskeletal problem in today's life due to extensive use of electronic gadgets. 1 Forward head posture (FHP) triggers morphological changes in the thorax. It instigates contraction of lower thorax and expansion of the upper thorax.…”